Of Friends and Horses

Talking about the Citroen CX a few posts back joggled my memory (it needs that now I'm in my dotage) what was I saying? Oh yes,memories about a Citroen Ami I had the pleasure (?) of owning.The Ami was Citroen's attempt at producing a prettier car than the 2CV (deux cheveaux).Didn't really work,as far as I could see,although there's no denying the robust mechanicals and 'interesting' suspension inherited from the 2CV made it every bit as functional.

A stranger to the vehicle would look at the strange, chromed walking- stick protruding from the stark dashboard and wonder what you did with that.Well,'that' was the gear lever and initially I found its machinations a trial, until I understood the Gallic logic behind it and then it was as easy as falling over after 18 pints.Twist the lever to the left and push forward and there was first.Keeping over to the left pull the lever backwards and there's second.In the neutral position,twist the lever to the right and push forward,you've now got third;pulling back got you fourth.I hate to admit it but I can't remember where reverse was.Perhaps someone can let me know.Although all that sounds convoluted,it was really a very quick and slick gearchange,which worked nicely with the engine,all 602cc of it.Okay,maybe not the most impressive of specs but the whole idea worked well despite first impressions.Marry that up with plush seating and tenacious road holding and the little Ami/2CV was more of a vehicle than meets the eye.And we haven't even touched on fuel economy.You'd think with only two cylinders and 602cc that you'd have to rev the thing to get anywhere;and so you would,but being air-cooled meant this engine could be revved all day.Ah,you say,doesn't that impact on economy? Well,I was quite happy with 45mpg,some might moan.Not me.

If I was going to carp,it would be about the amount of body roll,(to observers,alarming)but nevertheless the Ami stuck like glue to the road.The second moan would be about its tendancy to misfire,something I never really sorted,but when it ran right it was a great little engine. Take my advice and: Click Here!

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