Citroen vehicles have roots spanning back in France for more than 100 years, but founder Andre Citroen’s history goes back even farther than that, as prior to getting involved in the automotive business he was producing weapons during World War I. His early transportation visions have been compared to those of Henry Ford, as Andre saw the need for a mass-produced, good-quality car that most potential buyers would be able to afford. The result was the Citroen Type A, which went on sale in 1919. Fast-forward 42 years and the company introduced its Ami model in 1961, which saw production all the way through 1978 with over 1.8 million units being manufactured. While plentiful in France, these are not often spotted in the U.S., and if you find the idea of owning one of these cars intriguing this 1968 Citroen Ami Break may be worth a look. It’s located in Stanton, California, and can be seen here on Craigslist with an asking price of $19.500.
Barn Finds would like to take this opportunity to thank reader Pat L. for the great tip on this one! The story goes that this Ami wagon (or “break”, as the french call wagons) was a well-cared-for estate car on the French Riviera in its early days, and didn’t succumb to the rust and decay issues that caused many examples to meet their demise. A French company in California was looking for a centerpiece to display in their lobby, and acquired this Ami to serve in that capacity. The car was sent to Quebec, Canada for restoration and a respray in 2014, but the company’s plans never materialized and the car ended up being put into storage instead.
The new paint is a Bordeau Red color, with body panels said to be in nice condition and fitting well. Chrome pieces, trim, and glass are all also said to be in nice shape. The owner describes the car as a knockout hit at any car show, with lots of quirky French styling cues that add to its charm. There’s also a video provided with more details about this Ami break.
Inside, the Citroen has new carpeting, nice seats, and a nice headliner. The starter switch has been upgraded to an upgraded push-button unit, plus the car also has a new starter in place as well. Everything we can see in there seems to be in good shape, and speaking of quirks, you’ve got to love that single-stalk steering wheel! I’m not sure how stable it is, but for a conversation starter, it ranks pretty high.
Under the hood is a 602 cc air-cooled engine, not exactly a powerhouse but it has recently had a tune-up, new points, and a fresh carburetor rebuild. The motor is connected to a manual transmission, but no word on whether or not it has received any recent maintenance. It’s probably also important to note that the title has been lost, however, a bill of sale will be provided for the buyer. What are your thoughts on this 1968 Citroen Ami Break?
I’d take a break.
This is the same Ami that has been bouncing around for the last year or so.
https://barnfinds.com/rare-wagon-1969-citroen-ami-6-break/
I wonder why nobody has worked on getting a title for this car. Others have mentioned it’s not too bad to do in California but this thing has been floating around for over a year and a half. Maybe it’s the non-op fees?
If you sell it to someone in another state,
& they register it there,there are no back fees owed.
My Midget had something like $750 in back fees,
because the non-op hadn’t been renewed every year.
When I moved to Virginia I didn’t have to pay anything
over regular title/registration fees,& put it on Antique plates
which is only $50,& good forever.
Too bad somebody crushed the hood.
Kinda like hood by Salvadore Dali.
Lovely cars. Single-spoke wheels’re fine; you can shoogle them if you try hard, but you won’t notice any movement in normal use.
Put your wallet away, and slowly step back from this thing.
Call girls usually are expensive.
I know, auto styling varies from country to country, but what in great Caesars ghost, were they thinking? It’s unconventional is almost every way. The French build great cars ( what else did the French make, besides French Fries and toast?) and if you are one of those rapidly vanishing types that just must be different, you can’t go wrong here. I’m sure there’s plenty of parts overseas,( AutoZone of Paris?) just be prepared to wait 6 months to get them. I could easily see our own Scotty G in this,,,
Love Citroens, but the price is crazy. You can buy a real good DS for that money.
At a realistic $5,000, it would be a worthwhile project and a hoot to drive.
How could anybody design such a seriously ugly ( ugally ) looking car in 1968?? It beggars belief?? Citroen musta had a design school for the blind with the prerequisite being no taste. Unbelievable and from the country that’s supposed to have bought us fashion? Wow??
Looks like some lard-ass sat on the aluminum hood!
The “World’s Ugliest Car” was introduced in 1960, to fill the gap between Citroën’s 2CV and DS. Form follows function, and the function in this case is practical, economical, fuel-efficient, dependable and very comfortable transportation for four adults and their luggage. This is a cool and unique little car with some interesting engineering in it! I like it a lot.
Bear in mind that the Ami was based on the 2cv! It shares the same chassis, suspension and engine type. Ugly but reliable…
This is a great little car, I was interested in it when I first saw it, but without a valid title it is an absolute no sale. No matter what it takes to get it titled, it will increase the value by more.
“…your thoughts…”
f a n t a s t i q u e !!!
thought it wuz a Scottie write-up, pick.
I’d daily it w/a big smile (like my other ‘olders’).
I prefer a Ds/ID Saffari wagon tho. So french!
U got it wrong on “DS” though: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DS_Automobiles
as it needs a number and ‘break’ or wagon, both after the Ds followed by ‘Citroen’.
fantastic little cars, very economical, very comfortable, easy to maintain, cheap to run and it you find one with the 1000cc GS 4 cyl engine…. you got a serious little rocket. i had plenty of them and loved them all.
I had the sedan version of this car, a 1964 Ami 6. Never did find out what the 6 stood for. And it was pink. Ugliest car in creation. But it sure did attract attention in NH around the 1980s
Absolutely love the quirkiness of the Ami sedan. Would own one in a heartbeat because it’s so bizarre and different.
I lived in Switzerland close to France as a child in the sixties. These Ami 6 were the laughing stock of us anglo-saxon kids !