FYI: Citroën Ami Gets a Quirky Makeover with Air Suspension, Creating the ‘Slami’
It’s easy to adore pricey hypercars with blistering max speeds, colossal horsepower, and other supreme features. However, a true magic happens when enthusiasts infuse love into the black sheep of the automotive world. One stellar example is the Citroën Ami. This low-speed, all-electric city vehicle, whose name fittingly means “friend” in French, boasts a top speed under 30 mph and a modest range of slightly over 40 miles. Though it won’t be gracing U.S. roads, its newfound adaptation, the ‘Slami’, is turning heads.
The Ami’s Transformation
Josh Gresswell from Gresswell’s Custom Shop has ingeniously equipped the Citroën Ami with adjustable air springs, morphing it into the ‘Slami.’ This inventive alteration is more than a quirky experiment—it’s a testament to how car enthusiasts can breathe new life into underappreciated models.
A Unique Design
One of the Ami’s visually striking features is its symmetrical design. The front and back look nearly identical, accentuated by rear-hinged doors that open backward. The Ami is made almost entirely from plastic, both inside and out, presenting unique challenges for customization.
Innovative Customization
Given the lack of kits designed specifically for incorporating air springs into a Citroën Ami, Gresswell had to be innovative. The Ami is shorter than eight feet, leaving limited space under the plastic body panels to conceal the hardware necessary for air suspension. Gresswell’s solution involved modifying struts from a Subaru WRX for the front suspension and crafting a unique mechanism to attach air springs to the rear.
The Investment
The complexity and labor-intensive nature of this build mean the cost could rival the price of the Ami itself, making this a rare and unlikely modification. Nonetheless, the effort behind this transformation highlights a deep-seated passion for automotive innovation.
A European Phenomenon
Though it may seem eccentric to many, especially in the U.S., the ‘Slami’ evokes genuine enthusiasm. Europe’s admiration for the Ami, which can even be driven by teenagers without a driver’s license, underscores its cultural and practical significance. Seeing a Citroën Ami so dramatically altered would certainly prompt excitement and curiosity.
Conclusion
The Citroën Ami’s evolution into the ‘Slami’ exemplifies the extraordinary creativity and affection some enthusiasts have for their vehicles. These passionate projects break the mold of conventional car culture, offering refreshing perspectives and celebrating the unique charm of misfit cars.
For more updates and insights, connect with us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
