Citroën Visa Club- 1983

The Citroën Visa, conceived in the early 1970s as Project Y2, was envisioned as a replacement for the Ami 8. Initially a joint venture with Fiat, Citroën was forced to redesign the car after its acquisition by Peugeot in 1976. The Peugeot 104 floorpan and engine, along with Citroën bodywork, “express the harmony of approach between the two manufacturers.” First shown at the Paris Auto Show in January 1978, the Visa was offered with either a 652cc flat twin (from Citroën’s 2CV), or an 1124cc four (Peugeot). The Visa seen here is a “Club” trim level, fitted with the 2CV’s air-cooled twin engine.

Even though the Visa shared many components with Peugeot’s other models, the interior is all Citroën. Notice the twin pods on either side of the steering wheel. Citroën marketed these finger-tip driver’s controls as PRN (P=Pluie – Rain, R=Route – Road, N=Nuit – Night) Lunule (Satellites). A 1979 Popular Mechanics article described how the controls worked: “A rotary cap atop the drum controls wipers and washer. A center section operates turn indicators and horn, while the lower twist cap is for lights. Sliders for air and heat are also located near the wheel, on the right”.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Automobiles Citroën, Peugeot A.S.
Country of Origin: France
Drivetrain Configuration: Front engine, front wheel drive
Engine: 652cc, 2 cylinder, air-cooled, 35hp
Transmission: 4 speed manual
Top Speed: 65 miles per hour
Years of Production: 1978-88
Number Produced: 1,254,390
Original Cost: $4,700 (USD in 1983)