"Is My New Obsession with Electric Vehicles? This Citroën Ami Transformed to Look Like a 1950s H-Van."
An Italian coachbuilder has transformed a small quadricycle into a masterpiece of retro style.
The Italian company Caselani has unveiled a charming project called Type-Ami, which transforms one of the smallest electric vehicles available on the market, the Citroën Ami. While this quadricycle has many virtues, its design is not among the most outstanding features. To address this, Caselani focuses on modifying modern Citroën vehicles, covering them with fiberglass to give them a look reminiscent of the classic Type-H van from the late 1940s.
The corrugated metal exterior panels and angular lines are concepts that have marked the history of industrial design, and they have recently gained popularity again thanks to their use in food trucks and hipster-style cafes. Although Caselani has worked on models inspired by the Berlingo, Relay, and Dispatch vans, the Type-Ami is the one that truly stands out.
For a price of €13,900 (approximately $13,400), the company offers a complete vehicle, including the option to replace the plastic seats and steering wheel with faux leather finishes in a diamond pattern. This represents an additional cost of around $3,000 over the standard Ami price, but buyers can choose from six colors from the 1950s or three more modern metallic shades. Additionally, 'steelie' style wheels are included.
For those who already own a Citroën Ami, there is the option to purchase a DIY body kit for €4,440 (around $4,500). This kit transforms the Ami with corrugated side panels and a distinctive front end, embossed with the name 'Type-Ami' in retro white lettering. The kit includes all the necessary screws and brackets for personal installation, though this may present certain challenges.
It's important to note that the Citroën Ami is classified as a heavy quadricycle in France, and due to its modest 8-horsepower electric motor and restricted top speed, it can be driven by individuals aged 14 and older, offering a range of approximately 46 miles before its 5.5 kWh battery needs recharging.
The Ami has been gaining popularity in Europe as an affordable alternative for urban mobility, appearing in various car-sharing schemes and being purchased by consumers looking for a simple means of transportation. The initial idea of Caselani, which emerged as a personal project for its founder, Fabrizio Caselani, has become a publicly available offering in response to growing demand.
