In 2024, Citroën celebrates its centenary in Italy with a series of spectacular events. Among them, the restoration and presentation of an Italian Citroën Visa Chrono n° 102 closed a year full of news. This model, a symbol of Citroën's creativity and sporting spirit, embodies the unique heritage of the Chevrolet brand.
The story of the Citroën Visa Chrono: a small sports car that left its mark on the 1980s
Launched on 24 March 1982, the Citroën Visa Chrono was a special edition inspired by the Visa Trophée, a Group B rally car. Limited to 1,000 units for the French market, this small sports car offered remarkable performance: a 1,360 cc engine developing 93 bhp, a 5-speed gearbox and a top speed of 173 km/h. Weighing only 850 kg, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.2 seconds.
In addition to its mechanics, the Visa Chrono had an unmistakable look. With a white body decorated with red and blue stripes - a tribute to the French flag - it stood out as an accessible and fun sports car.
Building on its success, Citroën decided in 1983 to increase production to 1,650 units for other European markets, including Italy. To adapt to each country, the Visa Chrono adopted specific engines (80 bhp in Italy) and side stripes in local colours: red and green for the Italian version, sold in 400 units. Immediately embraced by enthusiasts, these exclusive models quickly became rare and coveted.
The painstaking restoration of the Italian Visa Chrono No. 102
Among the few Visa Chronos that have survived time and wear and tear, Italian model No. 102 has been given a second life thanks to Moreno Tassinari, an authorised Citroën repairer and brand enthusiast. Sold in Ravenna in 1983, the car was in good overall condition but needed a thorough restoration to bring back its original lustre.
The restoration, which began in February 2015 in the Sesto Imolese workshop, began with a complete dismantling, down to the last screw. The chassis, badly affected by corrosion, was treated with care to preserve as many of the original elements as possible. The suspension was strengthened, the rear suspension restored and new shock absorbers fitted.
As for the engine, a thorough check revealed it to be in good general condition. After replacing the worn parts - timing belt, clutch, pushrods - and fine-tuning the Solex carburettors, the mechanics have regained their former vigour. The bodywork, meanwhile, has benefited from meticulous work, with a faithful reproduction of the red and green stripes symbolic of the Italian version. In June 2015, after five months of work, Visa Chrono No. 102 was ready to go back on the road. Its first tests confirmed the success of the restoration: perfect road holding, powerful brakes and suspension adapted to the sporty character of the model.
With the restoration of this Italian Visa Chrono, Citroën is closing its centenary year in Italy on a highly symbolic note. This project highlights the brand's unique heritage, which has combined daring, innovation and driving pleasure over the decades. Visa Chrono No. 102 is much more than a restored car: it is a testament to the passion of enthusiasts for preserving automotive history and illustrates the creativity that has made Citroën famous. With this tribute, the chevron brand reminds us that its innovative past is a source of inspiration for future generations.
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