Marque: Citroën - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Citroën
In the early years of the 20th Century, André Citroën ran a gear cutting business in Paris (a firm he had established with Jacques Hinstin), but he also became closely involved with the car manufacturer Mors. Indeed in 1908 he was called upon to manage and re structure this company when it hit financial difficulties. During a visit to America in 1912, Citroën studied the advanced mass production…
Citroën 2CV/Bijou
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1948-90 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon/cabriolet - Engine:
Overhead valve air-cooled twin-cylinder 375cc 9bhp; 425cc 12bhp; 602cc 24bhp (later examples 29bhp) - 0-60 mph:
602cc 32+ sec; (29 bhp versions 27+ sec) - Top Speed:
375cc: 40+ mph; 425cc: 50 mph (later examples 60+ mph); 602cc: 70+ mph - MPG:
40-60 mpg
PAST: Cheap and minimalistic the essential concept remained unchanged from 1948 although the legendary ‘corrugated’ bonnet was swapped in favour of plain panelling in 1961 and imports to Britain in quantity of 602cc 2CVs did not commence until 1974. Special Edition Charleston versions arrived in 1981, and from 1982 customers could choose between basic Club and more opulent Special models. For British buyers, the end of the production road came in 1990.
PRESENT: The original Tin Snail is possibly more desirable than ever in these stark days! Super practical and economical, the severe lack of power is no real hardship as they cruise ok and handle well. Basic but that’s their charm. Dyane is much underrated.
FUTURE: Very popular with similar support, prices are also steadily rising and you can have one built to spec.
Citroën Ami
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1961-69 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon five-door estate - Engine:
Ami 6 Ami 8 Overhead valve air-cooled twin-cylinder 602cc 26bhp (later models 31bhp); Ami Super Overhead camshaft air-cooled flat four cylinder 1015cc 54bhp - 0-60 mph:
Ami 6 40+ sec; Ami 8 31+ sec; Ami Super, 17+ sec - Top Speed:
All 70-90+ mph - MPG:
All 30-50mpg
PAST: An upmarket take on the 2CV but with much more modern (yet still typically French) estate-like styling. Tourisme and slightly more expensive Confort versions, with either saloon or estate bodywork, were offered from ‘66. Power was usefully increased from October ‘68. Ami 6 was discontinued ‘69, when a revised and roomier disc braked Ami 8 was introduced. Amicable but ugly it was discontinued in the spring of 1978 although Ami Super arrived in ‘73 and employed the Ami 8’s body shell, but was powered by the flat four air cooled GS engine.
PRESENT: A cheap and characterful working classic that would make an ideal runabout for the family. GS powered models are quite lively, too.
FUTURE: Lacks the style and image of the 2CV so prices and values are lower but resto costs are the same. Novelty value but a good working classic.
