Citroën Dyane 6, Worthy Successor to the 2 CV?

Designed for "charming people," as its advertising slogan for the Spanish market claimed, the Citroën Dyane 6 faced demands as specific as those of its relative, the legendary Citroën 2CV. The then-president of the brand, Pierre Bercot, wanted to respond to increasingly strong competition with a model that would enter the market as an intermediate option between the spartan simplicity and reliability of the Citroën 2 CV and a mid-range urban line represented by the Citroën Ami 6.

With the Design Department overwhelmed by projects such as the development of future Ami 8 and GS models and the updating of the DS, Bercot entrusted Project AY, which would give rise to the Dyane 6, to Louis Bionier, an experienced professional. Since 1929, he had been leading the Styling team of the recently acquired French brand Panhard, where he created legendary models like the Dyna and groundbreaking prototypes like the Panhard Dynavia, a visionary study on applying aerodynamics to small vehicles. Known as "Godfather" within the French brand, the specifications for the Citroën Dyane 6, his last professional project, imposed strict limits on his omnipotence: the new vehicle had to be based on the chassis of the Citroën 2CV and had to be manufactured on its same assembly line, which limited its dimensions, equipment, and engines. In fact, to optimize costs, it had to incorporate elements and technologies already existing in both the "Two Horses" and the Ami 6.

With these factors in mind, Bionier presented his proposal shortly thereafter. Starting from the aesthetics of the 2 CV, his prototype integrated headlights surrounded by a chrome frame into the front fenders of the bodywork, aesthetically finishing off the fenders. The windshield was higher than its predecessor's, adopting a more elevated position to increase visibility. However, the trunk did not convince. Citroën's Chief Designer Robert Opron and Jacques Charreton were tasked with perfecting this initial sketch and redesigning the rear with interior space and a tailgate that initially did not convince but would become essential over time.

Finally, the project was given the green light, and the Citroën Dyane 6 was presented as one of Double Chevron's great novelties at the Paris Motor Show in 1967. Its silhouette was similar to that of the Citroën 2CV but featured more angular shapes fashionable at that time. Its hood was less curved and stood out for its large doors.

In addition to featuring a vertical tailgate, its trunk can be considered a predecessor in space utilization and modularity of current Citroëns due to its spaciousness and modularity: since its launch, it offered the possibility of folding down rear seats to further increase cargo capacity.

The interior, designed by Henri Dargent, retained tubular seats and canvas upholstery from the Two Horses and introduced a futuristic plastic dashboard with special attention to ergonomics: all functionalities—from indicators to gear lever or radio—were within easy reach.

Commercially, the Citroën Dyane 6 capitalized on its virtues such as low fuel consumption, economical maintenance, excellent brakes, stability, and suspension until reaching 1,443,493 units produced between 1968 and 1983, of which 233,104 came off Vigo's assembly lines. Additionally, it had a van version called Citroën Acadiane or Dyane 6 400 that was manufactured until 1987 and nearly reached a quarter million vehicles.

It was a great success in Spain and Italy where advertising campaigns with slogans like "For charming people" or "The car in Jeans" maximized its cheerful and carefree side. It has left a mark on popular culture in both countries. Prominently featured in cinematic productions during the '70s and '80s such as Spanish films "Gary Cooper Who Art in Heaven" or "Going Down to Moro" and countless Italian films; today it is a key element for authenticity in movies and series set in that era like "Marshland" or "Tell Me How It Happened." Its robustness and longevity are testified by contemporary films like "Nora," "Carmina or Blow Up," or "The Pier."