Few vehicles in history are as recognizable as the old Citroen H-Type vans. The slab-sided vehicles with their corrugated sides changed very little over their 34-year production run, launching in post-war France way back in 1947. They aren't pretty, but they are charming. Now, that retrotastic charm comes to another iconic Citroen—the Ami.
Say hello to the Type-Ami. It's an aftermarket offering built by Caselani, an Italian-based company that loves to make new Citroens look like old ones. Their lineup includes several vans up to the full-size Jumper, and now, the pint-size Ami joins the party. Caselani handles the parts, but the designs are licensed under Citroen. That means the company can use Citroen's logo—in this case, the classic dual chevrons mounted prominently on the grille.
Virtually every exterior panel is swapped for one with horizontal ribs. Only the roof remains untouched, while retro steel wheels are added for good measure. The conversion includes new headlights to mimic the classic Type-H design. Best of all, the modified panels don't add a single ounce to the Ami's svelte 1,038-pound mass.
That good, because the Ami isn't exactly a powerhouse. The small city EV uses a single six-kilowatt electric motor and a 5.4-kWh battery pack to get around town. Top speed is 28 mph, while range is estimated at just 46 miles. This car is built for simple urban chores, either as a basic commuter with two seats or a cargo van.
Of course, we don't get Citroens in the US. And even if we did, the Ami probably wouldn't have an appreciable market to make the jump across the pond. But that doesn't quell our desire to have a Type-Ami of our own to cruise the neighborhood.
According to Auto Express, the price for a converted Ami from Caselani is 13,900 euros, which converts to around $14,400. Or, the company will sell the body kit for 5,000 euros ($5,200) so existing Ami owners can enjoy the fun, too.
Source: Caselani via Auto Express
