Who has not ever felt the impulse to buy a Citroën C15? This mythical French van has been the pillar of the agricultural industry in Spain for over 40 years, and at the same time, it serves as the subject of numerous memes and jokes. Many of us have likely had a fancy for a classic car and thought, *”I should buy it now.”*
My own nostalgic yearning was sparked by a Citroën Xantia Activa, but unlike me, Gerard , a 20-year-old from Spain, took the plunge and bought a C15. His journey took a twist, landing him on the mythical Nürburgring circuit , a journey that began a couple of years ago when he needed a vehicle to participate in a rally in Morocco.
Choosing practicality over more exotic cars, he acquired a C15 that has undergone many modifications, including a new engine that elevates its power to over 100 hp . For a 1985 model whose strongest original engine peaked at just 69 hp, this is indeed significant. And now, it’s found a new home on the Nürburgring.
A Championship C15 for 200 Euros… That Reaches 200 km/h
In this video from Axel Espxnur, we meet Gerard Casals. He was just 18 when he purchased a C15 for only 200 euros , complete with over 200,000 kilometers on the odometer. Surprisingly, he managed to break the engine in no time.
This scenario is intriguing because the C15 is often a point of humor and admiration for its resilience and mechanical reliability . Gerard states he never changed the oil during his time with it. The desire for an affordable model that could withstand the rigors of a rally in Morocco, with its mechanical simplicity , prompted his purchase decision. *If something breaks, you need to fix it easily.*
His original vehicle was the 60 hp model, which was the weakest option available. However, after breaking the engine, he aimed for a better-performing power unit. He replaced it with a 1.900 CC, 100 hp turbo engine from a Citroën Xsara.
The transformation involved more than just replacing an engine; many aspects of the interior had to be customized, including the installation of a new Nissan Terrano induction system, new sleeves, a water pump, and upgraded wiring.
100 hp XSara engine within C15 | Axel Spxnur video screenshot
With its new heart and weighing in at just 750 kilograms, the C15 now boasts a maximum speed of 200 km/h . *Everything shakes, as it’s a vehicle designed more for the field than for the road*, Gerard remarks. The gearbox is also sourced from the Xsara, featuring a five-speed setup. Remarkably, fuel consumption is less than six liters; Gerard claims he didn’t need more than two tanks for the 1,200 kilometers journey from Barcelona to the Nürburgring circuit.
In addition to the engine, several modifications enhance the performance of this C15, transforming it from a vehicle meant primarily for transporting goods to one more suited for demanding roads. The base remains the original van, but it has benefitted from Koni shock absorbers, new brake calipers, and 165/70/R14 tires designed for circuit use.
For added comfort, Gerard installed BMW seats with electronic adjustments, but he retained the simplistic interior characteristic of the original design. Above all, he prioritizes performance.
“The French Go Crazy”
Casals revealed that during his inaugural lap on the circuit, laughter erupted around him. He watched as better-engineered cars zoomed by, but many took pictures, amused by his unusual vehicle. *The French go crazy*, he recalls with a smile.
It’s understandable; this C15 attracts considerable attention. At the 7:47 mark in Axel’s video, we can see the van cruising the asphalt of the Green Hell .
A separate video from the YouTuber Misha Charoudin captures another track session with the C15, amplifying the excitement with a look at the speedometer . Those familiar with a standard C15 know that the gauge doesn’t climb with much enthusiasm, but in this modified version, the experience is exhilarating.
At times, you can hear the tires screeching while the crowd giggles, recognizing that this classic van is clearly outside its intended environment. Gerard’s remarkable modifications, while impressive, are neither the first in the C15’s history nor the oddest vehicle showcased at Nürburgring.
Throughout the years, the Nürburgring has seen a range of peculiar vehicles: from karts and DHL delivery vans to scooters and even a BMW carrying bicycles atop its roof. Among all these quirks, very few manage to recreate a classic car quite like Gerard’s C15 .