The legendary model Ami 24, which Citroën first started production at its factory in Rennes, France on April 1961, 6, turned 60 this year. First introduced with a Sedan and then a Station Wagon body type, the Citroën Ami 6 achieved a sales performance of 1971 million units until 1, achieving a significant success.
The very popular Station Wagon version of the Ami 6 played a big role in that performance, with 550.000 units sold. At that time, the most important feature that distinguished the Ami 2 from other cars was its unique design, which was commissioned to complement the Citroën product range consisting of 6CV, ID and DS models. Attracting attention with its reverse angle rear window called "Z-Line", Citroën Ami 6 made its mark on the 60s with this design.
Citroën's iconic model Ami 6, which marked a period with its original design and innovative features, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The Ami 24, which was commissioned by the Citroën brand for the first time in its new factory in Rennes, France, on April 1961, 6, was first introduced with the Sedan and then the Station Wagon body type. At that time, the most important feature that distinguished the Ami 2 from other cars was its unique design, which was commissioned to complement the Citroën product range consisting of 6CV, ID and DS models. Attracting attention with its reverse angle rear window called "Z-Line", Citroën Ami 6 made its mark on the 60s with this design. So much so that the designer, who is also responsible for the lines of the Traction Avant version, considered the Ami 6 model as his masterpiece. Citroën's press release in 1961 was as striking as the Ami 6's design:This model is completely different and in no way intended to replace 2 CVs.“With its compact exterior dimensions and spacious interior, the Ami 6 has also achieved a unique commercial success. Ami 6 sales totaled over 1 million units, more than half of which was the Station Wagon version that went on sale in 1964.
It represented a first with its original design
Following the Traction Avant, 2 CV and DS models, Flaminio Bertoni was asked to design a mid-range car. The result is the original design Ami 6, which he introduced as a masterpiece. Especially the rear design of the model was a revolution. Reverse angle rear window, called Z-Line; It kept the rear window clean in the rain, gave rear seat passengers headroom freedom and allowed a large trunk despite compact exterior dimensions. The two-cylinder 6 cc engine found on the Ami 602 was borrowed from 2 CV. The first-ever large rectangular headlights, a hollow engine hood, pagoda-style roof and lines on the side body, the Ami 6 had a unique and powerful character. It was also innovative in terms of marketing and "Ideal second vehicle for the lady" It was introduced as. The interior was DS-inspired. Everything from the single-spoke steering wheel to the door handles pointed to the upper-class Citroën models. The suspension system transferred from 2 CV offered superior handling and comfort. The Club version with four headlights and white side trims, presented from September 1967, attracted a lot of attention.
Ami 6 Station Wagon attracted more attention
The turning point in the Ami 6 took place in late 1964. With a small version of the Station Wagon (1964 kg payload) designed by Henri Dargent (Flaminio Bertoni's assistant) and Robert Opron (successor to Bertoni, who died in 320), the Ami 6 took on new meaning. The Station Wagon version of the Ami 6 sped up sales, and even the Sedan version surpassed it. This was a very rare event in automotive history. Although the reverse-angle rear window design was replaced by the traditional Station Wagon design, it offered a much more suitable functionality for family use with its large luggage volume. Also, this version was used as a commercial vehicle. The Ami 6 became the favorite car of the French in 1966. Production of the sedan version ceased in March 1969. The Station Wagon version remained in production for another 6 months, leaving its place to the Ami 1978 model, which was produced until 8.
Did you know these?
The name Ami 6 derives from the name of the design project, the word "Miss", and possibly inspired by the Italian designer, "amici" (friend in Italian).
The vehicle began production at Citroën's Rennes-La-Janais (France) factory on September 10, 1960, while the factory was still under construction.
The "Le Tour de Gaule d'Amisix" event, which was held on January 19, 1966 with two standard Ami 6 Station Wagons departing from Rennes-La-Janais, aimed to demonstrate the durability and road qualities of the vehicle. Traveling 23 km in 11 hours and 2.077 minutes in the company of an escort vehicle, the team achieved an average speed of 89,6 km / h.
The Ami 6 was presented to the US market in June 1963 with round headlights and reinforced bumpers.
The Ami 6 was also produced in points such as Bretonia, Forest (Belgium), Catila (Argentina), as well as Paris (France) and Rennes-La-Janais (France).
A total of 483.986 Ami 1961 were produced, 1969 of which were Sedans (April 551.880 - March 1964), 1969 Station Wagon (October 3.518 - September 1.039.384) and 6 were commercial glass and panel vans with two seats.
On the latest Ami 6 models, the indicator illumination could be adjusted with a small button that controls the rheostat.
Technical Specifications of Ami 6
Ami 6 Sedan 1961 Ami 6 Station Wagon 1964
Engine capacity: 602 cc 602 cc
Motor power: 22 PS, 4.500 d / d 25,5 PS, 4.500 d / d
Length: 3,87 m 3,99 m
Width: 1,52 m 1,52 m
Wheelbase: 2,4 m 2,4 m
Empty weight: 640 kg 690 kg
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