The Citroen Ami 6 was introduced in 1961 as the more upmarket version of the 2CV. On the strengthened 2 CV underpinnings a larger and heavier body was placed that offered more interior space and more luxury. The design of the bodywork somehow made the 2CV look an art masterpiece. Not only did the large, close together lights make the car look crosseyed, the rear window placed in a sharp inward angle that is the total opposite of the norm. Well, unless the norm is a Mazda Carol. The thought behind that was that it would keep the rear window clean when driving in rain or snow. It's a "timeless" design because it looks weird at every angle.
Because of the extra weight and the very soft and supple suspension inherited from the original 2 CV chassis driving was sometimes more like sailing. The steering was heavy and direct and cornering at speed caused extreme body roll. On the upside the suspension lay-out made the Ami suitable for driving on rough country roads and even terrain.
The Ami 8 debuted in 1969 with a host of mechanical upgrades, and a slightly different look. The caracteristic reverse-rake rear screen was replaced by a fast back and the frontend got a smoother look. Mechanically the car was much as before although in September 1969, the Ami 8 became the first A series to be fitted with front inboard disc brakes.
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