Models
All Visas and C15s together
From 1978 until
1988, Citroën made quite a few different types of the Visa. The C15 van,
based on the Visa, was available from 1984 until 2006. Here you see all the
regular and special versions.
Visa
production models
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Visa
Special
The Visa was introduced in the autumn of 1978 in three
versions. The Special was the cheapest one, fitted with a 652 cm3 two cylinder air cooled engine and sober equipment.
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Visa
Club
The Club was the Special's sister model with some more
chic. Technically they were identical, but on the outside the Club could
easily be distinguished by a smarter radiator grille and wheel covers.
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Visa
Super
The Super
was technically quite different from the cheaper models. It was powered
by a water cooled four cylinder engine, measuring 1124 cm3.
Major visual differences were the plastic strips over three quarters
of the car's length. |
Visa
Super E
For the model year 1981 the Super was succeeded by the
the Super E. 'E' stood for 'Économie', because the Super E had
slightly lower fuel consumption. All Visas for 1981 were fitted with integrated,
matte black side mirrors.
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Visa
Super X
Also new for 1981 was the Super X. The X had a more powerful
four cylinder 1219 cm3 engine, and a better, more sporting equipment than the Super E. The nice
alloys could be had as an option. The Visa Super X of the first series
was only sold shortly, most of them remained in France. |
Visa
II Special
More or less by surprise, Citroën replaced the first
Visa series by the Visa II in March, 1981. The Visa II was restyled quite
dramatically by the firm of Heuliez, however without changing any of the
panels. Most significant was the more traditional front end, with larger
bumpers and larger light clusters. The structure of the model range remained
the same. The Special was once again the base version.
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Visa
II Club
Like the
old Visa, the Visa II also knew a better equipped two cylinder version
with the name 'Club'. The Club could be recognized by the plastic strips
over the full car length, black window surroundings and steel wheel
covers.
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Visa
II Super E
The Super E showed even more of the model change than the
cheaper versions. To suggest a larger glass area, the bodywork under the
wind shield was painted black. Other visual modifications were the steel
wheels of a new design.
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Visa
II Super X
The Super X version, only made in small numbers in its
initial form, was continued as a Visa II model. Today Super X's are hardly
ever seen. Model designations of all Visa II's changed back to just Visa
for the 1983 model year. |
Visa
Trophée
As part of a campaign to make the Visa more popular, Citroën
started a rallying programme. Citroën's secret weapon was called
the 'Trophée'. The Trophée was built in a limited homologation
series of 200 pieces by Heuliez, and took part in Group B of the European
rally championship. It had the 1.2 engine of the Super X, tuned up to
around 100 HP. Dutch ace Paul Maaskant was quite successful in it.
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Visa
(II) L
As an interim model between the Club and the Super E, Citroën
brought the Visa II L for the model year 1982. Its equipment was basic,
but it did have the 1.1 four cylinder power plant. In some South European
countries, such as Greece, the volume of the engine was reduced to 954
cm3, to avoid a higher road tax. |
Visa
(II) Chrono
The rally successes of the Trophée encouraged Citroën
to make more of the sporting aspects of the Visa. As a result, in March
1982 the Visa II Chrono was born. It had an all new 1360 cm3 engine, delivering 93 HP. The bodywork was painted white, in combination
with red and blue striping. The dashboard was more sporting, with conventional
handles rather than the satellites. 2160 Chronos of this type were made,
and they were not sold outside France. In 1983 a second series of 1500
Chronos (without the dedication 'II') was produced. Power was down to
80 HP. This second series found its way to several export markets, each
in their own 'national' colour scheme. |
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Visa
Entreprise
A Van version of the Visa was introduced for the model
year 1983, carrying the name 'Entreprise'. Typical were the back doors,
which were welded to the bodywork and could therefore not be used. As
a result, the rear door grips were absent. The Entreprise was built by
Heuliez, and could be had as 0,7 two cylinder or 1.1 four cylinder.
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Visa
GT
In September, 1982, the Super X was succeeded by the Visa
GT. The GT was equipped with the 1.4 block of the Chrono with twin carburettor,
delivering 80 HP. Top speed was 168 km/h. Styling was more subtle than
the Chrono's, with only small spolers front and rear, stylish wheels and
modest striping. Inside, the in two parts foldable back seats were a useful
feature. External colours were silver, red or black.
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Visa
Super E Décapotable
In February, 1983, the Visa Décapotable was introduced.
The topless version of the Visa was designed and produced by Heuliez.
When it comes to technical characteristics or equipment, it was largely
identical to the Super E.
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Visa
The model
year 1984 brought new names for various types within the Visa model
range. The former Visa Special was christened just 'Visa'. For the year
1985, all Visas got a restyled, more conventionally designed dashboard.
From that moment , the typical satellites belonged to the past. |
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Visa 11
E
With the
introduction of the new model designations, Citroën continued the
policy it started with other models of the brand. The former Visa L
became the Visa 11 E.
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Visa
11 RE
From the model year 1984, the Super E became known as the
11 RE. The black spoiler at the rear door became standard. The 11 RE became
one of the best sellers within the Visa model range.
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Visa
11 RE Décapotable
The convertible Visa was continued as 11 RE. Its production
stopped in July, 1985 (photo © Okke Groot).
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Visa
Mille Pistes
The Mille Pistes (1984) was a group B rally version of
the Visa, equipped with four wheel drive, and powered by a 1360 cm3 engine, delivering 112 HP. A series of 200 cars had to be produced to
homologate it for the championship. Afterwards, some actively rallied
Mille Pistes were tuned to even higher specification. Even today a couple
of these hairy monsters are being rallied.
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Visa
17 D
In March, 1984 a sensational diesel engined Visa was introduced.
The lively new 1769 cm3 engine delivered 60 HP and made a top
speed of more than 150 km/h possible. There were two versions, of which
the 17 D was the most humble. On the exterior, Diesel versions could be
identified by the black plastic front wheel arches. |
Visa
17 RD
The 17 RD was better equipped than the 17 D. Major external
differences were the plastic side strips and the standard rear wiper.
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Visa
11 E Olympique
The Olympique appeared in March 1984 on the occasion of
the Olympic games in Los Angeles. It was based on the 11 E. Three body
colours were available: white, light blue or red. On the wheels special
wheel covers, resembling alloys, were fitted. Special striping and an
appropriate logo completed the outfit. A number of 3000 Olympiques was
built. |
Visa
14 TRS
In July, 1984, the 14 TRS came. The TRS had the familiar
1.4 engine, known from the GT, but now only a single carburettor was
mounted. With the resulting 59 HP, the top speed of the TRS was 156
km/h. External features were the full wheel covers, and a more luxerious
dressing of the interior. |
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Visa
14 RS
On a selected number of markets (especially in the Scandinavian
countries, but probably also in Germany) another Visa with the 1.4 single
carburettor engine was available: the 14 RS. The RS shown left has a so
called 'Nordic' kit fitted, existing of a special grille with adittional
lights, and head lamp washers (photo © Sebastian Forss). |
Visa
GTi
From January, 1985, the sporting Visa driver could order
a new, powerful version: the GTi. The GTi was propelled by a 1588 cm3 engine with fuel injection, developing 105 HP. With that powerplant, the
GTi got close to the 200 km/h mark. Of course the underframe was revised
to cope with the freecoming forces. The spare moved to the back, leaving
only room for a package of sandwiches and a toothbrush. The GTi was easy
to spot among other Visas, with its double headlamps, side skirts and
spoilers.
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Visa
Entreprise
In 1986, the Visa Entreprise got rear door handles, but
the doors remained welded to the bodywork. The Entreprise could be ordered
with 0,7 two cylinder or 1.1 four cylinder petrol engines and with the
1.7 Diesel.
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Visa
10 E
For the 1987 model year on several markets the 11 E was
succeeded by the 10 E. The 10 E had a smaller four cylinder engine, measuring
only 954 cm3, which had already been available in some South
European countries from the early eighties. With this smaller engine,
it was rated in a lower tax class. In countries where this was not necessary,
the 11 E remained in the programme.
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Visa
GTi-115 ch
For 1987 the engine of the GTi was tuned up to 115 HP.
With this engine, the GTi reached a slightly higher top speed of 192 km/h.
External markings were the '115 ch' stickers on the front wings of the
car.
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Visa
limited edition versions
Visa
Carte Noire
The Carte
Noire came on the market in April, 1979, and thus was the first limited
edition Visa. It was based on the Super. The Carte Noire, of which 2500
examples were made, could be distinguished by its black paint with golden
striping. Unlike some other special versions, it was also sold on some
export markets.
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Visa
Sextant
The Sextant (produced 2000 times) was a second action model
of the Visa. It was introduced, exclusively on the French market, in March,
1980. Typical was the colour scheme in white and blue. Technically it
was identical to the Super.
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Visa
(II) Super E West End
In April 1982 a limited series of 1000 pieces appeared
as the Visa II West End. Based on the Super E, it was equipped with leather
upholstery, a sunroof, tinted glass and alloy wheels. Only available paint
colour was rouge délage. The West End was continued in 1983 as
Visa (without 'II') West End, but both were never sold outside France.
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Visa
Drapeau
The Visa Drapeau was a Britain only version, which could be had in both two cilinder or four cilinder specification. The colour scheme was like seen on the Chrono. |
Visa
Platinum
Another British version was the Platinum. It was marketed in 1982, based on the Super E, and had metallic grey paint, alloys, striping, coloured glass and some other extras.
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Visa
Champagne
The Visa Champagne was an action model for the British
market, sold around 1983. It was a well equipped, with a sunroof, alloy
wheels, tinted windows, and metallic champagne paint. |
Visa
954 Reflex
The Reflex was a limited edition model for the Greek market,
based on the 954 cm3 four cylinder model, which was only available
in a small number of Mediterranean countries. |
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Visa
Platine
The Platine was a special series of 2000 cars, introduced
in September 1983. It was based on the 11 RE. Paint colour was dark grey
metallic, which was applied to no other Visa ever. In the interior an
exclusive, chequered cloth was used. Alloy wheels completed the Platine.
The Platine was sold in France and in some export countries.
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Visa
GT Tonic
On the GT base in October 1983 the GT Tonic appeared. It
had body modifications that had earlier been seen on the Chrono. The GT
Tonic was produced 2000 times, and was sold in France and exported to
some other countries. |
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Visa
Bi-Campeão
The Bi-Campeão was another variation on the GT theme,
produced in the same period as the GT Tonic. It was exclusively offered
in Portugal, after the Visa GT scored well in group N of the Portugese
national rally championship. Probably some 750 Bi-Campeãos were
sold. |
Visa GT Spirit 330
The GT Spirit 330 of January, 1984, was a warmed over Chrono,
of which the Dutch importer ordered 400 pieces, but only sold 70. The
remaining 330 cars were stripped of their colourful stickers, painted
all white and fitted with a numbered plate on the dashboard, in which
the name of the first owner was engraved. |
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Visa
14 TRS/17 RD Stilo
Around 1985 a special version of the 14 TRS and 17 RD could
be had in Spain: the Stilo (photo © Maarten van den Eijnde). |
Visa
Challenger
The Challenger was a sporting limited edition model, based
on the 11 E, but powered by the 1.4 engine of the GT. Only body colour
you could get was white with red striping, in combination with a special
black with red interior. Built in 3500 examples, from spring 1985.
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Visa
14 S
In the
Netherlands, the Challenger was called 14 S. A number of 300 was sold. |
Visa
Challenger
In Spain a different Challenger was offered. The Spanish
version of the car was available in white or red, and could be had with
the 1.1 petrol or the 1.7 diesel engine. The petrol version had the wheel
covers also fitted on the Visa Olympique, the diesel had different ones.
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Visa
11 E Leader
The Leader is likely to be the most well known limited
series Visa. It was introduced in September 1985. It could be ordered
with the 1.1 four cilinder engine, and in some countries with the 1.7
Diesel as well. The 11 E Leader was based on the 11 E. It was painted
in gris perle, and had extras fitted like side strips, wheel covers,
rear spoilers, head rests on the front chairs, and an attractive and durable
interior of grey/red chequered cloth. A small number of Leaders were painted
in light metallic blue, but these are nowadays very rare. The Leader became
a big success, and Citroën was tempted to continue the series for
the model year 1987. In the end, almost 12.000 Leaders left the factory
gates. |
Visa
17 D Leader
The diesel engined Leader was based on the 17 D, and had the same extras
as the petrol version. It is much rarer than the 11 E Leader, and in many
countries it was never officially offered (photo © Okke Groot).
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Visa
17 D Crystal
In Germany, in 1987 a special version of the 17 D was offered,
named Crystal. The Crystal could be recognised by light blue metallic
paint, side strips and striping. The fitting of an optional radio was
prepared. 1000 Crystals were sold. |
Visa
third party versions

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Visa
Versailles
The Versailles was a 11 RE (model 1985), tarted up by the
English dealer Moto Baldet. Major attractions were the wheel covers (probably
bought by the local Halfords), a Philips radio and 'Versailles'-striping.
A sunroof could be had as an option. |
Visa
non production versions
Visa
Break
Around 1980/1981, Citroën produced a asymmetrical
prototype of a Visa Break. The detailing of the car already gave clues
to the Visa II, which by then had not been presented to the public. After
all, the break did not reach production: the necessary tooling - it was
impossible to build it alongside the berline in one production line -
was thought to be too expensive.
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Visa
Politecnic/Strakit/Lotus
In 1981, Citroën did the first efforts to make a competition
car out of the Visa. Guy Verrier, the leader of Citroëns sport department,
had a first Visa prototype prepared by the French constructor Politecnic.
It had a midship engine of 2 litre. After that, two further prototypes
were built: the Strakit and the Lotus (pictured) The Lotus featured a
centrally fitted 2.2 litre Lotus engine. Sensational, but not very successful
alltogether, so it remained a one off. Today it is part of Citroën's
historical collection. |
Visa
Funny Car
In May
1982, the visa Funny Car was shown to the press on the racing circuit
in Castelet. Power output of the turbine engine was 1500 bhp, top speed
over 300 km/h. |
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Visa
M/S/O/R5/D/K
In 1982/1983, Citroën asked several specialist constructors
to build a mid engined rallying prototypes. The resulting cars, christened
"M", "S", "O" and "R5", "D"
and "K" (pictured), were all differently engined. The Visa M
ultimately formed the base model for the Visa Mille Pistes production
car. Today, the "D" and "K" still exist, and are included
in Citroëns Conservatoire (photo © Martijn van Well). |
Visa
Bimoteur
In 1982/1983, Citroën built three twin engined prototypes
of the Visa. The first was fitted with two tuned Chrono engines, one with
100 bhp (front), one with even 180 bhp (rear). Some time afterwards, a
version with engines of the Trophée was developed. The third version
had two engines of 1434 cm3.
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Visa
II Mercure
At the Paris motorshow in 1982, Heuliez presented the Mercure,
based on the Visa.
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Visa
sixwheeler pick up
During the same Paris show, this bizarre Visa sixwheeler,
developed in collaboration with the French magazine Chrome et flammes,
was presented.
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Visa
Luxor
During the Paris salon de l'Automobile in the autumn of
1983, Citroën showed a series of one offs. One of them was this Visa
Luxor, based on the Visa GT. |
And
further...
Wuling
LZW 7100
From 1989 until 1995, circa 1300 examples of the Chinese
Wuling were produced. The cars were made of 'left over' genuine Citroën
parts. It was powered by a three cylinder Daihatsu engine.
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The
C15 had an interesting (and very long) model history as well. Click
here for the full story.
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