What car was popular in 1960?

In 1960, several cars stood out: in the United States, the Chevrolet Impala was among the top sellers, the new Ford Falcon became a breakout compact hit, and globally the Volkswagen Beetle was hugely popular; in the UK, the newly launched BMC Mini captured the public’s imagination. Below, we unpack how “popular” looked across markets and why these particular models resonated.

United States: Best-sellers and breakout models

America’s 1960 car market sat at the crossroads of two trends: full-size cruisers still dominated driveways, yet a new wave of smaller, thriftier compacts debuted to answer changing tastes. That made for a year in which a traditional best-seller kept its momentum while fresh entries drew massive first-year interest.

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet’s Impala was one of the best-selling individual nameplates in the U.S. for 1960, reflecting Americans’ continued appetite for spacious, stylish full-size cars. Offered with a range of sixes and V8s, the 1960 Impala balanced comfort, performance, and mid-century design—cleaner and lower than the flamboyant fins of the late 1950s—helping it dominate family-car shopping lists.

Ford Falcon

Launched for the 1960 model year, the Ford Falcon became an overnight success in the new compact segment, with more than 435,000 sold in its debut model year. Its formula—simple engineering, low price, good fuel economy, and roomy packaging—made it the bestselling U.S. compact of 1960 and a bellwether for the coming shift toward smaller cars.

Chevrolet Corvair

Also new for 1960, Chevrolet’s rear-engined, air-cooled Corvair delivered something truly different for American buyers. With about 250,000 sold in its first year, the Corvair proved that innovation—flat-floor packaging, independent suspension, and distinctive styling—could sell at scale in a market still dominated by front-engine, rear-drive norms.

Rambler (AMC)

American Motors’ Rambler line (including the Rambler American and Classic) built on late-1950s momentum to cement AMC’s third-place standing in the U.S. market around 1960. Rambler’s pitch—compact dimensions, efficiency, and value—aligned with the same buyer priorities that boosted Falcon and Corvair.

Europe and beyond: Global favorites

Outside the United States, 1960’s most popular cars tended to be smaller, lighter, and more economical, reflecting different fuel prices, urban environments, and taxation schemes. Several models became national icons or global staples.

Volkswagen Beetle

By 1960, the Volkswagen Beetle had firmly established itself as one of the world’s most popular cars, with high-volume production and broad international demand. Its appeal—durability, simplicity, and low running costs—made it a sales leader in numerous countries and an increasingly common sight in North America as imports surged.

BMC Mini (Austin/Morris Mini)

Introduced in 1959, the Mini took off in 1960 in the UK and soon across Europe. Its revolutionary packaging—transverse engine, front-wheel drive, and wheels pushed to the corners—delivered extraordinary interior space for its size and nimble handling, quickly turning it into both a practical favorite and, soon, a cultural icon.

Other notable 1960 nameplates

Beyond the headline-grabbers, several other models were widely purchased and recognizable on the roads of 1960, reflecting regional preferences and the era’s mix of full-size and compact choices.

• Ford Galaxie (U.S.): A popular full-size alternative to Chevrolet’s big cars, with broad trim and engine choices.
• Chevrolet Bel Air/Biscayne (U.S.): More affordable full-size Chevrolets that shared the showroom spotlight with the Impala.
• Renault Dauphine (Europe/U.S.): A small French saloon that enjoyed strong sales in the late 1950s and remained common in 1960.
• Fiat 500 and Fiat 600 (Italy/Europe): Affordable city cars that mobilized postwar Italy and stayed in high demand.
• Citroën 2CV (France/Europe): Beloved for its minimalism and versatility, especially in rural Europe.
• Opel Rekord (Germany/Europe): A mainstream family car popular across continental Europe.

Taken together, these models illustrate how “popular” varied by price, size, and market—yet each met the moment with the right blend of practicality, price, and personality.

Why these cars resonated in 1960

A mix of economic, cultural, and engineering factors drove 1960’s favorites to the top. Understanding those forces helps explain why full-size American sedans and frugal compacts could both succeed.

1. Shifting economics: Rising suburban living and long commutes favored comfortable full-size cars in the U.S., while higher fuel costs in Europe sustained demand for small, efficient models.
2. New compact wave: Freshly introduced compacts (Falcon, Corvair, and later the Valiant) matched emerging concerns about price and efficiency without abandoning practicality.
3. Design transition: Styling moved from dramatic 1950s fins to cleaner, lower profiles—seen in the 1960 Impala and its competitors—which broadened appeal.
4. Packaging breakthroughs: The Mini’s front-drive layout and the Corvair’s rear engine showed how novel engineering could unlock space and driving dynamics in small footprints.
5. Globalization of cars: Imports like the Beetle achieved scale and reliability that earned trust—and market share—far from their home countries.

These themes set the tone for the decade, as compacts gained ground and engineering innovation spread across segments and continents.

Summary

If you asked a U.S. buyer in 1960, the Chevrolet Impala was a go-to full-size favorite, while the brand-new Ford Falcon became the year’s compact sensation (with the innovative Chevrolet Corvair close behind). Globally, the Volkswagen Beetle was one of the most popular cars on the planet, and in the UK the Mini rapidly won over buyers. Each was “popular” for different reasons, but all captured the essentials of their markets: value, usability, and timely design.

What is a classic 1960s car?

Iconic Car Models of the 1960s
When discussing iconic cars of the 1960s, it’s impossible not to mention the Ford Mustang and the Porsche 911. The Mustang, with its aggressive styling and powerful V8 engine, became a symbol of American automotive ingenuity.

Which 60s car had the biggest impact?

The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is perhaps the most iconic American muscle car. Its sleek design and powerful engine captured the spirit of the era, making it a favorite for classic car rentals at weddings.

What was the coolest car in the 60s?

The Greatest Cars of All Time: The Sixties

• 1960 Austin Mini.
• 1961 Jaguar XK-E.
• 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray.
• 1964 Pontiac GTO.
• 1965 Ford Mustang.
• 1966 Lamborghini Miura.
• 1968 BMW 2002.

What was the most popular car in 1960?

There was no single “most popular car” for 1960, but a significant vehicle was the American Motors Rambler, named the “Most Popular Car of the Year” by Reader’s Digest in 1960. However, globally, the Volkswagen Beetle was a top-selling and iconic model throughout the decade, while other influential cars like the Chevrolet Corvair and Ford Falcon were also significant in the U.S. market.
 
Key Cars of 1960

• American Motors Rambler Ambassador: Opens in new tabThis model was recognized as the most popular car of 1960 by Reader’s Digest. 
• Volkswagen Beetle: Opens in new tabThe Beetle was the top global seller for much of the 1960s, known for its unique design, simplicity, and dependability. 
• Chevrolet Corvair: Opens in new tabThe Corvair was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1960 and was a groundbreaking American compact car featuring a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. 
• Ford Falcon: Opens in new tabAnother important compact car, the Falcon was part of the popular compact segment and was a component of the later Ford Mustang’s design. 

Significance of the 1960 Model Year

• The early 1960s marked the introduction of innovative designs, with the Corvair being a prime example of a departure from traditional Detroit engineering. 
• The automotive industry began to address the growing threat of foreign car manufacturers, leading to the rise of popular compacts like the Corvair and Falcon.