The 1960s was an era that saw the rise of some of the most iconic cars in automotive history.
During this time, the best selling car was the Volkswagen Beetle, a small, economical car that quickly became a staple of American culture.
It was the perfect car for families who wanted an affordable and reliable vehicle that they could trust.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the Volkswagen Beetle and other popular best selling cars in the 60s to see what made them so successful.
1. Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala has been among the Best selling cars in the 60s since its introduction in 1958.
In the 1960s, the Impala set the standard for American luxury with its big engine, sleek lines, and luxurious interior.
The Impala was America’s number-one selling car from 1961 to 1963, and in 1965 it was the first car to sell more than one million units.
Its popularity was due to its reliability, affordability, and performance. It had a powerful V8 engine and was available in coupe, convertible, and station wagon models.
It was also very customizable, allowing customers to choose their colors, interiors, and trim levels. The Impala was a favorite among many collectors and is a popular car today.
2. Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental was also one of the Best selling cars in the 60s. It was introduced in 1956 as a luxury car and quickly became the go-to vehicle for celebrities and those with money.
The Lincoln Continental featured a big V8 engine, power steering, brakes, and automatic transmission. It had a roomy interior with seating for up to six people.
The Lincoln Continental of the early 1960s symbolized luxury and sophistication, and it was the best selling car in the United States for the decade.
This was largely due to its sleek styling, ample interior space, and powerful V8 engine.
The 1961 model was the first to feature rear suicide doors, which added to its iconic look. It was also the first vehicle to feature an available power moonroof option.
The Lincoln Continental of this era is considered by many to be one of the most iconic American cars of all time.
With its smooth lines, powerful engine, and spacious interior, it’s easy to see why the 1961 Lincoln Continental was a top seller in the 60s.
Also, the body style was iconic with its long, low profile and distinctive tail fins. The original Lincoln Continental was only produced until 1967, but it left a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved cars from the 1960s.
3. Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird was one of the most popular best selling cars in the 60s. It was a mid-size two-door luxury car that was first introduced in 1955.
The Thunderbird was produced for 11 generations and was highly acclaimed for its style, performance, and luxury.
The Thunderbird enjoyed great success in the 60s, becoming one of the best selling cars of the decade. In 1965 alone, the car sold over 130,000 units, making it one of the most successful Ford models of the era.
The Thunderbird was designed to be a luxurious and sporty car with a comfortable interior and a powerful engine.
The car came with various engine options ranging from the 4.4-liter V8 to the 7.0-liter V8. It also had various features, including power windows, air conditioning, power brakes, and adjustable front seats.
The Thunderbird’s iconic design has been hugely influential over the years, and it remains one of the most iconic cars of the 1960s.
It is a classic example of American automotive design and is still sought after by collectors today.
4. Buick Riviera
The Buick Riviera was one of the Best selling cars in the 60s. It was one of the most popular models of the decade and sold in record numbers.
The Riviera was a luxurious car with powerful performance and distinctive styling. It featured a V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and power windows.
The Riviera was also one of the first cars to have a curved windshield, giving it an aerodynamic shape. The Riviera had a timeless look that has stood the test of time.
It remains one of the most recognizable and desirable cars from the 60s, and it is still highly sought after by collectors today.
5. Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco was one of the most popular vehicles of the 1960s. Its classic boxy look and reliability made it a favorite among car enthusiasts of all ages.
It was released in 1966 and was produced until 1996 when it was discontinued. The Bronco was available in various models and trimmed levels, ranging from basic utility vehicles to luxurious trims with larger engines. This versatility allowed it to become a vehicle that could meet almost any driver’s needs.
The Ford Bronco was designed to be durable and reliable, making it ideal for off-roading adventures or just running around town.
It featured independent suspension, four-wheel drive, and a powerful V8 engine. Its ruggedness and strength made it popular among those who spent their time outdoors and farmers and ranchers who needed something tough enough to get the job done. It also had great style, which made it a popular choice for cruising around town.
The Ford Bronco was one of the best selling cars in the 60s, and its popularity has continued to this day. It is still a favorite among off-roaders, collectors, and anyone looking for a classic American car with style and durability.
6. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was one of the Best selling cars in the 60s and remains one of the most popular cars of all time.
The Camaro debuted in 1967 and quickly became a hit with car enthusiasts. Its classic design and powerful V8 engine made it an attractive choice for drivers looking for a muscle car.
Today, the Camaro is still popular among enthusiasts and collectors. Its classic design, powerful engine, and affordable price tag make it an attractive option for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish car. The Camaro is a great choice whether you’re a collector or just looking for a fun ride.
7. Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger was one of the best selling cars in the 1960s. The iconic muscle car featured a sleek and powerful design, making it a favorite among performance enthusiasts.
The first Charger was released in 1966 and was an instant hit, selling more than 230,000 units by the decade’s end.
It was available in various engine sizes, including a legendary 426 Hemi V8 that could produce up to 425 horsepower.
This powerful engine made the Charger incredibly fast, with a 0-60 time of just 6.6 seconds.
The Charger had a unique style that set it apart from other cars of the era, with an aggressive front grille and hidden headlights. The interior featured bucket seats and a center console with optional woodgrain trim.
The classic Charger remains popular today as a classic muscle car and is highly sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts.
8. Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is an American classic that has been around since 1953. The Corvette was first produced in 1953 and has been a favorite of car enthusiasts ever since.
It has a long history of performance and style, with many different versions produced over the years.
In the late 1950s, the ‘Vette got a nice body upgrade, giving it a more muscular look and performance.
By the 1960s, the ‘Vette had become a top seller and remained popular until the decade’s end. During this time, power ratings increased dramatically, topping 375 horsepower in 1966.
With its powerful engine and slick styling, the ‘Vette became a symbol of the decade’s muscle car culture.
9. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang was released in April 1964 as a two-door, four-seat coupe. It was the first of the “pony cars,” a class of affordable, sporty, American-made automobiles.
The Mustang was an immediate success, selling over one million units in its first 18 months on the market.
It was the best selling car in the U.S. for much of the 1960s and has since become a symbol of American culture and design.
The Ford Mustang actually had several other potential names, such as Cougar, Torino, T-Bird II, Avventura, Allegro, and Bronco.
Ultimately, Henry Ford II chose Mustang because it fit well with the horse logo on the grill and added to the idea of it being a fast and powerful vehicle.
Over time, the design has changed dramatically, with changes in shape, size, engine power, and technology.
However, the Mustang remained popular due to its affordability and style through all of these changes. Today, it continues to be one of the Best selling cars in the ’60s and America’s favorite vehicle.
Additionally, the Mustang also achieved international popularity and inspired various modifications like Shelby Mustangs (which were designed by racecar driver Carroll Shelby).
In essence, the iconic Ford Mustang has remained relevant through five decades by evolving with technology while staying true to its roots.
10. Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle was one of the Best selling cars in the 60s. It was produced by German auto giant Volkswagen and was first introduced to the United States in 1949.
By the time production stopped in 2003, over 21 million Beetles had been sold worldwide. In the 1960s, the Beetle was a hot commodity, especially in America.
Its unique look made it stand out from other cars, and its economical price tag allowed people on a budget to own a car.
The Beetle was extremely reliable and had plenty of power for a small car. This made it popular for families, commuters, and even drag racers who used it for weekend fun.
Despite its compact size, the Beetle had plenty of room inside for passengers and cargo. It was offered various options, such as a fold-down back seat and a removable roof panel, making it even more appealing to buyers.
In addition to its practicality, the Beetle also had some serious style. It featured an iconic rounded shape with a large front hood and rear engine cover.
Inside, it had an upright seating position and a minimalist dashboard with only a few gauges. This made it perfect for those who wanted something different from the traditional sedans of the era.
The Beetle’s popularity continued well into the 70s and 80s until it was eventually replaced by more modern vehicles.
However, its iconic design remains just as popular today, with many people still opting to buy vintage models as collectibles.
11. 1964 Pontiac GTO
The 1964 Pontiac GTO is widely recognized as the first “muscle car.” It featured a 389 V8 engine and could produce up to 325 horsepower.
It had a 4-speed manual transmission, and the interior was designed to look more like a luxury car than a muscle car.
The GTO was a hit with young buyers who wanted something powerful, stylish, and affordable.
The 1964 GTO was a limited production vehicle, with only around 25,000 produced, making it one of the most sought-after cars of the era. It is still popular today, as evidenced by its high value in the collector car market.
12. 1964 Ford GT40
The Ford GT40, first introduced in 1964, was one of the most iconic and Best selling cars in the 60s.
It was designed as a race car, with a powerful 4.7-liter engine and a lightweight chassis, making it incredibly fast and powerful.
It also featured a striking design, sharp angles, and unique styling that set it apart from other era cars.
The Ford GT40 quickly became one of the most desirable cars of its time, with celebrities and racing fans clamoring to get their hands on one. The car proved to be an instant success and remains popular today.
13. 1964 Aston Martin DB5
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is a classic, British-made sports car considered one of the Best selling cars in the 60s.
Released as a replacement for the earlier DB4, the DB5 was an immediate success and quickly gained a reputation as a luxurious and reliable vehicle.
At the time of its release, the DB5 was an incredibly advanced car, featuring an all-aluminum body, a three-speed automatic gearbox, and a 3.7L engine capable of producing up to 282 horsepower.
On top of this impressive performance, the DB5 also featured stylish features such as leather seats, wood veneer panels, and power windows.
These features helped make the DB5 one of the most iconic cars of the era and a favorite among luxury car buyers.
In fact, the car was so popular that it was even featured in the James Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball.
To this day, the DB5 remains one of the most recognizable cars of all time and is still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
14. 1967 Shelby GT500
The 1967 Shelby GT500 is one of the most iconic cars of the 1960s and was the best selling car in the United States during its production year.
The Shelby GT500 was created by legendary car designer Carroll Shelby and was based on the Ford Mustang. It had a high-performance 428-cubic inch V8 engine that gave it incredible speed and power.
The interior featured luxurious amenities such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and bucket seats, while the exterior featured a unique black paint job and distinctive “Shelby” stripes.
The Shelby GT500 also had impressive handling thanks to its upgraded suspension system and heavy-duty brakes. It was truly a car for the discerning driver who wanted power, performance, comfort, and style.
Conclusion
The 1960s were a decade of incredible automotive innovation, and it was also the decade that saw some of the most iconic vehicles ever made hit the streets.
From Ford’s Mustang to the Volkswagen Beetle, many cars became immensely popular with drivers of all kinds.
One vehicle that truly stood out during this time was the Ford, which was among the best selling cars in the 60s. In this blog post, we looked back at the history of this classic vehicle and why it was so beloved by drivers in the 60s.
