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 [e-mail] 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.

[@toyotaprius79]

Citroën today should seriously look back on its old innovations (suspension in particular)

[@idriveaclassic]

Agreed!

[@davidlang3625]

I think that all manufacturers and indeed the buying public should look back at cars like this so that we get new cars that meet our needs rather than the trend toward ever bigger and more powerful SUV's. What's the point of a car that will do 155mph with loads of ground clearance when we drive on roads and the maximum UK speed is 70mph. Congestion dictates that we are usually going way slower than this. If we want to go on a track or off-road thats a different buying decision which vehicles can also be designed to suit those requirements much better. Anyway, moan over. An excellent review as usual Steph, thank you for allowing us to reminisce.👍

[@laupernut]

I live in rural Ghana and would love to have an electric pickup based on the Tony Howarth 2CV Africar of 1986. There are electric 2CVs available, but only in the van version, which is expensive for a local to buy. davidlang3625 is correct: who needs a big, bulky, overpowered SUV when less is best?

[@williamegler8771]

The media "EXPERTS " have convinced the buying public that every vehicle should handle like a rally car even if it is only going to be used on the school run or shopping trips. Few people appreciate a quite luxurious ride with acceptable handling anymore.

[@Kref3]

That would require a company Citroen that could design its own cars to exist. Sadly this company is gone. Now it is only a brand, the actual car manufacturer is Stellantis. Citroen is only one brand next to Peugeot, DS, Opel, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, Lancia, Maserati, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. And of course Stellantis wants to make money, meaning producing cars as cheaply as possible and selling them as expensive as possible. Which means: All brands have to use the same platforms and only the exterior and interior design but not the technology may be brand specific. I assume the only brands who can really do their own thing are Ferrari and Maserati as rather small, fine luxury car manufacturers. The company that produced cars like the DS, CX, Ami 8, 2CV, Mehari, XM, SM has ceased to exist a long time ago. They even made the former model DS a „luxury“ sub-brand of Citroen. I do not see them often, but they don‘t look like very good cars.

[@MyJon64]

I remember my father having a good laugh back in 1973 when his neighbour traded their Mk1 Triumph 2000 for an Ami8. My neighbour had the last laugh when the fuel crisis hit😁

[@Dr.Fiendish]

I like nothing better than making some tea, cracking open a packet of Hob Nobs and watching the latest video from Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

Chocolate Hob Nobs I hope. The top tier biscuit.

[@iainmacleod4007]

Nice to meet you at the NEC. Part of my childhood was spent in Iran prior to the Islamic revolution. Back in those days my father had a series 2 landrover for his veterinary work and our family car was a Citroen Ami in red. It certainly was not fast or pretty but it got us across the deserts between Tehran and Tabriz many times. It broke down once in Shiraz where there was a Citroen dealer. A new voltage regulator was fitted to the alternator and we were on our way again. My abiding memory is about how comfortable it was on rough roads and how underpowered it was on tough hills. We had to get out and push on the odd occasion.

[@giulioz.4928]

Steph does almost 1.000 views /hour. The most loved classic car KZbinr at home and overseas.

[@brusselssprouts560]

They are both icons of French ingeniuty.

[@horsenuts1831]

Used to love these quirky French cars. Dad bought Mum a Renault 6 back in the day, and, like this Citroen, nothing could stop it. In those days, they came with starting handles which were needed frequently as a backup to a feeble battery on freezing cold mornings (it always seemed to be my job to start the engine on the way to school). Kids today don't know they're born...etc, etc....😁

[@stephenholland5930]

Ain't that the truth! 😂

[@17addidas]

From Argentina ... .. it was my grandfathers car in the late 70 's the Ami 8 . Produced locally by Citroen Argentina .. and according to wiki.. even exported from Argentina to Cuba . Most memorable is the motor " purrrrrr" , the suspension and cornering...... to the point one feared it might flip over .

[@caw25sha]

I wonder how many are left in Cuba. It's famous for the old 40s and 50s American cars which are still kept running.

[@PRH123]

Great review, thanks..! Citroen engineering was really ahead of its time, genius simplicity... love how the front end of the Ami 8 looks :) Growing up in the states, we had no idea that such vehicles existed...

[@horsenuts1831]

I have a recollection that the Citroen Ami was the first car that didn't have round headlights (every single car that preceded it had round headlights, so, in its time, it must have looked a bit 'Jetsons'). Its rectangular headlights are a styling item that is out of its time which might be why you like the way it looks.

[@PRH123]

@@horsenuts1831yes that’s one of the reasons…. and the fact that it’s so different and modern as compared to what we were accustomed to in the states at the time…. and I have to admit, because it looks just like a face, like you’d see in a cartoon :)

[@laurentherjean9165]

@@horsenuts1831 I think - but could be proved wrong - that the 1960 Ford Taunus 17M was the first European car with oval headlights. Then came the Peugeot 204 (I own one) and Renault 16 in 1965. Not sure about non-European cars, though.

[@adrianmuino3412]

Exactly, my father use to have a blue Ami 8 back on the 70's, but the ones sold in Argentina were the break. I only have good memories about this car, and the sound was unique and never give us a problem.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Proper Cars. I used to work in the Service Dept of a Citroen garage back in the 70s/80s and I loved anything from the A range of Citroen cars. Owned a couple of 2CV6 Specials myself. The engines thrive on full throttle work and we used to have more problems with those cars that were driven to gently on short runs. Stick em on the Motorway with foot to the floor and keep it at 70mph and they thrive on it. Sadly, the only thing that let them down was the dreaded tin worm but there again most 70s/80s cars were. Great cars though and would happily buy another one if I wasn't into my Motorcycles.🙂👍

[@davidwinthrop7077]

I’ve always loved the quirkyness of French cars and this Ami 8 is no exception. I can’t remember the last time I saw one, must be well over 40 years ago but this one is a beauty. Love the variety of the cars in your videos Steph, they’re brilliant. From last week’s Standard 10 to a classic Citroen this week, you never know what will come next. Hopefully a Renault 4 or an early Citroen DS in the future.

[@volvo480]

This car already came along nicely in traffic, imagine what it is to drive an Ami Super, which had the 1100cc 4 cilinder GS engine.

[@stefanowitch1969]

Ah! lovely!! I've been driving an Ami6 for over 22 years now. the seats and the suspension are even softer than the Ami8. Actually, the Ami8 does have an ashtray, it's hidden in the top of the dashboard, you can see it in the middle, just pull it towards you. it's not very big, The ashtray of an Ami6 can hold at least two packets of cigarette buds (I've tested it in my smoking years 😆

[@57gta]

I have a 1967 Ami 6 and its the most fun car I've ever owned! I Love it!

[@paulchappell]

Steph, you do the best reviews of the most fascinating cars! I have an absolutely ear to ear grin enjoying this particular review. What a delight!

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh cheers Paul x

[@alangordon3283]

Lovely little machine. Pure character .

[@jeroenyvette]

I have had a 2CV myself twice, but I still remember my father's Bright Orange ami 8. I would love to drive an Ami 8 again

[@rogerprice5389]

Thank you for taking me back to the 1980's. I had an Ami 8 Estate. Of all the cars I have owned if I could get one of them back it would be this one. I did around 150,000 miles in it, bought a second for spares and with that had the cheapest motoring ever. Us in the front, mum in law in the back with the kids, boot full of luggage and buzzing along at 70 down all the motorways foot on or nearly on the floor, just let the engine get on with it, just dropping back a bit on the hills of course. Never let me down.

[@williamwade641]

About thirty years ago, when I arrived in France, you could hardly give one of these away. Now the Ami 8 and 6 are highly collectable. Prices of the 2cv have gone through the roof at 12 to 14 thousand euros for a really good one. The Dyane has also gone up in price to about €8000 for a good example. Classic cars in general are more expensive in France, as a lot more old cars were scrapped rather than conserved as in the UK.

[@chucku00]

Yup, Balladur and Juppé are responsible for this massacre... so much for the "free market".

[@deanosaur808]

We better start hidding all the french classics in the UK before they try reclaim them 😅

[@rjft7003]

My auntie had one in 1967. She was the first female driver in Bragança city, Portugal. It was a country side city, far from Oporto and even more from Lisbon, before the motorway age. Those times it was common to have snow during winter and the Ami was a very nice car for those weather conditions. Later it was swapped for a GS Club.

[@laurentherjean9165]

The Ami 8 was launched in 1969. Your auntie may have owned an Ami 6.

[@oxfamshop]

That is a lovely car and on an episode of top gear James May did very well driving one of these in a classic timed rally the citroen was the only car that did not have problems

[@ragnarragnarson5184]

Hi Steph i used to own that very car 😊

[@Mark1405Leeds]

Had a yellow 1972 Ami 8 estate for years before it finally dissolved - great practical little thing and yes it was faster than a 2CV. That gauge on the right is a charge indicator - there is no temperature gauge! Easiest car ever for changing front brake pads!

[@jean-lucjanot7054]

La première voiture que j'ai conduite de ma vie fut une Ami 6. J'en garde un souvenir ému. Merci et bravo pour cette excellente vidéo. Intéressant de connaître l'avis d'unE (magnifique) Britannique sur une voiture so Frenchie. Cheers!

[@paulshields6738]

This was my wedding car in Spain! same colour. Thank you for the video ........

[@giavarrinic]

Such a great idea to make à video about these little cars full of character! Well done! :-)

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you 😊😊😊

[@orobouros1]

hi! the ashtray is in the dash rim above the radio hole, greetz, peter.

[@allanmollison6971]

Quite a different car, thanks again for sharing Steph. I'm sure Ian from Hubnut would love this. 😊👍

[@idriveaclassic]

I think I sent a pic to Ian last Sunday when I filmed£

[@michielstam6011]

It's not a temperature gauge but a battery charge meter. And also; the hole is not where the ash tray would be; it's were a radio was fitted (after market). The ash tray is present, it's just above the hole of the radio!

[@Rinty145]

Looking forward to when you get to drive an NSU Prinz 4L.

[@androo4519]

Lovely. I so wanted an Ami when I was seventeen but couldn't find one. I did learn to drive in my parents' Dyane however, which was an amazing car. I always want to shout (politely in your case) at people on KZbin when they change from first to second on these Citroëns. The technique is to use the palm of your hand only and let the gear knob find its way across the gate. Don't fight it. Trying to guide it left and right never really works. The same sort of applies when coming back from fourth to third. Just the lightest touch of the fingertips to allow the gear knob to swivel and spring into position. And it's not so much that you have to rev the engine to make progress, you also have to change gear constantly like on a bike, to preserve momentum. Luckily the gear change, once mastered, is one of the best there is so it's fun to do. I never had so much fun as when I was driving the Dyane on a challenging road.

[@sietse9920]

One little thing: there is no temp gauge on these Citroëns. They are air cooled. The gauge you pointed out is a power (volts) gauge…..

[@vikos78]

Started my drivers' life in France with my best mate AMI 6 estate. Thanks for this presentation, the AMI 8 was a nice evolution of the AMI 6, brings back memories. We had tons of them here.

[@felipesancho]

Ah the sound of the engine brings memories!

[@robertturner4955]

Great description of the heating system! The Ami 8 and later Dyane 6 engines managed their 6 hp extra over the 2cv by using a double choke carburettor. If you have a sensitive right foot, you can feel where the second choke starts to open.

[@christhesnaildriver]

Later 2cv6's (late 70's onwards) also had a twin choke Solex 26/35 carb, and yes the switch over point is quite noticeable, and feels almost like a very small turbo has just come on-boost! The Dyane and Ami benefit slightly by having low pressure forced induction via the cooling fan, and I think also ran slightly higher compression ratio than the 2cv (or was that just the Visa 652cc unit?).

[@nickmoloney9820]

​@@christhesnaildriverthink you are right higher compression.

[@davidlovatt2335]

Many thanks Steph for another brilliant video. Like you say a car with oodles of charm and character. Citroen engineers were so thoughtful and innovative weren't they both with exterior and interior design and function. Lovely setting you filmed in. I look forward to the next review.

[@jennydonne8946]

2cv, Dyanne or Ami, love them all and they all have their distinctive looks, I just love Citroën

[@peterriggall8409]

Totally bonkers and I love it. 🥰

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Some friends of my parents had an Ami, we had an AZU and I had a ZX and C5 (2001). Running in the familiy 😂

[@robertbarfoot741]

I had an AMI 8 in the 70,s for about a year. When I drove it home I wondered what the hell I had bought, but came to love its quirky nature and good fuel economy, and the extreme roll, once you established it was not going over all the way!! It also a traffic, centrifugal, clutch which was actually great for town use. It also seemed to to the same mpg however you drove it.

[@slappedhappy9549]

Stef! ❤ That’s my favorite car ever! I‘m 54 and from Germany and my name is Stefan😂! I‘d love to own a BREAK. Thanx for your channel!💪🏼😘

[@christopherhunter2892]

Brilliant. Great cars which like the 2CV you can drive with your foot on the floor all day long. I would have a reverse rake rear screen Ami 6 although values are going up now.

[@christopherhunter2892]

I should add that this a brilliant channel with always something interesting. Well done Steph.

[@martinclapton2724]

What an honest looking car , loved it

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Looks so luxurious compared to the 2CV. That one looks very original. Really enjoyable review, loved the locations.

[@tomcat7525]

Some other Citroen classics behind that shed, hopefully we get to see more of them. 👍

[@Vince_uk]

Another great video Steph as usual.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks lovely x

[@newtonwhatevs]

They were brilliant on snow.

[@RobinTheMini]

The days when Citroën made good original cars.

[@darrenclawson1984]

Steph you make me smile so much when I see you driving these old cars !!! Your just the best … keep up the fabulous work and raising the profile of these fabulous cars !!! Thanks again

[@generaladmi]

What a wonderful drive. Such a lovely car and ahead of its time. Thank you very much for bringing this memory back

[@alexandrecouture2462]

La France éternelle! :) Fun video!

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hello Steph, what a great car - a bit different from the previous ones, quite a charature too! Really enjoyed the run - and it can be seen that you are enjoying yourself!! Best wishes from Lincolnshire.

[@julianlyons711]

As always great informative and entertaining video presented with your usual great style

[@pdunn1871]

As always i'm in love with yr reviews Thanks again

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks love x

[@stevebott.pianostudent]

My first car at 18 years old - loved it.😀. I truly believe there is room for simplicity now.

[@trev8932]

The "A" series Citroen's are iconic no matter what, 2CV Dyane etc they are actually mind blowing. The throttle has two positions off and foor to the floor even in bends drive as hard as you can. Would beat the pants off any modern SUV on the "B" roads. Great cars and great fun 😊

[@Farney-gy1qo]

Nothing beats the sound of a 2 cylinder horizontally opposed engine. 🥰

[@ClassicGolfClubs]

Great video, loved your enthusiasm for the car, one of your best!

[@rogerpritchard]

My father had a new mk2 Cortina Lotus which he sold for a fastback ami 8 in about 1971! In turn that was sold for a Hillman Avenger in 1972! Great video thankyou.

[@stubostar]

Lovely vid Steph. Makes me want to keep my French lessons going. :D

[@UPnDOWN]

I'd love an Ami Super!

[@ragnarragnarson5184]

Ive got one and its a beauty and featured on the furious driving channel

[@guillaumeromain6694]

Quite an excellent video and presentation You do this great car justice Steph. Thank you !

[@219enri1]

Thank you Stephanie for the presentation of the Ami8. Here in France/Switzerland, these vehicles were very common and popular back then. They conveyed a rural and provincial attitude to life with their cosy engines and super-soft suspension. The estate car, in which you could load a lot, was also particularly popular.

[@kjeldlarsen912]

Thank you , love those cars

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

It just screams French. I just love how bonkers the French were with cars. So unique.

[@idriveaclassic]

Cars are now are so boring

[@James-ld2jc]

Fantastic cars, I would love an Ami Super

[@a11csc]

a real beauty steph

[@EA-58]

Besides the car, i love the surroundings.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

A excellent review on a lovely little Citroen Steph

[@RogerWhittle-z3w]

Steph, the Ami 8 engine is pretty much like the 2CV but with a dual choke carburettor. It was, I think 4bhp more powerful. I owned an Ami 8 estate for about 10 years from 1974 to 1984. One of the best cars I have had. They would cruise all day at top speed, had loads of space and were great fun. Fuel economy was between about 38 and 50. Thanks for a great review,

[@patrickodonnell4109]

Great review of an interesting car. Also; That’s a lovely pin on your coat.

[@RDavies73]

love your videos ❣

[@gileshalliwell3591]

Ami 6 was the best selling car in France in the year following its launch… great review of the car that was my first back in the mid 80s! I loved it!

[@alixchesterfield3663]

Another great vid!!!! xx

[@charliemanson4808]

Bizarrely at 12:03 I could smell that exhaust ❤ Memories of cold startup in my childhood when cars woukd be started and left to defrost whilst having breakfast!

[@anthonytallarida4192]

Great video Steph

[@oliverlotus]

Great video - thanks!

[@markclevedon81]

What a lovely, respectful review. It is easy to see why such a well designed but utilitarian car enjoyed so much popularity in France where they were packed with passengers and driven flat out on the autoroutes "en vacation". They really were very surprising and charismatic compared to alot of the rather staid contemporary British varieties. I remember being a passenger in a Renault 6 in the 1970s which was a direct competitor to the Ami. The ride and smoothness was amazing despite the quirky looks.

[@robertngreen6]

A wonderful review, Steph. I would love to buy this to join my 2CV Dolly, but no space etc, etc.... what a pity, its a fantastic car!

[@tomcat7525]

Designed by Salvadore Dali. Beautiful.

[@caw25sha]

So that's why it looks as if the bonnet is melting.

[@herculetrolux]

It was my first car and i'm very nostalgic !

[@theodoreolson8529]

Great videos. When I look at these old Citroens I feel as if they designed and built the car and then suddenly realized they forgot the rear wheels. No problem just bolt them on here.

[@motomarco6257]

I have the same Ami 8 Berline, slightly newer 1974 so a few different things. Nice report, with a few minor errors such as the ashtray, which is located above the hole in the dashboard. And the temperature gauge is an amperemeter that shows of your battery is charging.

[@coffeefish]

I love it.

[@andreadistefano9740]

Ami forever!!

[@daviemaclean61]

The Ami seemed to be far less common back in the day so, therefore, less well known than the 2CV. But still a canny classic. As for modern Citroens, I know they come in for a slagging from "real" drivers, but I'm on my third one in a row and, in over 40 years of driving, I've never bought the same brand of car three times in a row before.

[@DansAm76]

Good stuff.

[@geokkito]

Nice review Steph! Just one thing. You dont have to give it so many revs before changng years, especially from 2nd to 3rd, like in 12:37 . You change into 4th in 65-68 km/h when the road is straight. I have a 2cv and a Pony, his greek-made cousin. Marvellous cars! Take care :)

[@iansutherlandcraig]

Very cool.

[@lanctermann7261]

I must have one. "Drive it with passion". Will do, that's my style.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

I had the 2CV and the Dyan - the 2CV had the edge - I often thought what if they made a diesel version say 750cc it would be the ultimate adventure machine

[@colrhodes377]

I remember them well.

[@darrensmith6999]

I quite like the note of the 2 cv engine (:

[@caw25sha]

Bouillabaisse mon ami. (Sorry, I couldn't think of a sensible comment!)

[@grayfool]

I had an Ami Super Break for a while in the late seventies and you're right Steph, it was a riot. I would love another one right now. You had to drive it like a hooligan but it was so much fun. My favourite part was the look on the faces of any passanger who had not been in the thing before as I hurtled along absolutley flat out. Every roundabout was a challange to see how fast you could get round it before the car understeered off the road. Just about the most fun I have ever had in a car.

[@huguesgillet1967]

A French Ami in Yorkshire ! Great 👍😁

[@idriveaclassic]

We tested it near Peterborough!

[@duncanelliot2913]

With a Wiltshire registration. My local garage was Clarke & Rodway in Marlborough. They had some wonderful cars in their showroom in the 1970’s.

[@richardbas2948]

Set it in fourth woman! You English always rem these old cars so much!

[@merkvandermeulen3978]

I rather enjoyed that, although I can also appreciate the engine hum and the bit of extra power and slightly sturdier suspension of my 1973 4-cylinder Ami Super Break (that's the estate version), possibly of the same color, Beige Albatros. BTW: the thin ashtray is positioned right above the empty space for a radio, and the right hand side gauge shows battery charging, not the engine oil temperature. Cheers!

[@nigelparrott6944]

My French teacher had one 😂