The Best-Selling Car of the 1960s

The Volkswagen Beetle was the most-sold car model worldwide in the 1960s. While yearly and regional rankings varied, industry production data and historical records consistently show the Beetle dominating global demand throughout the decade, with cumulative production surpassing the 10-million mark by the mid-1960s—an indicator of its unmatched popularity in that era.

How “most sold” is defined for the 1960s

This assessment refers to a single car model’s worldwide sales across the decade (1960–1969), rather than brand totals or broad nameplates spanning several distinctly different models. By that measure—single-model, global volume—the Volkswagen Beetle led the 1960s.

The numbers behind the Beetle’s lead

Volkswagen’s production ramped sharply in the postwar boom and hit a sustained stride in the 1960s. Annual Beetle output climbed to—and then held around—seven figures in the mid-to-late 1960s, supported by a growing network of assembly plants and strong export demand. Importantly, the Beetle crossed the 10-million cumulative production milestone in the mid-1960s, underscoring how dominant its decade-long run had become, even though it wouldn’t surpass the Ford Model T’s all-time cumulative total until the 1970s.

Key milestones that marked the Beetle’s 1960s dominance

The points below highlight moments and patterns that illustrate why the Beetle is widely recognized as the decade’s top seller.

• Mid-1960s: Cumulative Beetle production passes 10 million units, reflecting sustained, high-volume output across global markets.
• Mid-to-late 1960s: Annual production holds at roughly a million-plus units, an extraordinary run for a single model of the time.
• Global footprint: Assembly and production expanded beyond Germany to countries such as Brazil and Mexico, boosting supply and local market penetration.
• U.S. breakthrough: The “Think Small” campaign (launched in 1959) helped the Beetle become the leading import in America, broadening its worldwide cachet.

Taken together, these milestones demonstrate the scope and consistency of the Beetle’s success across the decade, not just in one country but around the world.

Why the Beetle sold so well

Several practical and cultural factors made the Beetle the decade’s go-to car for millions of buyers across continents.

• Affordability and simplicity: Priced within reach of mass-market buyers and designed with straightforward mechanicals.
• Reliability and economy: Air-cooled, durable engineering with strong fuel economy resonated in both developed and emerging markets.
• Global serviceability: Parts availability and ease of maintenance encouraged adoption far from major urban centers.
• Iconic design and marketing: Distinctive styling and clever advertising made the Beetle a cultural touchstone as much as a commuter car.

These ingredients created a feedback loop—strong demand enabled high production, which in turn kept prices competitive and service networks robust, reinforcing the Beetle’s lead.

Regional best-sellers varied—global leadership did not

While the Beetle led globally, different models often topped local charts during the 1960s depending on tastes, price points, and domestic manufacturing strength.

• United States: Chevrolet Impala frequently led sales and set records (notably in 1965), though its dominance was primarily domestic.
• United Kingdom: Models such as the BMC Mini and the Austin/Morris 1100/1300 were best-sellers in the mid-1960s, with the Ford Cortina rising to prominence later in the decade.
• Japan: Toyota’s Corona and, from the late 1960s, the Corolla, became fixtures at the top of sales charts.
• France: Renault 4 and Citroën 2CV were perennial favorites, reflecting strong local loyalties and small-car demand.
• Italy: Fiat’s 500 and 600 dominated domestic streets and sales, echoing Italy’s urban and economic profile.
• Germany: The VW Beetle itself was a domestic mainstay, further boosting its global totals.

These regional leaders underscore the diversity of local markets, but none matched the Beetle’s combined worldwide volumes across the full decade.

Summary

The Volkswagen Beetle was the best-selling car model of the 1960s worldwide. Its combination of affordability, reliability, distinctive design, and a far-reaching production and service network propelled it to unmatched global volumes, with cumulative production surpassing 10 million by the mid-1960s. Although regional favorites varied, no single model surpassed the Beetle’s decade-long worldwide total.

What was the best selling car of the 1960s?

Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Beetle: The best selling car of the 1960s, as it offered a low price, high reliability, easy maintenance, and quirky charm. It also became a symbol of the counterculture and the hippie movement, and was featured in movies, songs, and art.

What was the best selling car in 1965?

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala was the best-selling car in 1965, selling over 1 million units, a record that has yet to be broken in U.S. history. The vehicle achieved a successful launch with its new “Coke-bottle” styling and was available with various V8 engine options, including the powerful 409 cu in, making it a true American classic.
 
Key Details:

• Model: 1965 Chevrolet Impala 
• Sales: Over 1,074,925 units sold in the United States 
• Significance: This was the first time a single car model sold over one million units in a single year in the U.S., a record that remains unbroken to this day. 
• Design: The Impala featured a sleek, streamlined “Coke-bottle” body styling, curved side glass, and the iconic triple taillights. 
• Performance: Available with a range of V8 engines, including the high-horsepower 409, the Impala offered a balance of performance and luxury. 
• SS Package: The Super Sport (SS) option added bucket seats, a console shifter, and sporty badging to the Impala, creating a true muscle car contender. 

What was the number one selling car in 1968?

The best-selling car in the US for the 1968 model year was the Chevrolet Impala, with over 737,000 units sold, continuing a strong sales trend from previous years, according to HOT ROD Magazine. Globally, the Volkswagen Beetle was a top seller, while popular models in Europe included the Renault 4 in France and the Volvo 140 Series in Sweden, notes Best Selling Cars Blog. 
US Market

• Chevrolet Impala: Opens in new tabThe Impala was the best-selling American car of 1968, a highly popular model in the 1960s for its consistent high sales numbers. 
• Ford Mustang: Opens in new tabThe Mustang, a popular and iconic “pony car,” was still a top-seller by 1968, though it faced increasing competition. 

Global Markets 

• Volkswagen Beetle: The Beetle was a best-selling car globally, selling over 100,000 units in Norway alone that year.
• Renault 4: In France, the Renault 4 was the market leader with 174,000 sales.
• Volvo 140 Series: Sweden’s top-selling model was the Volvo 140 Series.

What was the best selling car in 1964?

The most popular and bestselling car in the U.S. in 1964 was the Ford Falcon, with over 420,000 units sold, followed closely by the revolutionary Ford Mustang, which launched in April 1964 and quickly became a sensation and the fastest-selling car in history at the time. The Falcon was a family-oriented, fuel-efficient car, while the Mustang offered style and affordability to a younger generation.
 
Key reasons for the success of these models:

• Ford Falcon: Opens in new tabIt was a stylish, affordable, and fuel-efficient family car available in various body styles, including sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. 
• Ford Mustang: Opens in new tabIt introduced a new “pony car” category by combining a stylish, compact design with an affordable price point, appealing strongly to young buyers. 

Other notable popular cars in 1964:

• Ford Fairlane: Opens in new tabAnother Ford model that was a significant part of the company’s “Total Performance” engineering advancements that year, according to MotorTrend. 
• Chevrolet Impala: Opens in new tabA very popular and iconic car from 1964 that would go on to be the best-selling vehicle in America in 1965 and 1966, breaking the million-unit sales mark.