- Εγγραφή
- 18 Οκτωβρίου 2014
- Μηνύματα
- 6.394
- Reaction score
- 16.660
- Πόντοι
- 1.287
- Περιοχή
- Région parisienne
The Citroën Visa
The replacement for theAmi 8started life in the early 70s as Projet Y2. Initially using a Fiat 127 floor, once therapprochementwith Fiat ended, the project was redefined to incorporate a genuine Citroën floorpan, employing torsion bar suspension and a choice of either a bored out 2 CV flat twin or the flat four of theGS. This was Projet VD (Voiture diminuée) which would eventually lead to the LN/LNA, Visa and Axel.
The Peugeot takeover meant that yet another change was required and the decision was taken to employ the floorpan of the Peugeot 104.
In 1978, Citroën showed the Visa at the Paris Motor Show. Two engine variants were offered - a 652cc flat twin developed from that of the 2CV or a Peugeot derived 1124cc water-cooled four cylinder. Although based on 104 underpinnings, the bodywork was pure Citroën - as, surprisingly, was the ride which, front MacPherson struts notwithstanding, offered the legendary comfort and roadholding for which Citroëns are renowned. Also in 1978, the LN was renamed LNA when it too acquired the 652cc twin pot and eventually with the 1124cc Peugeot engine, thereby confirming that it was little more than a badge-engineered Peugeot.
Over the years, the Visa was fitted with a variety of powerplants (the twin pot being dropped in favour of economy tuned Peugeot engines) including diesels and some surprisingly potent performance variants which made up for in ability what they lost in looks (despite a restyle in 1981) compared with the 104's replacement, the 205.
The Visa has achieved its greatest success as the C15 light commercial and has also been used as the testbed for various electric-powered vehicles.
In 1984, the Otcit Axel was launched. Built in Craiova in Romania, the Axel was a 3 door car, built on the VD floorpan, employing very similar styling to the Visa. Powered by either the 652cc flat twin or the 1129cc boxer from the GS, it was the result of the Franco-Romanian Agreement of 1976 and was sold through Citroën's dealer network. The Axel badge comprised a single chevron inside a letter O. The Axel ceased production in 1988 and was never made in right-hand drive.
Citroen Car Club UK
The replacement for theAmi 8started life in the early 70s as Projet Y2. Initially using a Fiat 127 floor, once therapprochementwith Fiat ended, the project was redefined to incorporate a genuine Citroën floorpan, employing torsion bar suspension and a choice of either a bored out 2 CV flat twin or the flat four of theGS. This was Projet VD (Voiture diminuée) which would eventually lead to the LN/LNA, Visa and Axel.
The Peugeot takeover meant that yet another change was required and the decision was taken to employ the floorpan of the Peugeot 104.
Citroën purists were horrified when, in 1976, the LN was displayed at the Paris Motor Show as the first fruit of the PSA Group. What was happening to the marque? The LN was a Peugeot 104/Talbot Samba equipped with the 602cc flat twin from the Ami 8. Bodywork was unchanged, apart from a new grill and lights, from that of the 104. At the time, Citroën's press release described it as "... the well balanced result of combining Citroën's mechanical components with the body of the Peugeot 104 Coupé expresses the harmony of approach between the two manufacturers."Over the years, the Visa was fitted with a variety of powerplants (the twin pot being dropped in favour of economy tuned Peugeot engines) including diesels and some surprisingly potent performance variants which made up for in ability what they lost in looks (despite a restyle in 1981) compared with the 104's replacement, the 205.
The Visa has achieved its greatest success as the C15 light commercial and has also been used as the testbed for various electric-powered vehicles.
In 1984, the Otcit Axel was launched. Built in Craiova in Romania, the Axel was a 3 door car, built on the VD floorpan, employing very similar styling to the Visa. Powered by either the 652cc flat twin or the 1129cc boxer from the GS, it was the result of the Franco-Romanian Agreement of 1976 and was sold through Citroën's dealer network. The Axel badge comprised a single chevron inside a letter O. The Axel ceased production in 1988 and was never made in right-hand drive.
Citroen Car Club UK
Last edited: