Over the years, Citroen have produced a range of influential cars like the 2CV. The motor had an innovative design that led the way for other models. A motor that carried on the success of the 2CV was the Citroen Ami. A practical, distinctive vehicle, the Ami became a best-seller. It had a unique design that helped to boost sales and we’re looking into the history of the model.
Origin
The Ami’s creation was based around a market need for something larger and less unitarian than the 2CV. The car launched in 1961, four months ahead of the Renault 4, which became its main rival. The body of the Ami was based on the 2CV and came with mechanical upgrades. This included a larger 602 cc two-cylinder flat engine. In other ways, the Ami was similar to the 2CV, as it had the same suspension and coil springs. When tested by British magazine The Motor in 1962, the Ami was clocked at a top speed of 65.3 mph.
The Ami had an innovative body that featured rectangular headlights. This feature was shared with the Ford Taunus P3 and wasn’t adopted by mainstream manufacturers for at least ten years.
In April 1961, the car went on sale, with more upgrades occurring in time for the Paris Motor Show. Initially, sales of the Ami weren’t as good as the 2CV. In the first full production year, 85,358 cars were sold. But as the Ami became more advanced, its popularity increased throughout the European market.
Variations
After the first version of the Ami came out in 1961, the second generation was introduced as the Ami 8. It had a fastback rear window, sloping bonnet and wider body. In 1973, the Ami Super was introduced. The car came with a flat four-cylinder air-cooled 1015 cc engine and modified chassis. The Super had a high level of performance that made it popular in the French and UK markets.
Based on its performance and innovative design, the Ami was a grand addition to Citroen’s range.
