Citroën Axel 12 TRS – 1988

The Citroën Axel was initially developed as a replacement for the Citroën Ami in the early 1970s. However, after the 1974 Oil Crisis and the subsequent buyout of Citroën by Peugeot, the Axel design was shelved in favor of a Peugeot inspired design. The design reemerged in 1981 when Citroën partnered with the Romanian government and created an automobile manufacturing entity called Oltcit. Under this agreement, Oltcit would manufacture the identical Citroën Axel and Oltcit Cub. Sales of the Cub began in Romania in 1981 with the Axel being sold in Western Europe in 1984. Citroën suffered from this venture due to production and quality control issues with the Romanian plant. The Citroën branded Axel ended in 1990, and the Oltcit entity was dissolved. Despite this, the Oltcit Cub survived until the mid 1990s, now being built and sold under the brand Oltena.

The Axel was propelled by the same engine and gearbox as the larger Citroën GS. There were two types of Axel produced, the regular small commuter car, and the Axel Enterprise, a light commercial version with no rear seats and slightly sturdier suspension.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Citroën
Country of Origin: Front engine, front wheel drive
Engine: Air-cooled, 1.3 liter, four cylinder, 61 hp
Transmission: 5 speed manual with reverse
Top Speed: 97 mph
Years of Production: 1984-1990
Number Produced: ~60,000
Original Cost: Unpublished