Citroën Ami 8 Classic Cars for Sale

The Citroën Ami 8 is a classic small car that was produced from 1969 to 1978. As the successor to the legendary Citroën Ami 6, the Ami 8 has delighted many car fans and is now a popular collector's item.

Technical data of the Citroën Ami 8

The Citroën Ami 8 was offered in various body styles, including sedan, station wagon (Break) and convertible. The vehicle dimensions were 3.87 m long, 1.52 m wide and 1.49 m high. The wheelbase was 2.40 m and the curb weight ranged from 760 kg to 830 kg, depending on the model.

The front suspension consisted of an independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear suspension consisted of a swing axle with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. The steering was rack-and-pinion, and the braking system consisted of front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Citroën Ami 8 engine variants

The Citroën Ami 8 was offered with two different engines. Both were air-cooled two-cylinder boxer engines with a displacement of 602 cc:

Ami 8 602: This engine had a power of 35 hp at 5,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 42 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

Ami 8 Super: The more powerful engine offered 50 hp at 6. 750 rpm and a maximum torque of 57 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Both engines were coupled to a four-speed manual transmission.

Piece numbers

A total of about 1.2 million Citroën Ami 8 were produced in various body styles. The breakdown of unit numbers was as follows:

Ami 8 sedan: about 722,000 units

Ami 8 Break: about 423,000 units

Ami 8 convertible: about 55,000 units

Weak points

The Citroën Ami 8 is known for its weak points, which potential buyers should be aware of:

Rust: As with many older vehicles, rust is a major problem. The wheel arches, lower door edges, floor panels and trunk floor are particularly susceptible.

Electrics: The Citroën Ami 8's electrical systems can be prone to problems, especially in poorly maintained vehicles. Make sure all electrical components, such as headlights, turn signals and instrument panel, are working properly.

Engine and transmission problems: The Ami 8's engines and transmissions can have problems, especially if they are not well maintained. Look for excessive oil consumption, rough idling, and difficulty shifting gears.

Suspension and Steering: Worn suspension components can lead to poor handling. Check shock absorbers, axle suspensions and steering components for wear.

Current market prices and auction results

The Citroën Ami 8 has increased in value in recent years due to its rarity and nostalgic charm. Current market prices (as of April 2023) vary depending on model and condition. Here are some examples of average prices:

Ami 8 Sedan: Between €5,000 and €12,000

Ami 8 Break: Between €6,000 and €14,000

Ami 8 Convertible: Between €10,000 and €20,000

The top auction results are even higher, especially for rare models and cars in exceptional condition.

Competitive models

The Citroën Ami 8 had strong competition from other small cars during its production period. Three of the main competing models were:

Renault 4: Produced from 1961 to 1994, the Renault 4 was a similarly styled car with a practical body and an air-cooled four-cylinder engine. In many ways, the Renault 4 was a direct competitor to the Ami 8.

Fiat 126: The Fiat 126, produced from 1972 to 2000, was another successful small car model. With its rear engine and compact design, the Fiat 126 was a popular city car and a strong rival to the Citroën Ami 8.

Volkswagen Beetle: The iconic Volkswagen Beetle was another competitor to the Citroën Ami 8. With its distinctive shape and air-cooled boxer engine, the Beetle was a worldwide success and provided serious competition for the Ami 8.

Conclusion

The Citroën Ami 8 is a fascinating car with an interesting history and appealing specifications. Its distinctive design and variety of body styles make it a desirable collectible for car enthusiasts. However, if you are considering purchasing an Ami 8, you should be aware of the possible weak points and make sure that the vehicle has been well maintained.

Current market prices and auction results show that the Citroën Ami 8 continues to grow in popularity and value. Therefore, it may be worth investing in a well-preserved example.

Compared to its competitors such as the Renault 4, Fiat 126 and Volkswagen Beetle, the Citroën Ami 8 offers a unique blend of French charm and technical innovation. As a testament to automotive history, the Ami 8 remains an interesting and rewarding collector's item for car enthusiasts around the world.