Uroš Semeja and me - we both have spot softs for old Citroëns. We've attended many oldtimer meetings and contacted people who own vintage cars. Ami 6, with its rear-oriented roof (although bearing similar design as Ford Anglia Torino), represents unique vehicle, which is nowdays on slovenian roads rarer than DS. The oldtimer trend is catching on very rapidly and the cars left are being restored. Our estimate is less than 10 cars are left here, amongst them only two roadworthy at the moment.
Some two years ago I read the advert, that some guy in Maribor had a "six" for sale. I did telephone him, but I was short of money at the moment and planed to take a trip there next month.
|
Parked under the trees... |
Uroš (and me to!) is still thrilled... |
Message quickly found the way through vintage Citroën fans and Rok's got there first. The prize was ultra-rare (here in Slovenia) Ami 6 limo. My priority has always been AMI 6 BREAK (and ami 8 sedan), but in recent times that has been reversed. Sedan 6 is such an odd design, that it has become the No.1 on my list. I read the SPAK magazine from time to time and have got to know that Rok Ulaga has bought the car in question. My jobmate is his neighbour and he told me about him, so Uroš and me have decided to pay a visit to Rok and his cars.
|
Mud was plentiful on the road there, but when we got there, we were thrilled with the scenery; there stood the light-green 6 and 2CV fourgonette, which has been restored to high standard. The owner was happy to share some of his "pets" with us.
He told us, he uses the 6 for daily transport. He works with handicapped children (so do I) and he drives everyday (in winter, in the summer ami rests) for 40 kms to job and back. He had a sack of potatoes in the trunk and he lives the philosophy: IF YOU HAVE AN OLD CAR, USE AND ENJOY IT! Someone might keep a car preserved somewhere and took a ride every once in a while, but that wouldn't be the fun of it. I confess both philosophies. | Uroš and the ami owner Rok. |
It was cold outside. Rok wearing only a sweater, with cigarette in his hand, he told us many facts about his car. He started the engine. It came in immediatelly, rolled on greatly for some 15 seconds and then shut off. Today he's not willing, said Rok. He even talks to it, but I believe that. If you do care for your car, it will behave more reliable. My first GS blew the engine when someone other was behind the wheel. But in the end I couldn't blame him for that. It could have been mechanical failure. |
Under the bonnet... |
Oooohh, wish I had one of these...! |
Uroš quickly came to sit behind the wheel; he seemed to be perfectly happy with the car! Along the 6 stood the 2CV fourgonette, on which Rok has spend 11.000 DEM so far. A nice choice for some holiday trip to Greece, for example! |
Earlier rear design... |
Really a nice piece of history to have... |
Well, almost heaven... |
We stepped into the house, rolled some reggae on through fine speakers and while holding a cup of hot tea in our hands, wondered through the Citroën photos of Rok and me, which I have brought along. The evening came soon and Uroš had a gig to play with his band California, so we said goodbye to Rok and his cars, promising ourselves we'll stay in touch. A fabulous trip into the history!
If you're from Slovenia and know of such a car (for sale or internet-presentation), contact me via my e-mail. Have a nice ride!
|