The Citroën Visa II Chrono, recognizable by its red and blue stripes, is one of those small sports cars of the 1980s whose rating is not weakening. The 93 hp bombinette, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, sells for no less than €15,000 on the second-hand market. Still need to find one!
Supercharged city cars, once widely represented in manufacturers’ ranges, have now almost disappeared from the automotive landscape. For the nostalgic, The argus offers you a glimpse into the retro on the occasion of the 40and anniversary of the Citroën Visa II Chrono. Back to a very limited series born in the early 1980s.
Rally inspired
In 1982, the rally entered a new era with the appearance of the famous category of Group B. At that time, Citroën committed to it with a certain Visa and even became the first manufacturer to respond to the new approval. To achieve this, the brand had to produce a limited series of 200 copies of its city car, which it baptized “Visa Trophy” in a nod to the success of the “Visa Total” Trophy launched in 1981. Faced with the enthusiasm aroused by the model, Citroën has produced another sporting model with Heuliez: the Chrono. Initially produced in 1,000 copies, the car will count soon 1,160 more units to meet demand. Approximately 1,650 additional Visa Chronos will be destined for export from 1983, with a livery each time evoking the flags of the countries concerned: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, etc.
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“Monstrous” mechanics
The Chrono is derived from the Visa Super X and houses under its hood the same four-cylinder 1,360 cc engine3 than its cousin the Peugeot 104 ZS 2. Powered by two double-barrel Solex carburettors, the “XYR” unit develops 93 hp and sends its power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Weighing only 850 kg, the bombinette can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 s and reach a top speed of 173 km/h. With such performances, Citroën has allowed itself the advertising slogan: ” Visa II Chrono 93 hp, a monster. »
Sporty atmosphere
As for the design… It is rooted in the 1980s. The rather cubic design of the Citroën Visa is not the most flattering, not to say kitsch. However, the Chrono has a certain charm, no doubt aided by a hint of nostalgia. The only white color available is embellished with a blue and red decoration kit (corico). The sporty touches continue with the riveted fender flares, the front bumper which incorporates two long-range lights, as well as with a red painted spoiler on the tailgate. Finally, the Chrono sits on four 13-inch Amil rims.
The passenger compartment of the Visa II Chrono is characterized in particular by its blue bucket seats with red stitching. The driver puts his hands on a steering wheel with three perforated spokes, while the dashboard receives many pressure gauges to indicate the oil pressure or the water temperature. Like a sports car worthy of the name, the city car with chevrons did not have a radio; only a pre-equipment. Today, the Citroën Visa II Chrono is increasingly sought after. As a result, his rating climbs. Count around €15,000 for a copy in good condition.