Eight of the Best-Selling Cars of the 1960s

Eight models widely recognized among the decade’s sales leaders were the Volkswagen Beetle, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Mustang, Ford Cortina, Austin/Morris 1100/1300 (BMC ADO16), Mini, Renault 4, and Toyota Corolla. These cars topped national sales charts, set production records, or rapidly climbed global rankings during the 1960s, reflecting the era’s shift toward mass mobility, compact efficiency, and new segments.

How “best-selling” is defined for the 1960s

The 1960s lacked a single, consistent global sales ledger, so “best-selling” here reflects models that dominated major national markets, led their segments, or amassed exceptional production totals during the decade. Industry records, period registration data, and manufacturer tallies consistently place the eight models below near the top of the decade’s sales story across North America, Europe, and Japan.

Eight models that defined 1960s sales

The following list highlights eight cars that were among the most purchased and widely registered in key markets throughout the 1960s, along with brief context on why each stood out in the sales rankings of the time.

• Volkswagen Beetle — A global phenomenon, the Beetle became the world’s cumulative sales leader during the 1960s and the top-selling import in the U.S., combining affordability, reliability, and a vast export footprint.
• Chevrolet Impala — America’s best-selling full-size car line of the decade; the 1965 Impala set a U.S. single-model-year sales record, cementing its status as the mainstream family favorite.
• Ford Mustang — The archetypal “pony car,” it achieved over a million sales in its first 18 months, becoming the decade’s runaway hit in the sporty/affordable segment and a fixture on U.S. sales charts.
• Ford Cortina — A ubiquitous family sedan in Britain and a strong seller across the Commonwealth and Europe, the Cortina became the UK’s best-selling nameplate by the late 1960s and remained a fixture into the 1970s.
• Austin/Morris 1100/1300 (BMC ADO16) — Britain’s best-selling car for much of the mid-to-late 1960s, this front-drive family car topped the UK charts multiple years and sold strongly across Europe under several badges.
• Mini (Austin/Morris Mini) — A design and packaging breakthrough that turned into a commercial juggernaut, the Mini surpassed 1 million units by the mid-1960s and consistently ranked among Europe’s top sellers.
• Renault 4 — France’s people’s car of the decade, the Renault 4 passed the one‑million mark by the mid-1960s and became a best-seller across Continental Europe thanks to its practicality and low running costs.
• Toyota Corolla — Launched in 1966, the Corolla rapidly rose to the top of Japan’s sales charts and built export momentum by decade’s end, setting the stage to become the world’s best-selling nameplate in the 1970s.

Together these models illustrate how the 1960s democratized car ownership: efficient compacts surged in Europe and Japan, while in the U.S. a mix of full-size value (Impala) and new niches (Mustang) drove massive volumes.

Why these cars sold so well

Several recurring themes explain why these models dominated sales during the 1960s across different regions and market segments.

• Affordability and economy: Beetle, Mini, Renault 4, and later Corolla offered low purchase and running costs, crucial in a decade of expanding car ownership.
• Smart packaging: Front-wheel drive and space-efficient designs (Mini, ADO16, Renault 4) maximized interior room for small footprints.
• Broad model ranges: Impala and Cortina spanned trims and engines, capturing value seekers and aspirational buyers alike.
• New segments and image: The Mustang created a high-volume “affordable sporty” niche that resonated with younger buyers.
• Global manufacturing and export strength: Volkswagen and Toyota built extensive international production and distribution networks, scaling sales quickly.

These factors aligned with rising postwar incomes and infrastructure growth, making car ownership more attainable and tailored to diverse consumer needs.

Context and data notes

Sales tallies for the 1960s vary by source and market. The models listed are consistently cited by manufacturer production records, period registration statistics, and historical reviews as decade-defining sellers in their regions or globally. Rankings can differ year by year, but taken together, these eight represent the clearest through-line of mass popularity across the decade.

Summary

The 1960s’ best-selling cars were led by the Volkswagen Beetle, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Mustang, Ford Cortina, Austin/Morris 1100/1300 (BMC ADO16), Mini, Renault 4, and Toyota Corolla. Dominant in their markets, they combined affordability, smart packaging, and strong distribution to meet surging global demand for personal transportation—and many went on to shape the automotive landscape for decades after.

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 most iconic car of the 1960s?

Not only is the Dodge Hemi Dart among the most iconic cars of the 1960s, it could be argued it would stand out against classic cars from any decade.

What was the most bought car in the 1960s?

The Volkswagen Beetle was the best-selling car globally of the 1960s, with over 21 million units produced worldwide during that decade. In the U.S. market, the Chevrolet Impala was the top-selling American car, while the Ford Mustang was a runaway success after its 1964 introduction, with over 2 million units sold in the U.S. by the end of the decade.
 
Global Best-Seller 

• Volkswagen Beetle: With its air-cooled engine, affordable price, and iconic design, the Beetle became the best-selling car of the 1960s on a global scale, with over 21 million units produced.

Top U.S. Sellers

• Chevrolet Impala: Opens in new tabAs the best-selling American car of the 1960s, the Impala was a spacious, family-oriented vehicle that sold more than 5 million units in the U.S. during the decade. 
• Ford Mustang: Opens in new tabLaunched in 1964, the Mustang was a revolutionary “pony car” that captured the youth market, selling over 2.38 million units in the U.S. by the end of the decade. 

Other Popular Models

• Chevrolet Corvair: Opens in new tabA unique American offering with a rear-engine design, the Corvair sold well until its popularity was affected by public criticism. 
• Ford Galaxie: Opens in new tabFord’s full-size offering, the Galaxie, was another strong performer in the decade, with over 3 million units sold. 
• Pontiac GTO: Opens in new tabThis car pioneered the muscle car segment, becoming a cultural icon for its performance. 

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.