CITROËN AMI GETS A NEO-RETRO MAKEOVER
The Citroen Ami retro conversion, called the Type-Ami, turns the compact electric quadricycle into a rolling tribute to the post-war Citroen HY van. Created by Italian coachbuilder Caselani with designer David Obendorfer and the Citroen Style Centre, the kit replaces the Ami's body panels with fiberglass parts that mimic the corrugated H-Type look, all without adding weight. The result is a neo-retro city car that pairs modern electric driving with vintage French charm, available either as a complete vehicle or as a bolt-on conversion kit.
What is the Citroen Ami retro conversion?
The iconic Citroen Ami is already widely recognized as a compact and futuristic urban mobility solution, and it has now been reimagined with a neo-retro twist thanks to Caselani. Named the Type-Ami, this redesign is inspired by the legendary Citroen HY van, produced between 1947 and 1981. Designed by David Obendorfer in collaboration with the Citroen Style Centre, under the supervision of Pierre Leclercq, the project transforms the modern electric quadricycle into a nostalgic throwback. The makeover preserves the lightweight structure of the original Ami, as all retrofitted panels are made from fiberglass, ensuring that no weight is added during the conversion process. According to Caselani's official Type-Ami page, the project began as a one-off for the founder before demand turned it into a production conversion.
How does the Citroen Ami old style kit work?
The conversion begins by replacing the original front, rear, doors, and wings with Type-Ami panels, which feature embossed lines and textures reminiscent of the HY van's distinctive design language. Drivers can choose between six solid colors and three metallic shades for further customization, with the option to work with Caselani's team to create bespoke color palettes if desired. The retrofitted model also retains the Citroen Ami's panoramic sunroof and covered hood, but its updated bumpy character gives it an unmistakably vintage vibe. The transformation isn't just about aesthetics: Caselani provides handcrafted kits with all the necessary brackets and screws, allowing both new and pre-owned Citroen Amis to be converted into this stylish head-turner. As Carscoops reports, the complete vehicle starts from around 14,000 euros while the standalone kit is priced near 5,000 euros, before local taxes.
Why the Type-Ami matters for electric city cars
This reimagination of the Citroen Ami is not just a design project but a statement of accessibility and innovation. The Type-Ami, Caselani's fourth product line, makes the concept of automotive customization accessible to a wide audience, aligning with Citroen's vision of sustainable and functional urban mobility. By blending modern eco friendly driving with retro design aesthetics, the collaboration between Obendorfer, Caselani, and Citroen invites a new generation of drivers to embrace history with a contemporary twist. Whether as a unique personal vehicle or part of a mobility fleet, the Type-Ami boldly demonstrates how design can reshape perceptions of what small, electric vehicles can offer in style and spirit. It sits in the same spirit as TheArsenale's own city EVs, such as the Duo by TheArsenale electric microcar and the reworked Smart Bleu electric car.
Where to explore neo-retro electric mobility
The Type-Ami proves that small electric vehicles can carry as much personality as any hypercar. If the neo-retro electric look appeals to you, explore TheArsenale's curated electric and renewable-energy vehicles and the wider cars collection, including the blacked-out Smart Electric Drive Blackout edition.
Photo: CASELANI
