I spotted this Citroën Ami 8 while I was on a bike ride this weekend. It may very well be the only Ami, 6 or 8, sedan or Break (wagon) that I’ve ever seen in the US.
Unlike its Ami 6 predecessor, which with its reverse-sloped back window and googly-eyed headlights is on many people’s list of Ugliest Car of All Time, the 8 looks quite normal, even nice. The four door with fastback style isn’t that different from the Subaru Crosstrek in the background, considering there’s a 50 year difference in age. Outward visibility and headroom are probably better with the Citroën. This profile also highlights something I’d never noticed, the Mustang-esque side scallop, albeit reversed and upside down. The Ami 8 was sold from 1969 to 1978, but of course never in the US.
I’ve posted this DS21 that lives around the corner from me before, but I’m tossing it in here again to show that even in the US it is possible, though not likely, to see two Citroëns in one day.
You can learn more about the Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8 family here. Also, a fine post by Roger Carr about the Ami 6, with a focus on its appearance, here . And another perspective, from Paul Niedermeyer, on the Ami 6 as the ultimate hipster-mobile.
Have to admit – vive la difference!
While I’m not a big fan of the Ami8, they form an indelible part of my ´70s memories, as they were the only 4 door car (break) to be available at such a low price, close to a Fiat 600. They were shipped from Argentina to Uruguay in CKD at a time imports were almost banned and much local content had to be added. Part of that local content were fiberglass fenders and hoods, upholstery, glass, batteries, and tires. I’m sure there were other minor things I’m not aware of. A friend of my older brother had one, probably a 72 or 73. I distinctily remember the turbine noise, which could have been coupled to anything other that the road at the leisurely pace the car “proceeded”. But comfortable, it was, with much space in the rear seat for us kids. It was the first car I had ridden in with the umbrella type gear shift, and car controls such as gear shifts, brakes, lights, and starting switches always fascinated me. I remember having someone open the hood of a Renault 4 to understand how that lever could get to the gearbox. The Argentinian Ami 8 main difference to my eyes (never gave them more than a passing glance) is that here in the South door handles were never changed to the flat version, preserving the pushbutton model up to the end of the production. There was around ’78 and up to probably ’81 a version called Elysee, with a very nicely upgraded velour upholstery, improved finishing touches, some exterrnal adornment, and produced mainly (but not only) in a very nice metallig green with coordinated interior. I think the car itself was very instrumental in motoring the middle class in Argentina and Uruguay, especially those needing a little more space.
If Renault had bought Nash in 1950 instead of 1980, the result might look like this. The Airflyte R16.
The metallic paint (assuming it is original) allows the production date to be narrowed down to 1975 or later.
I bow my head to the owner. That must be a true entusiast or a machochist. Who would do something like a Ami in the USA? At best, the spare parts supply can only be described with the word “nightmare”.
Actually, parts supply is great. I have a 2CV and you can easily get anything you need, just not at your local auto parts store. Although the Ami is not as common, it shares most mechanical parts with the 2CV. One of the best sources is FPS West in the Seattle area. It is run by Kenji, who is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. With larger parts, shipping can be a problem, but Kenji was able to crate and ship a new frame to me in Canada.
I also use some suppliers in Netherlands, Germany and France. It is possible to build a 2CV from scratch, including a new body shell. The Ami might be a bit more limited in body parts, but I bet you can get almost anything.
My parents’ car (’73 station wagon, same color) when I was 3 years old…in France of course !
It’s great to know that the 25 year exemption is bringing in cars other than an endless flood of Japanese 4×4 vans, SUVs and kei trucks. I’ve long wanted to have an early Ami 6 sedan, as its quirky looks and other qualities really appeals to me.
Mum had a 74 Ami Super .. This car with a GS 1015 cc flat four so twice the engine. I learnt to drive in it and still remember MG Midget drivers jaws dropping when I burned them off at the traffic lights. The car was only 5 years old when dad brought it . He had to ask the sales man if the sticker price was a mistake because it was so fam cheap!. .
I’ve heard of the Ami before, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. Instantly recognizable as a Citroen though, that rear quarter panel treatment, without a fender skirt, but the tire buried up there a ways gives it away. I guess you jack it, or hydraulically raise all but that one wheel to change the tire.
I kind of like it though. Bears a family resemblance to the old DS, but so much more modern, even if it is at the other end of the price spectrum. Not saying I’m going to scour Craigslist looking for one, but I’d certainly try to grab a camera if one did appear in front of me.
Nice find on a rare car though.
For the record, it is (shooting) “brake.” Oddly, the term originated as a device built to “break in” horses—but the automotive version became “brake,” not break.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_brake
One wonders why the term persists, when “estate car” has if anything more resonance with the modern conception of the vehicle . . .?
I’m pretty sure in French – or at least Citroën French – it’s “break”. As in “Break de Chasse”.
I don’t see the Ami 8 as an ugly car.
In the 70s it was a draw for many people on the east and west coast. I see it much more attractive than other French cars of the time like the Dauphine.
Originally, “break” referred to a specific type of carriage used to transport people and luggage. These carriages often had an extended body and additional bench seats to accommodate more passengers and luggage.
Exactly That is, what Peugeot and Citroen did, when they created their (lager) wagons. Think of the 404/504/505 Break or the ID/DS/CX Break.
Hooo – (lager) ??? Meant “larger”, of course.
I understand that pilsner cars are a thing in Sweden.
Wishful thinking? 😉
As a long term 2CV owner, I have certainly considered the Ami. I think I would have to go with the original 6, as the 8 looks too normal. A friend owned a Club model of the Ami 6 and it had quad headlights, which reduce the weirdness, which is not good.
CITROËNVIE, the Canadian based enthusiast’s club, on its web site, currently has an Ami 6 sedan for sale, and also an extremely rare Ami 6 Service (i.e. a panel wagon).
There is someone in my neighborhood who owns both a 2CV and an Ami Break. (He also has a 65 Mustang and a 90s Buick wagon.) I see these cars almost every day. Usually they are parked in the back yard, but I have encountered them on the local streets, so I know that they are drivers.
I spotted this Ami up an alley in Osaka.