France 1966: Citroen Ami 6 snaps up top spot

Citroen Ami 6

* See the Top 20 best-selling models by clicking on the title! Many thanks to Rene *

The Citroen Ami 6, characterised by an unusual reverse-raked rear window, was launched in 1961 to bridge the gap in the Citroen range between the luxurious DS and the frugal 2CV. Its sales went up steadily until 1966 when the Ami 6 managed to snap up the best-seller title with 162,000 sales vs. 160,000 for the Renault 4L, the highest sales volume achieved by any model in France so far…

Renault 4L

Because the 4L is more successful in export markets it keeps the #1 ranking production-wise at 226,000 units vs. 180,000 for the Ami 6, and celebrates its millionth unit produced on February 1. 1966 would be the only year the Ami 6 ranked 1st in sales in France, and as at 2011 the only Citroen to rank #1 at year-end in France in 70 years…

Citroen DS

The Citroen 2CV rounds up the podium with 107,000 sales followed closely by the Peugeot 404 at 106,000 units. The Peugeot 204 is #6 for its first full year of sales at 95,000 units while the Renault 16, also launched in 1965, is at #9 with 68,000 sales. Notice the Citroen DS/ID at #8 with 69,000 units.

Opel Kadett

The Opel Kadett is the best-selling foreign model in France in 1966, ranking #12 overall with 20,500 sales, ahead of the Fiat 850 #13 at 18,500 units, the Ford 12M #14 with 14,200 sales and the Opel Rekord #15 at 12,450 units. Other imports in the Top 20 include the Austin/Morris Mini at #16, the VW Beetle at #18 and the Fiat 500 at #20.

Full Year 1966 Top 20 Ranking Table below.