Description
1974 Citroen Ami Super
Extremely rare Citroen CIMOS assembled car
As the Mini Cooper was to the standard classic Mini, so the Ami Super was to the 602cc Ami-8. The Ami Super is quite like the 602cc Ami-8 .. but uses a stronger chassis and up-rated suspension parts, together with the 1015cc aluminium 4-cylinder OHC boxer engine from the Citroen GS, together with its gearbox and larger inboard disc brakes.
The car was marketed as being a very capable saloon with the power to safely overtake and to cruise at high speed. In fact the engine's power is 60% more than that of the usual 602cc flat twin push rod Ami-8, so the car performance is now very capable and fun.
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This particular car is one of only two known surviving examples assembled by Citroen's satellite factory ; CIMOS in Koper, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia). This factory supplied parts to Citroen and also assembled various models of Citroen. Koper is a town on the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, near the Italian border with a warm climate. Accordingly this car's chassis was in very good condition, needing only a new plate for the foot-wells.
I bought this very low mileage car in Koper, and had it professionally structurally restored in Slovenia, before shipping it to England for my own enjoyment.
The original floors, sills and lower bulkhead were professionally replaced with new panels made from galvanised sheet, by the Slovene A-series Citroen specialist 2cvKaza. They also did some of mechanical restoration - including checking and servicing (or where necessary replacing) the wheel & suspension bearings. New brake slave cylinders & calipers were fitted, and all the brake pipes & fuel line were replaced for new while the body was lifted off the chassis.
As a (retired) design engineer I did much of the mechanical recommissioning & subsequent restoration work myself, including replacing the cam-belts for new Gates components. I fitted a new exhaust pipe and rebuilt the steering rack and other mechanicals. I painted under the car and the interior, restored the engine bay and the car's four wings. For the rear wings I chose to use fibreglass panels which I altered to look like Citroen's M35 with wheel-arch cutouts (I also have the original steel parts)
With repainted wheels and new tyres, the car was inspected, UK registered and finally put back on the road, almost 20 years after it had been parked-up in the back of a garage in Koper.
The car is left hand drive, is UK registered and legally on the road. She drives well the handling is good, and is quicker and more fun than many might expect. Present mileage is : 49, 930 km (31, 025 miles).
For personal reasons the Ami-Super is now for sale. It is on the road and I have used it a few times recently. The gearbox is a little noisy but I have another from a low mileage car (included in this sale). I worked to prevent rust and to service the mechanicals & electrical parts. She is ready for you to paint whatever colour you most like, and the seats would like new covers please (not at all expensive). These things are reflected in this car’s price. Of course I have a big file of receipts from spending and these are very much more than the value I'm asking for the car.
For the full story and hundreds of photos - I have my own website - please drop me a line and I'll send you the link. This tale reflects both the many frustrations as well as the camaraderie of such restorations. The end result is as much a credit to a very dear friend Jani and his family in Slovenia, and also to 2cvKeza.
For European buyers : If this unusual car is of interest to you then sorry but I do not speak other than the English language .. but Google translator is very useful. I live not far from the Ferry Port of Harwich which is convenient to the Europe via the Hook of Holland.
Best regards, Peter
IP6 9JA : is not far off the A12 from London and / A14 from Cambridge. For viewing or collection please drop me a line or call in advance. Same number (above) if you have any questions, or else email me.
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