Citroen Ami 8 - a 60s 70s French classic! 

Today we're out riding in a Citroen Ami 8! If you're looking to buy this or speak to the seller, please email me on idriveaclassic@gmail.com and I'll put you in touch!
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Ami 8
Citroen did incredible things in the 20th century, they made cars like the 2CV, the DS and most importantly, they took risks and made cars which stood out from what competitors were doing both visually and tech spec wise.
In 1948 when Morris was presenting the Morris Minor to the world as an everyman’s car, Citroen rolled out the 2CV, which had been initially conceived in the mid-late 30s.
The car, which was easy to maintain with remarkably simple mechanic knowhow which could be fixed at home, it gave many miles per gallon and could be driven and used with gusto; which meant it quickly became a common sight across France.
However, despite being the car many think of when you say ‘name a French classic’, Citroen recognised by the mid-late 50s that the everyman car of the range needed a refresh and with that, the Citroen Ami 6 was introduced in 1961. It also trumped the launch of the Renault 4 by a few months, which was of course, a key competitor.
The car had the 602cc engine as used in the later 2CVs and just like the 2CV, you could whip the seats out to double up as picnic chairs should the mood fancy.
The Ami 8 then followed in 1969 and still had the 602cc engine with all 4 wheels independently sprung by coil springs, with interaction between front and rear. 4 hydraulic shock absorbers. 4 inertia dampers. Front anti-roll bar.
The steering is rack and pinion and it’s front in-board discs with rear drums.
Interestingly, there are different miles per gallon quoted online ranging from 41 in one brochure to nearly 50 in another, but anything upwards of 40 is jolly good going, especially for a vehicle of this era.
Top speeds again, vary, from 70 to 74 miles per hour but as you’ll see when we’re out, no matter what the exact figure, she easily keeps up with traffic.
Sizing wise for those who have never seen one, it’s 154 inches/3.91 metres long and 60 inches/1.52 metres wide.
The car sold well throughout its lifecycle and although I mention it coming to a conclusion earlier in France, I believe it was sold in Buenos Aires until the late 70s! The car was replaced by the Visa, which we’ve tested an example of before.