In the late fifties, Citroën's model line up comprised the 2 CV and the D Series, the former being designed to cater for the bottom end of the market and the latter aimed at the upper echelons. There was a yawning chasm between these two extremes and in the late 1950s, the company undertook a number of design studies including the Cocinelle and the C-60 in an attempt to plug the gap.

Based on the proven underpinnings of the 2CV but with a much less rustic body, the Ami 6, despite its somewhat odd appearance, sold well - especially in Break form.

Right the Ami 6 together with the other two vehicles in the range, the DS/ID and 2CV at the Paris Salon in October 1960

The name, Ami 6, ("Love" in Italian) continued the punning humour of the DS (in French this means Goddess) and the ID (which means Idea). The interior borrowed the single spoke steering wheel, door handles and minor controls of the DS and could be fitted with the Trafficlutch.

The Ami 6 was the first car in the world to be fitted with rectangular headlights - a styling motif that would subsequently spread worldwide.

The Ami 6's target market was clearly women judging by the publicity photos.

The Export version featured four round headlights (below) - this is a US market model.

Ami 6 Club also featured four round headlights (above)

An ambulance version of the Break was supplied by the factory

For the US market, four round , sealed beam headlamps were fitted, together with different front indicators, a stainless steel grill and oversized bumpers.  The rear also featured these bumpers, four red lights and a different mounting for the licence plate.