Description
Even though Citroen’s Visa was unveiled in 1978, its development started as early as 1965 via Robert Opron’s studies on replacing the 2CV. Its technology incorporated several innovations acquired from Citroen’s partnerships with Fiat and later Peugeot that were tested in several prototypes including G-mini, EN101, Prototype Y and Projet VD. Citroen’s design practices of the era were evident in the single piece front bumper radiator grille and PRN Satellite driver controls. The engines fitted ranged from the air cooled 652cc twin cylinder Boxer to water cooled in line 4-cylinder units of larger capacity. In 1981 Heuliez was recruited to revise the exterior offering smoother lines via omission of the cumbersome single bumper, a series of plastic trim fittings and an array of colour options. In 1984, the sportier GTi version was unveiled at the Paris Auto Salon that featured a 1. 6 lt XU5J engine of 103 bhp and 134 Nm output mounted at a 30 degree angle directly to the body, 5 speed transmission, plastic wheel arches and twin halogen headlights.
The Visa GTi offered was imported in Greece in 1987 and prepared to rally in numerous Group N class 2 local and international rallies. Notably, its 1991 results at the 38th Acropolis Rally permitted Citroen to secure its FIA A-5288 homologation for which the team was awarded. Now a piece of Citroen rally history this GTi VISA has been preserved with recent engine overhaul and valid FIA Technical logbook and Rally Car Certificate for any historic rally event.
Specifications
Year: 1987
Make: Automobiles Citroen
Model: VISA GTi
Group: A/ N
Homologation: A-5288, 1986-1991
Chassis number: VF7VDPD0003PD0753
Engine type: 1580 cc, light alloy, in line 4 cyl., Bosch LE2-Jetronic fuel injected, wet sump, water cooled, 103 bhp at 6250 rpm 134 Nm at 4000 rpm output
Transmission type: 5-speed, manual
Drivetrain: front wheel drive
Steering: rack and pinion
Suspension: F: MacPherson struts with coil springs, R: trailing arms with coil springs
Color: White
Weight: 780 kg
Body: welded as per homologation
Roll cage: FIA approved Sparco 6-point
Brakes: DEA dual circuit, F: ventilated with dual piston calipers, R: servo assisted drums
Registration: Greek passenger vehicle permit
Certificates:
- Racing Car Certificate, issued in 2019 by Hellenic Motorsport Association - Federation Internationale de l’ Automobile, Greece
- Technical Passport – Logbook, issued in 2019 by Hellenic Motorsport Association - Federation Internationale de l’ Automobile, Greece
Certificate of Authenticity, issued in 2017 by ELPA, former Federation Internationale de l’ Automobile, Greece
Rallying history:
- Rally Mavro Rodo, Greece, 1987, Group N, Class 2, I. Koutsoupas / Th. Nakos, 8th in class, 26th overall
- Rally Mavro Rodo, Greece, 1988, Group N, Class 2, I. Koutsoupas / Th. Nakos, 1st in class, 17th overall
- Rally Mavro Rodo, Greece, 1989, Group N, Class 2, I. Koutsoupas / K. Tournavitis, 5st in class, 16th overall
- 37th Rally Acropolis, 1990, Group N, Class 2, ALA Team, I. Koutsoupas / Ath. Zahos, retired
- Rally Mavro Rodo, Greece, 1991, Group N, Class 2, I. Koutsoupas / A. Barkas, 9th in class, 22nd overall
- 38th Rally Acropolis, 1991, Group N, Class 2, ALA Team, I. Koutsoupas / Ath. Zahos, 5th in class, 15th in Group N
Cup, 33rd overall
- Olympiako Rally, Greece, 1992, Group E, Class 12, I. Koutsoupas / Sp. Dodis, 2nd in class, 12th overall
- Peugeot Rally Mavro Rodo, Greece, 1993, Group E, Class 10, I. Koutsoupas / Th. Nakos,, 1st in class, 13th overall
- Rally Fthiotidos, Greece, 1993, Group E, Class 10, I. Koutsoupas / Sp. Dodis, 2nd in class, 31st overall
- Rally Livadias, Greece, 2001, Group E, Class 10, N. Nasiopoulos, D. Houhlas / 3rd in class, 45th overall
- Rally Peloponnisou, Greece, 2001, Group E, Class 10, N. Nasiopoulos, D. Houhlas / 2nd in class, 34th overall
- Olympiako Rally, Greece, 2001, Group E, Class 10, N. Nasiopoulos, D. Houhlas / 4th in class, 37th overall
- Attiko Rally, Greece, 2001, Group E, Class 10, N. Nasiopoulos, D. Houhlas / 5th in class, 49th overall
- Olympiako Rally, Greece, 2002, Group E, Class 10, N. Nasiopoulos, D. Houhlas / 5th in class, 39th overall
