Unveiling the Citroën Ami: A Luxurious Ride with a Hidden Weakness – Can You Overlook its Rusty Achilles Heel
The Citroën Ami: A Comfortable and Unique French Classic
## A Comfortable Car with Few Breakdowns
The Citroën Ami was based on the simple Citroën 2CV, but with a powerful engine and luxurious interior, aiming to be a model one rank above the rest. The original engine was an air-cooled horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine, which did not have a complex distributor that controlled the ignition timing, and so there were few mechanical failures.
The independent suspension with coil springs is interconnected to provide an outstanding ride quality. The seats are also soft and fluffy, making it one of the most comfortable cars to travel in during its active years.
## Advanced Features for a Small Family Car
The wheels were made lighter, and the brakes were installed inboard at the base of the drive shaft, not on the hub side. Unsprung weight was also reduced. The radial tires and hydraulic brakes were cutting-edge equipment for a small family car at the time.
The steering rack is an advanced rack and pinion type. The transmission is an easy-to-shift 4-speed manual with all-synchronized gears. The interior has excellent ventilation and is also equipped with a heater.
## A Unique and Quirky Interior
The interior is fresh with a single-spoke steering wheel that is reminiscent of the Citroen DS. The shift lever that extends from the dashboard makes you feel like you’re driving an old Citroen. The handbrake lever is umbrella-style.
## The Achilles Heel: Rust on the Body and Chassis
The Achilles heel of the car was rust on the body and chassis. The steel used was thin and not well-treated, so it rusted easily. It was also often used as a spare part car to upgrade 2CVs.
## Maintenance and Upgrades
There are few parts in circulation, and while the body panels themselves are available, the trim is difficult to obtain. The complex panel surfaces are difficult to repair, and there are cases where dents are filled with a large amount of putty.
If the engine is rattling or you feel it is lacking in power, consider replacing the piston rings or adjusting the valves. The Ami Super’s four-cylinder engine is powerful, but there are very few of them left.
The front suspension requires frequent maintenance. The kingpins are prone to deterioration, and early models were required to be greased every 1,600 km.
The brakes are normal and can stop the car. Check the fluid level in the front drums and make sure the cylinders and pistons are not stuck. Many of the parts are shared with the 2CV, so it should be easy to find replacement parts.
## A Unique Driving Experience
In particular, the Ami 6 offers a deep sense of satisfaction in using up the limited power of its small, tasty engine. Driving a modest French classic is a unique pleasure.
## Points to Consider When Purchasing
When purchasing a Citroën Ami, be aware of the potential for rust on the body and chassis, and the difficulty in obtaining certain parts. However, with proper maintenance and care, the Ami can provide a unique and enjoyable driving experience.