Examine individual changes

'{{Infobox automobile | name = Citroën Ami | image = [[Image:Ami 6 berline.jpg|250px|Citroën Ami 6]] | manufacturer = [[Citroën]] | parent_company = [[PSA Group]] (from 1976) | production = 1961—1978 | assembly=[[PSA Rennes Plant|Rennes]], France<ref name=Citroenbrochure>{{cite book| authorlink = | title = Citroen GS: Citroen build with care (Anglophone brochure for UK market)| journal = | volume = | pages = |publisher=Citroen Cars Ltd (UK)|date = August 1976|location= [[Slough]] |id= }}</ref> ([[Chartres-de-Bretagne|Chartres-de-Bretagne quarter]]), France<br>[[Buenos Aires, Argentina]]<br> | predecessor = None | successor = [[Citroën Axel]]<br/>[[Citroën Visa]] | class = [[Supermini car|Supermini]] | layout = [[FF layout]] | engine = 602&nbsp;cc [[flat-twin|flat-2]]<br>1015&nbsp;cc [[flat-4]] | body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br>5-door [[station wagon|estate]] | related = [[Citroën 2CV]]<br>[[Citroën FAF]]<br>[[Citroën Dyane]]<br>[[Citroën Méhari]]<br/>[[Citroën Bijou]] | similar = [[Renault 4]]<br>[[Mini]] | width = {{convert|60|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=Motor1962/> | length = {{convert|154|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=Motor1962/> | height = {{convert|57|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=Motor1962/> | wheelbase = {{convert|95|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=Motor1962/> }} The '''Citroën Ami''' is a [[supermini car|supermini]] produced by the French automaker [[Citroën]] from 1961 to 1978. The Ami and stablemate [[Citroën Dyane]] were replaced by the [[Citroën Visa]] and [[Citroën Axel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citroenvisa.net/visa1.htm |title=Project VD and Project Y |publisher=Citroenvisa.net |date= |accessdate=2010-12-31}}</ref> The Ami was for some years the best-selling car model in France. Production totalled 1,840,396 units. Although not its commercial name, in France the Ami was often referred to as the Citroën 3CV ''Trois chevaux'', or "three horses", CV originally being the initials for "cheval-vapeur" (horsepower), but used here for "[[Tax horsepower|chevaux fiscaux]]" in short. The "cheval fiscal" was a French fiscal unit based on engine size ; smaller CV usually meant economical cars. The 602 cc engine of the Ami was fractionally above the upper limit for the 2 CV taxation class. The 3CV nickname differentiated the car in the market place from the long established [[Citroën 2CV]], but was never applied to the ''Ami 8'', only to the ''Ami 6''. ==Overview== [[Image:AMI 6 1968.jpg|200px|thumb|left|1968 Citroën Ami 6 (Rouge Corsaire)]] [[Image:Phare ami.jpg|200px|thumb|left|1968 Citroën Ami 6 Front Detail]] As with [[Renault 4]], Citroën was responding to a market need for a vehicle slightly larger and less utilitarian and rustic than the 2CV. The Ami is a rebodied [[Citroën 2CV|2CV]] with certain mechanical upgrades (particularly a larger engine than the 1950s 2cv), to compensate for the added weight. At launch all the cars were powered by an air cooled 602&nbsp;cc two-cylinder [[flat engine]] which was also offered at extra cost in the 2CV from 1961. The platform chassis and suspension is similar to the 2CV, being independent all round using leading and trailing arms and coil springs interconnected front to rear. For a detailed suspension description see [[Citroën 2CV]]. The Ami's seats were easily removable. Sales pitches of the Ami included photographs of the seats being used as picnic chairs. The Ami and the 1961 [[Ford Taunus P3|Ford Taunus]] were the first vehicles with rectangular (as opposed to round) [[headlamps]]. ==Market reaction== [[Image:MHV Citroen Ami 6 1964 02.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Citroën Ami 6 Berline rear detail]] [[File:Citroen AMI 6 (1).jpg|200px|thumb|right|Citroën Ami 6 Berline rear/side view]] [[Image:Citroën Ami 6 011.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Dashboard]] and [[Stick shift|shift lever]] of Ami 6]] [[File:Ami6break.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Citroën Ami 6 Break estate version.]] [[File:Citroen Ami 8 February 1973 mfd 1972 602cc.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Citroën Ami 8 front view]] [[File:Citroen Ami8-71.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Ami 8 featured a more conventionally positioned back window than the Ami 6]] [[Image:M 35 dos.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Citroën Ami M35]] The car went on sale in France in the Spring of 1961, and already the manufacturer felt obliged to implement some simple upgrades in time for the October [[Paris Motor Show]] only six months later. The most visible upgrade involved the replacement of the fixed windows on the rear doors with two part horizontal sliding windows similar to those already fitted on the front doors.<ref name=Automobilia1962>{{cite journal| authorlink = René Bellu | title =Automobilia| journal = Toutes les voitures françaises 1962 (salon Paris oct 1961)| volume = Nr. 19| page = Page 15|year = 1200|isbn = |publisher=Histoire & collections|location=Paris }}</ref> Nevertheless, sales in the early years seem to have been disappointingly low. The Ami's first full year of production was 1962, during which only 85,358 of the cars were sold, while the thirteen year old 2CV managed 144,759 sales during the same twelve month period.<ref name=Automobilia1962/> Although the Ami had a modern body, it shared the aggressively minimalist underpinnings of the older car, and in the market place this made it hard to justify for the Ami a starting price which, at the end of 1961, was 35% higher.<ref name=Automobilia1962/> ==Versions== The '''Ami 6''' sedan is distinguished by an unusual reverse-raked rear window, similar to the "[[Breezeway]]" rear screen fitted to the contemporary [[Mercury Monterey#Mercury Monterey 1963|Mercury Monterey]] in the US, or the [[Ford Anglia]] in the UK. A similar design feature is used on the current three door [[Citroën C4]]. The later '''Ami 8''' saloon has a [[fastback]] rear window. It was redesigned by the French car design and bodywork company, Heuliez. Most notable changes were the front part and bonnet and the sloping, rather than inverted, rear window on the saloon. The estate version of the '''Ami 8''' had a similar general appearance to that of the '''Ami 6''' although the later car's tail-lights were integrated into the rear wings. [[File:Ami-super-dif.jpg|thumb|Distinctive markings of the Ami Super.]] The '''Ami Super''' was a [[flat-4]] variant powered by the engine of the [[Citroën GS|GS]] and produced between 1973 and 1976. At the launch of the GS, its original flat 4 cylinder air-cooled 1015 cc 55 bhp DIN engine was considered to be under powered. With surplus engines available, Citroën decided to fit the engine into the Ami 8 in January 1973. The car, which became the Ami Super, then easily reached 140 km / h. From the outside, it had a new front grille with six additional vents underneath. On the sides of the front wing there was a badge marked 1015 in reference to the new engine. The body is the same as the Ami 8 apart from changes to inner front wings, bonnet, front panel and bumper mountings. The chassis was also modified from the standard Ami 8 with alterations made to accommodate the 1015cc engine. Other changes included thicker wire in the suspension springs, to give a tauter ride and front Anti roll bars. Rear anti roll bars were fitted from 1974 onwards until the end of Ami Super Production in 1976. The Ami Super and Ami 8 Break (Estate) were fitted with 135 15 ZX Michelin tires as standard while Ami 8 Saloon retained the Michelin 125 15 X although 135 15's could be ordered as an option. Also on the Ami Super headlamps with built in Quartz iodine fog lights were offered as an option, other options included heated rear screens. Inside, the gear change is floor mounted, in place of the dashboard mounted gear lever of the Ami 6 and 8 and to accommodate this the hand brake of the Super curves up instead of down. The speedometer was also specific to the Ami Super differing slightly to allow higher speed numbers to be shown. The Ami Super was offered in the same 3 trim levels as the Ami 8, Luxe, Confort and Club on Saloon and Luxe and Confort on Break (estate) versions. These trim differences were fairly minor with Luxe models having bench front and rear seats and vinyl floor matting. Confort trim offered reclining front seats in place of the front bench. The Club models can be considered the Pallas of the Ami range featured sound proofing pads on the floor and bulkhead, carpet including boot (trunk) lining, stainless steel trim on the window frames and side rubbing strips on the doors and rear wings. Club trim was only available up to the end of the 1973 model year, after that point Ami 8 and Ami super were only available in Luxe and Confort specification. From 1974 Ami super models were revamped to feature a double line graphic along the exterior of the body sides, either in black or silver depending on body colour, with slotted wheels and double line detailing on the hubcaps. The rear window also featured a graphic in white stating "Ami Super 1015cm3" As the Ami Super looked very much like an Ami 8, and could surprise many by demonstrating its dramatic performance advantage compared to the Ami 8 (55hp compared to 32hp). Quoted by Autocar magazine in the UK as a "Q car par excellence" sadly in France its 5CV tax rating made little sense in a small car and as a result sales were low compared to the Ami 8. In the UK however where no such tax penalties existed the Ami Super attracted healthy sales although is now a rare sight due to poor corrosion resistance a feature suffered by many vehicles of this era. However despite this the Ami Super could be regarded as the first Hot Hatch (in break/Estate form) predating the VW Golf GTi by 3 years. The Ami Super production reached close to 42,000 in sedan and station wagon by February 1976. The Ami 8 continued until early 1979 and reached in the region of 722,000 production. A small series of prototype [[coupé]]s, the [[Citroën M35|M35]] were produced as test vehicles for loyal customers — testing the single-rotor [[Comotor]] [[Wankel engine]], as also seen in the [[NSU Spider]]. A twin-rotor version of this engine reached production form with the [[NSU Ro 80]] and [[Citroën GS|GS Birotor]]. ==French production== The Ami 6 was the first model to be produced at the [[PSA Rennes Plant|new Citroen plant]] opened in 1961 in the presence of [[Charles de Gaulle|the new president]] to the [[Chartres-de-Bretagne|south-west of]] central [[Rennes]]. It was later joined at the plant by the [[Citroën Dyane|Dyane]] and [[Citroën GS|GS]] models. ==Spanish production== The Ami 6 & Ami 8 were also built by Citroën Hispania in Vigo (Spain) from 1967 to 1978, but they were never called "Ami" because of a legal problem with that name. The equivalences with French built models are: *Ami 6 berline: never built in Spain. *Ami 6 break old model (M4 type engine): Citroën Break 3cv. *Ami 6 break new model (M28 type engine): Citroën Dynam. *Ami 8 berline: Citroën 8 or C-8. *Ami 8 break: Citroën 8 Familiar or Citroën Familiar. ==Argentinian production== Out of Europe, the Ami 8 was made in Argentina until 1978 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Only in the break <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cocheargentino.com.ar/c/citroen.htm#ami8 |title=Citroen |publisher=Coche Argentino |date=2009-05-18 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> version, with the "Club" & "Elysee" trims, was exported to Uruguay, Paraguay and in CKD kits to Arica, Chile from 1976 where it was assembled until it was shut down in favour of the production of Citroen CX in early 1978. ==Performance== An Ami 6 tested by the British magazine [[The Motor (magazine)|The Motor]] in 1962 had a top speed of {{convert|65.3|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 30.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|53|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £823 including taxes on the UK market.<ref name=Motor1962>{{cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Citroen Ami 6| journal =[[The Motor (magazine)|The Motor]]| volume = | pages = | date = January 3, 1962}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="width:60%;" |- style="background:#e3e3e3" !'''Version''' !'''Engine''' !'''Power''' !'''Max speed''' |- ! style="text-align:center;"|Ami 6 (1961-1963) | style="text-align:center;"|602&nbsp;cc [[flat-2]] [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|22|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 4500 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |- !Ami 6 (1964-1968) | style="text-align:center;"|602&nbsp;cc [[flat-2]] [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|26|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 4750 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|68|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |- !Ami 6 (1968) | style="text-align:center;"|602&nbsp;cc [[flat-2]] [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|28|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5400 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |- !Ami 6 (1969) | style="text-align:center;"|602&nbsp;cc [[flat-2]] [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|32|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5750 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|76|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |- !Ami 8 | style="text-align:center;"|602&nbsp;cc [[flat-2]] [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|32|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5750 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|76|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |- !Ami Super | style="text-align:center;"|1015&nbsp;cc [[flat-4]] [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|55|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5750 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|87|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |- ![[Citroën M35|M35]] | style="text-align:center;"|Single rotor [[Wankel engine]] | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|49|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5500 rpm | style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|89|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} |} ==Model changes in detail== The following table summarises information to distinguish Ami Models. {| class="wikitable" |- !Years !image !type !Model Changes |- |1961 |[[File:Ami 6 berline.jpg|100px]] |AM |Launch in April. |- |1962 | |AM |Sliding rear windows (one half only). |- |1963 |[[File:ami6 evolution.jpg|100px]] |AM |Version for export to the United States: double round headlights, front turn signals round, additional chrome bumpers, grille and stainless steel license plate closer. Engine 26 hp instead of 22 hp. Hydraulic dampers. Suspended Brake and clutch pedals. |- |Nov 1964 |[[File:ami6break.jpg|100px]] |AMB AMF AMC |Estate body type. New rear light units. |- |Oct 1967 |[[File:AMB-PA69.jpg|100px]] |AMBPA |Estate Club model. Twin round headlights. Improved finish. |- |May 1968 |[[File:Citroen Ami6 Break hi.JPG|100px]] |AM2 AMB2 |M28 engine of 35 hp at 5750 rev / min. Double sliding front windows. Trapezoidal taillamps. |- |March 1969 |[[File:Citroen Ami8-71.jpg|100px]] |AM3 |The Ami 8 replaces the Ami 6. |- |July 1969 | |AMJA AMJB |The Ami 8 receives disc brakes on the front. The hydraulic system works with LHM fluid. |- |Sept 1969 |[[File:Citroen AM JB M18 1972.jpg|100px]] |AMB3 AMC3 |Ami 8 estate launched. |- |Jan 1973 |[[File:Citroën Ami Super Break.jpg|100px]] |AMJF AMJG AMJH |Launch of the Ami Super. |} ==Production figures== Production of the Ami, all models except M35, is according to the manufacturer's data is 1,840,121 total production. It is divided between the models as follows: {| class="wikitable" |- ! Model !Ami 6 Berline/Saloon !Ami 6 Break/Estate !Ami 6 Service Van !Ami 8 Berline/Saloon !Ami 8 Break/Estate !Ami 8 Service Van !Ami Super Berline/Saloon !Ami Super Break/Estate !Ami Super Service Van |- | Reference Code. | style="background:#fafea5;"| AM AM2 | style="background:#fafea5;"| AMB AM2B | style="background:#fafea5;"| AMC(2) AMF(2) | style="background:#bcfecd;"| AM3 | style="background:#bcfecd;"| AMB3 AMJB | style="background:#bcfecd;"| AMC3 AMJC | style="background:#8080ff;"| AMJF | style="background:#8080ff;"| AMJG | style="background:#8080ff;"| AMJH |- |Production | style="background:#fafea5;"| 483 986 | style="background:#fafea5;"| 551 880 | style="background:#fafea5;"| 3 518 | style="background:#bcfecd;"|342 743 | style="background:#bcfecd;"|386 582 | style="background:#bcfecd;"|26 630 | style="background:#8080ff;"| 24 797 | style="background:#8080ff;"| 19 222 | style="background:#8080ff;"| 801 |} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category|Citroën Ami}} * [http://www.ami6.com/en:start The Virtual Citroen Ami6 Garage] * [http://www.citroenet.org.uk/passenger-cars/michelin/ami/ami-8/ami8-1.html Ami 8 at Citroenet] * [http://www.citroenet.org.uk/passenger-cars/michelin/ami/ami-6/ami-6-01.html Ami 6 at Citroenet] * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-G2lmWjXPs Ami Super 1970s period French motoring programme] * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLCIkxHleBg 1960s Publicité Citroën Ami 6] * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09aOI68DObU Citroen AMI 6 Production Line Rennes 1960s] {{Early Citroën vehicles}} [[Category:Citroën vehicles|Ami]] [[Category:Subcompact cars]] [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1961]] [[Category:Vehicles with boxer engines]] [[Category:1960s automobiles]] [[Category:1970s automobiles]] {{Link GA|pl}} [[cs:Citroën Ami]] [[de:Citroën Ami 6]] [[el:Citroën Ami]] [[es:Citroën Ami]] [[fa:سیتروئن امی]] [[fr:Citroën Ami 6, 8 et Super]] [[it:Citroën Ami 6]] [[nl:Citroën Ami]] [[ja:シトロエン・アミ]] [[no:Citroën Ami]] [[pl:Citroën Ami]] [[pt:Citroën Ami]] [[ru:Citroën Ami]] [[sco:Citroën Ami]] [[fi:Citroën Ami]] [[sv:Citroën Ami]]'