Citroën Ami
| Company type | Passenger vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën 2CV |
| Founded | April 25, 1961 |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Successor | Citroën Visa, Citroën Axel |
Area served | Europe, Argentina, Yugoslavia, Spain |
| Products | Compact family car (B-segment) |
| Parent | Citroën |
The Citroën Ami is a compact, front-wheel-drive family vehicle within the economy (B-segment) category, manufactured by Citroën from 1961 until 1978.
Produced in both sedan and estate formats over two distinct generations—the Ami 6 and Ami 8—the latter introduced a fastback silhouette characterized by a sharply angled rear window, which replaced the Ami 6's unique reverse-angled notchback rear glass.
Overall production surpassed 1.84 million units. The Ami, along with its related model, the Citroën Dyane, was eventually replaced by the Citroën Visa and Citroën Axel.
Name
In French, 'Ami' translates to 'friend.' Equipped with a 602 cc engine slightly exceeding the limit for the 2 CV classification, it gained the moniker "3CV" to differentiate it from the traditional Citroën 2CV.
The term "3CV" stands for Trois chevaux ("three horses"), referring to the French fiscal horsepower system ("chevaux fiscaux"), which categorizes vehicles for taxation based on engine displacement; lower CV values denote more economical cars.
Overview
Introduced in France on 25 April 1961, the Citroën Ami arrived four months ahead of the Renault 4. Both models targeted customers desiring a larger and more sophisticated alternative to the 2CV. Essentially, the Ami was a redesigned 2CV with mechanical enhancements, most notably a larger air-cooled 602 cc two-cylinder boxer engine to compensate for additional weight. This engine option was later incorporated into the 2CV starting in 1970.
The chassis and suspension system retained the 2CV’s independent layout featuring interconnected coil springs. The Ami also offered removable seats designed for adaptability, marketed as multifunctional furniture including picnic seating.
Technical innovation
The Ami, alongside the Ford Taunus P3, was among the first vehicles to adopt rectangular (lozenge-shaped) headlights, developed respectively by Cibie (Ami) and Hella (Taunus). This lighting design was subsequently adopted by premium models such as the Maserati 5000 GT.
Initial sales
Sales commenced in April 1961, with enhancements unveiled at the Paris Motor Show six months later. These included horizontally sliding two-part rear door windows replacing fixed glass panes. Early sales figures lagged behind those of the older 2CV; during its first full year (1962), the Ami sold 85,358 units compared to 144,759 for the 2CV. Despite its contemporary exterior, the Ami shared basic mechanical components with its predecessor, making its launch price—35% higher—difficult to justify.
Versions
The original 1961 Ami 6 sedan is distinguished by its reverse-angled notchback rear window, a styling cue also seen on the 1959 Ford Anglia 105E and first introduced on the 1953 Packard Balboa-X concept car. In American vehicles such as the 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser and late-1950s Lincoln Continental, this design served as a ventilating "Breezeway Window."
The Ami 8 saloon featured a redesigned fastback rear window crafted by French coachbuilder Heuliez, accompanied by modifications to the front end and bonnet with a sloping rear glass. Its estate variant, known as 'Break,' maintained similarities to the Ami 6 but incorporated integrated rear wing taillights.
Produced from 1973 to 1976, the Ami Super (also referred to as Ami 10) was equipped with a flat-4 engine sourced from the GS. It was available in three trim levels matching those of the Ami 8: Luxe, Confort, and Club for sedans; Luxe and Confort for 'Break' models. The Luxe trim included bench seating and vinyl floor mats; Confort offered reclining front seats; Club—comparable to Pallas trim—added sound insulation, carpeted cargo areas, stainless steel window surrounds, and side protective strips. Post-1973 production saw only Luxe and Confort trims remain.
Starting in 1974, Ami Super models were identifiable by distinctive double-line body decals, slotted wheels, and detailed hubcaps. The rear window carried an emblem stating "Ami Super 1015cm³."
Although visually similar to the Ami 8, the Ami Super's engine produced a notable increase in power at 55 hp compared to the Ami 8's 32 hp. UK publication Autocar praised it as an exceptional "Q car," yet its higher fiscal horsepower rating limited sales within France. Conversely, it found better market success in the UK but remains uncommon today due to typical corrosion issues of that period.
By February 1976, nearly 42,000 units of Ami Super sedans and wagons had been manufactured. Production of the Ami 8 continued until early 1979, reaching approximately 722,000 units.
A limited series of prototype coupés named M35 experimented with a single-rotor Comotor Wankel engine, which later evolved into twin-rotor versions employed in both the NSU Ro 80 and GS Birotor.
Production
The Ami 6 marked the inaugural vehicle assembled at the Citroën facility in Rennes, which began operations in 1961. This plant later became the production site for models such as the Dyane and GS.
- Spain
Between 1967 and 1978, Citroën Hispania manufactured both the Ami 6 and Ami 8 in Vigo; however, these models were never officially branded as "Ami" due to legal constraints. The Spanish market designations included:
- Ami 6 berline: not produced locally.
- Ami 6 break (with older M4 engine): marketed as Citroën Estate 3cv.
- Ami 6 break (with updated M28 engine): known as Citroën Dynam.
- Ami 8 berline: sold under the names Citroën 8 or C-8.
- Ami 8 break: referred to as Citroën 8 Familiar.
- Yugoslavia
Within Europe, assembly of the Ami was also carried out by the Slovenian manufacturer Cimos specifically for distribution in the Yugoslav market.
- Argentina
Outside European borders, production of the Ami 8 estate continued until 1978 in Buenos Aires, available in "Club" and "Elysee" trim levels. These vehicles were exported to Uruguay and Paraguay, and shipped as CKD kits to Arica, Chile, where assembly persisted until it was discontinued in favor of the Citroën CX early in 1978.
Performance
A 1962 test conducted by British publication The Motor recorded a top speed of , with acceleration from zero to taking 30.3 seconds and fuel efficiency measured at . The vehicle’s price in the UK was £823 inclusive of taxes.
| Version | Engine | Power | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ami 6 (1961–1963) | 602 cc flat-2 air-cooled | 22 hp (16 kW) at 4,500 rpm | 65 mph (105 km/h) |
| Ami 6 (1964–1968) | 602 cc flat-2 air-cooled | 26 hp (19 kW) at 4,750 rpm | 68 mph (109 km/h) |
| Ami 6 (1968) | 602 cc flat-2 air-cooled | 28 hp (21 kW) at 5,400 rpm | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Ami 6 (1969) | 602 cc flat-2 air-cooled | 32 hp (24 kW) at 5,750 rpm | 76 mph (122 km/h) |
| Ami 8 | 602 cc flat-2 air-cooled | 32 hp (24 kW) at 5,750 rpm | 76 mph (122 km/h) |
| Ami Super | 1015 cc flat-4 air-cooled | 55 hp (41 kW) at 5,750 rpm | 87 mph (140 km/h) |
Model changes in detail
Below is a summary table highlighting significant differences between various Ami iterations.
1963 Nov 1964 Oct 1967 May 1968 March 1969 July 1969 Sept 1969 Jan 1973| Years | image | type | Model Changes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | AM | Initial release, launched in April. | ||
| 1962 | AM | '’Rear windows modified to sliding type (single half). | ||
|
AM |
'’US export version introduced with dual round headlights, circular front indicators, enhanced chrome bumpers, grille, and stainless steel license plate frame. Engine power increased from 22 hp to 26 hp. Hydraulic shock absorbers added along with suspended brake and clutch pedals.’' | |||
|
AMB AMF AMC |
'’Estate variant debuted featuring redesigned rear light clusters.’' | |||
|
AMBPA |
'’Estate Club model launched with twin round headlights and upgraded interior finish.’' | |||
|
AM2 AMB2 |
'’M28 engine delivering 32 hp at 5,750 rpm introduced. Double sliding front windows added along with trapezoidal rear lamps.’' | |||
|
AM3 |
'’Ami 8 replaces Ami 6 model.’' | |||
|
AMJA AMJB |
'’Front disc brakes incorporated on Ami 8; hydraulic system switched to LHM fluid.’' | |||
|
AMB3 AMC3 |
'’Launch of Ami 8 estate version.’' | |||
|
AMJF AMJG AMJH |
'’Introduction of Ami Super model.’' |
Production statistics and historical overview
The cumulative output of Ami series vehicles, excluding the M35, totaled around 1.84 million units. The distribution of production by specific model is detailed below:
| Model | Ami 6 Saloon | Ami 6 Estate | Ami 6 Service Van | Ami 8 Saloon | Ami 8 Estate | Ami 8 Service Van | Ami Super Saloon | Ami Super Estate | Ami Super Service Van |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Codes |
AM, AM2 |
AMB, AM2B |
AMC(2), AMF(2) |
AM3 |
AMB3, AMJB |
AMC3, AMJC |
AMJF |
AMJG |
AMJH |
| Units Produced |
483,986 |
551,880 |
3,518 |
342,743 |
386,582 |
26,630 |
24,797 |
19,222 |
801 |
| Model | 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974-78 | Aggregate |
| '\'\'\'Ami 6 / Ami 8 / Ami Super\'\'\' | '19,010' | '85,358' | '106,224' | '121,819' | '158,067' | '180,085' | '169,390' | '145,102' | '163,182' | '124,962' | '105,018' | '96,716' | '107,339' | '258,124' | '\'\'\'1,840,396\'\'\ |