The Italian firm Caselani makes real the retro Citroën Ami that we all wanted

The Italian firm Caselani, specialised in retro conversions of vehicles from the French manufacturer Citroën, has just surprised us all with the presentation of the Type-Ami, a package of parts that transforms the Citroën Ami electric city car, into a retro model with an appearance typical of the 1950s or 1960s.

The Type-Ami is inspired by the Citroën Type H van of 1947, which was sold until the early 1980s. This van, unmistakable for its corrugated sheet metal design, was a very popular vehicle in Europe, especially in France, where it was on sale for 34 years. Its practical design, large load capacity and simple, reliable mechanics have made it go down in history as one of the models most appreciated by European drivers.

Recently presented at the Retromobile fair in Paris, this conversion kit is offered in multiple colours and is made of fibreglass parts that can be fixed to Ami models using brackets and screws, both on new and used vehicles. The price of the Type-Ami conversion kit starts at €4,440, but including paint the price rises to €5,100.

In addition, Caselani is also taking orders for a version of the Ami already converted for €11,390. However, there is still no specific date for the first deliveries, as the Italian firm is currently in negotiations with Citroën to make this project a reality.

Lovers of all things retro are in for a treat

As can be seen in the images, the front with a fake radiator grille, the new rear skirt and the door panels imitating the corrugated sheet metal of the Citroën Type H van give the Type-Ami a retro look that will surely win over more than a few people.

In any case, it must not be forgotten that this conversion kit is purely aesthetic and the vehicle has not undergone any kind of mechanical or driving-behaviour improvement. The electric motor is the same 6 kW unit, and the 5.5 kWh battery pack has not changed either. It remains to be seen, however, whether fitting this conversion kit will penalise the vehicle’s range, although since all the parts are fibreglass, their weight should not be a problem.

With the presentation of the Type-Ami, Caselani has taken another step in its specialisation in retro reconversions of Citroën models. The Italian firm already presented in 2022 a modified ë-Berlingo inspired by the Citroën 2CV AU of the 1950s, which the company named Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette.

On the other hand, Caselani has also created a direct successor to the Type H based on the Citroën Jumper, which is available in multiple variants ranging from the motorhome to the classic delivery van, and even two different versions of a food truck. Unlike the Type-Ami, the Caselani Type H is not electric.