Which car was popular in 1960?

Globally, the Volkswagen Beetle was the most popular car around 1960, thanks to its mass production, affordable price, and wide export reach. In the United States, the Chevrolet Impala dominated full-size sales, while the newly introduced Ford Falcon became a breakout hit in the compact segment. Across Europe and Japan, smaller, economical models like the Fiat 600, BMC Mini, and Subaru 360 also surged in popularity as urbanization and fuel efficiency shaped buyer preferences.

The global picture: Volkswagen Beetle leads the era

By 1960, the Volkswagen Beetle had become a worldwide fixture. Produced in large volumes and exported across continents, the Beetle’s simple engineering, reliability, and low running costs made it a go-to choice in numerous markets. It wasn’t just a sales success in West Germany; it was a global phenomenon that defined the decade’s early automotive landscape.

Regional standouts in 1960

While the Beetle set the tone globally, “most popular” varied by region as local tastes, road networks, and price sensitivities influenced what people bought. Here are the models that resonated most in key markets in and around 1960.

• United States: Chevrolet’s full-size line—especially the Impala—was a top seller, emblematic of American styling and space. At the same time, the brand-new Ford Falcon tapped into a growing appetite for compact, economical cars and rapidly posted high sales totals. The Chevrolet Corvair, another 1960 debut, also drew attention as a radical, rear-engined compact.
• Western Europe: The Volkswagen Beetle remained a dominant presence, joined by other affordable, efficient cars such as the Fiat 600 and Renault Dauphine, which suited narrower streets and shorter commutes.
• United Kingdom: The Ford Anglia 105E was among the country’s best sellers, while the BMC Mini (launched in 1959) rapidly ascended in popularity thanks to its ingenious packaging and low running costs, foreshadowing chart-topping years ahead.
• Japan: The ultra-compact Subaru 360 dominated the kei-car class, while models such as the Toyota Corona, Toyota Crown, and Nissan/Datsun Bluebird gained momentum as the domestic market expanded and exports grew.

Taken together, these regional favorites show how 1960 marked a crossroads: large, stylish cruisers still captivated buyers in North America, while compact, economical cars surged ahead in Europe and Asia—trends that would shape the decade.

Why these cars caught on

The early 1960s car market reflected shifting economics, infrastructure, and cultural trends. Several factors explain why certain models became standouts in 1960.

• Affordability and availability: Models like the Beetle and Falcon were priced within reach of a growing middle class and built in high volumes, ensuring steady supply.
• Fuel efficiency: Smaller engines and lighter bodies—typical of European and Japanese cars—kept ownership costs low as everyday motoring spread.
• Urban practicality: Compact footprints (Mini, Fiat 600, Subaru 360) made parking and navigating dense cities far easier.
• Brand trust and service networks: Chevrolet and Ford in the U.S., Volkswagen in Europe, and Toyota/Nissan in Japan leveraged extensive dealer/service infrastructures.
• Design and identity: The Impala’s styling and the Beetle’s iconic silhouette gave buyers a sense of identity as car culture flourished.

These dynamics converged to elevate a handful of models into best-seller territory, each matching its market’s priorities on price, practicality, and style.

Notable 1960 model-year launches and milestones

Several important cars arrived for the 1960 model year, signaling how automakers were repositioning for a new decade of buyers.

• Ford Falcon (U.S.): A new compact that quickly became one of America’s best-selling lines in 1960, validating the shift toward smaller, thriftier cars.
• Chevrolet Corvair (U.S.): A rear-engined compact that stood out for its engineering and design, helping to broaden the small-car segment.
• Plymouth Valiant (U.S.): Another compact entry that gave Chrysler a credible player in the burgeoning economy-car class.
• Mazda R360 (Japan): A microcar launched in 1960 that helped popularize personal motoring in Japan’s kei-car segment.

These introductions underscored a global pivot: even in markets long dominated by big sedans, compact cars were becoming mainstream.

Bottom line

In 1960, the Volkswagen Beetle was the world’s most popular car, emblematic of the era’s appetite for dependable, affordable motoring. In the United States, the Chevrolet Impala led full-size sales while the Ford Falcon emerged as a runaway compact hit. Across Europe and Japan, compact and microcars—from the Mini to the Subaru 360—captured buyers seeking efficiency and practicality.

Summary

The Volkswagen Beetle was the standout popular car globally in 1960. In the U.S., the Chevrolet Impala defined full-size success, while the Ford Falcon led a new wave of compacts. In Europe and Japan, small, economical models—Beetle, Mini, Fiat 600, Subaru 360—shaped everyday motoring, reflecting the era’s blend of affordability, efficiency, and evolving urban lifestyles.

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 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 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.

What was the most popular car in the 1960s?

The most popular and best-selling American car in the 1960s was the Chevrolet Impala, which sold over a million units in 1965, setting a single-model sales record. However, the Ford Mustang was a hugely popular and iconic choice, capturing American car culture with its sporty design and affordable price point. Other popular vehicles included the versatile Dodge Dart and the VW Beetle, while the Mustang and Camaro defined the era’s muscle car movement.
 
The Reign of the Chevrolet Impala

• Best-Selling American Car: The Chevy Impala was the best-selling American car of the decade, with over 5.7 million units produced between 1961 and 1970. 
• Record-Breaking Sales: The 1965 Impala sold over one million units, a record for a single car model at the time. 
• Versatility and Appeal: The Impala offered abundant powertrain options, new styling, and improved suspension and chassis, making it a competitive and appealing choice for buyers. 

The Icon of the Ford Mustang

• Symbol of American Car Culture: Opens in new tabIntroduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang quickly became a symbol of American muscle cars, praised for its balance of power, luxury, and affordability. 
• Sporty Design and Quality: Opens in new tabIts sporty design and overall quality made it a popular and coveted vehicle. 

Other Notable Popular Cars

• Dodge Dart: Opens in new tabMarketed as a budget-friendly and reliable option for families, it featured a spacious interior, practical design, and good fuel efficiency. 
• Volkswagen Beetle: Opens in new tabThe “V” Dub was a popular and iconic two-door car that also became synonymous with the counterculture movement due to its distinctive design and spacious interior.