Italian Designer Massimo Biancone Gives Citroen Ami a Retro Makeover with the Ami Charleston Edition
by AutoExpert | 31 January, 2024
Citroen Ami has proven to be a great source of inspiration for customized models, therefore it’s not surprising that it inspired a new limited edition. This one doesn’t come from Citroen, but from the Italian designer Massimo Biancone who modified the fully electric heavy quadricycle into a contemporan recognition to the 2CV Charleston.
The 2CV Citroen was first introduced in 1948, while the Charleston trim with the Art-Deco livery debuted in 1980 and remained on sale until the end of production in 1990. The new Ami Charleston By Biacnonce is completed in the classic Rouge Delage / Noir two-tone paint finish and is barred from the Citroen badges.
The major changes hide within the crust. Inside, the single-spoke steering wheel, which is a nod to the classic 2CV throws a shadow over the leather upholstery featuring a houndstooth pattern, and higher-quality materials.
The add-up includes a central rear-view mirror, a Bluetooth audio system, rubber mats, and more comfortable seats.
However, there is no A/C, so you have to lean on the tinted windows and canvas roof to cool down during hot weather.
Last but not least, Charleston decided to keep the 8 HP electric motor and the 5.5 kWh battery pack rocking a 43-mile range between charges.
According to the official site, Bianco planned to assemble 150 units of the retro-themed special editions. The designer has already gathered 32 preorders, four units being currently in production. The price tag for Ami Charleston by Biancone hasn't been announced yet, but it will cost more than the standard heavy quadricycle.
Massimo Biancone is not the first independent designer to customize the Citroen Ami, Biancone follows Massimo Alba and Rossana Orlandi’s example.