Popular Cars in 1966

Across city streets and open highways in 1966, drivers were gravitating toward cars that combined everyday practicality with fresh styling. The year reflects shifts in production and taste, making it a useful snapshot for anyone curious about mid‑60s motoring.

There are 30 Popular Cars in 1966, ranging from 1100/1300 to Valiant. For each entry you’ll find below the core details organized with Manufacturer,Market (country/region),Sales (units), so you can quickly compare which makers and markets dominated and how many units each model moved—you’ll find below.

Which models led sales in different regions in 1966?

Mostly compact and affordable models topped charts in Europe, where smaller engines and lower taxes favored cars like the 1100/1300, while larger family cars such as the Valiant sold strongly in North America and some Commonwealth markets; sales leaders reflect local tastes, pricing, fuel economy and dealer reach rather than a single global winner.

How should I read the Sales (units) numbers?

Sales (units) usually reflect manufacturer-reported shipments or national registration totals for the year; compare figures alongside Manufacturer and Market (country/region) to account for population and market size differences, and treat small discrepancies as normal given varied reporting methods in 1966.

Popular Cars in 1966

Images and Descriptions

Mustang

The Ford Mustang, America’s original pony car, combined sporty looks, affordable price, and performance. By 1966 it remained hugely popular with younger buyers, generating strong cultural presence, broad dealer availability, and many custom and performance options.

Impala

The Chevrolet Impala was a dominant full‑size family car in 1966, known for roomy interiors, smooth V8 power, and traditional American styling. Its broad appeal among families, fleets, and buyers wanting comfort made it one of GM’s most visible models.

Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle stayed a global bestseller in 1966 thanks to reliable air‑cooled engineering, simple maintenance, and low running costs. Its distinctive shape and availability worldwide made it a ubiquitous, affordable transport and 1960s cultural icon.

Mini

The Mini remained Britain’s beloved compact in 1966, prized for clever space use, agile handling, and affordability. Its fashionable image and racing successes made it a symbol of 1960s urban style and a top small‑car choice in the UK.

Galaxie

The Ford Galaxie was Ford’s full‑size family and performance offering in 1966, available with large V8 engines and comfortable interiors. Popular with suburban families and as a basis for racing derivatives, it represented classic American large‑car values.

Chevelle

The Chevrolet Chevelle bridged family practicality with entry‑level performance, offering mid‑size comfort and optional V8 power. In 1966 it attracted buyers who wanted a roomy daily driver that could be ordered with muscle‑car performance in SS variants.

GTO

The Pontiac GTO, one of the pioneering muscle cars, paired a powerful V8 with a midsize body. By 1966 it had strong cultural cachet among performance enthusiasts, known for straight‑line speed, aggressive styling, and street credibility.

Charger

Introduced as a fastback coupe in 1966, the Dodge Charger combined aggressive styling, roomy interior, and available V8 performance. Its distinctive looks and performance potential made it an instant hit with buyers seeking a personal coupe.

Valiant

The Plymouth Valiant was Chrysler’s compact answer to budget‑minded buyers in 1966, offering economical engines, straightforward mechanics, and practical interiors. Its affordability and utility made it a common choice for families and fleet purchasers.

Falcon

The Ford Falcon remained a popular compact in 1966, valued for economy, simplicity, and versatility. As the platform that spawned the Mustang, the Falcon appealed to cost‑conscious buyers and small families seeking reliable daily transport.

Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette continued as America’s premier sports car in 1966, offering high performance, sleek styling, and racing pedigree. Its image as an aspirational performance vehicle and strong media presence kept it culturally prominent among enthusiasts.

Fairlane

The Ford Fairlane was a mid‑size offering popular in 1966 for balancing family practicality with available performance options. Buyers appreciated its variety of body styles, V8 availability, and value compared with larger full‑size models.

Corona

The Toyota Corona was a reliable compact family car that helped Toyota build export reputation by 1966. Known for economical running, solid build, and growing dealer networks, it became an increasingly common sight in Asian and export markets.

Bluebird

The Datsun Bluebird offered affordable, dependable transport with modern engineering for its class in 1966. Popular in Japan and gaining traction in Europe, it represented Nissan’s push into international markets with practical family sedans.

Fiat124

Launched in 1966, the Fiat 124 was immediately notable for its modern, roomy design and efficient layout. It appealed to European buyers wanting contemporary styling and practicality, later becoming the basis for many global licensed versions.

R4

The Renault 4 was France’s versatile, economical small car in 1966, favored for its roomy interior, simple mechanics, and rugged practicality. Popular among rural and urban buyers, it was seen as an affordable, do‑everything family car.

DS

The Citroën DS remained a technological and stylistic standout in 1966 thanks to its hydropneumatic suspension and futuristic design. It appealed to buyers seeking advanced comfort, prestige, and distinct French engineering flair.

Cortina

The Ford Cortina was Britain’s best‑selling family car in the mid‑1960s, prized for affordability, simple mechanicals, and wide dealer support. In 1966 it dominated compact and family markets across the UK and became a common company and family car.

Rekord

The Opel Rekord was a mainstream German family car in 1966, offering solid build quality, comfortable interiors, and efficient engines. It was a popular choice among European buyers seeking dependable midsize transportation with conservative styling.

1100/1300

The BMC 1100/1300 series was a top seller in the UK in 1966, valued for clever packaging, interior space, and economical running. Its front‑wheel drive and economy made it a practical family choice and a commercial success for BMC.

Amazon

The Volvo Amazon (122) combined Swedish build quality, safety focus, and restrained styling in 1966. Popular in Northern Europe and as an export to the US, it gained buyers who prioritized durability and passenger protection.

E‑Type

The Jaguar E‑Type remained an aspirational sports car in 1966, celebrated for its dramatic styling, high performance, and racing heritage. It was a symbol of 1960s glamour, prized by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

911

The Porsche 911 had established itself as a high‑performance sports car icon by 1966, admired for its distinctive engineering, agile handling, and motorsport success. It appealed to buyers seeking a compact, driver‑focused performance machine.

Nova

The Chevrolet Nova (Chevy II) was a practical compact in 1966, offering straightforward mechanics, economical engines, and good value. It attracted buyers looking for a no‑nonsense, affordable car from an established brand.

Rambler American

The Rambler American was AMC’s compact family car and a steady seller in 1966, prized for fuel economy, simple durability, and value. It appealed to practical buyers and fleet customers who wanted an economical alternative to larger cars.

Thunderbird

The Ford Thunderbird remained a popular personal‑luxury car in 1966, blending comfort, distinctive styling, and V8 performance. It attracted buyers seeking a more upscale, fashionable alternative to full‑size sedans without sacrificing personal style.

Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia combined sporty handling, lively twin‑cam engines, and stylish Italian design. In 1966 it appealed to drivers wanting spirited performance in a compact sedan, building a following among enthusiasts in Europe and the US.

Mercedes‑’Fintail’

Mercedes‑Benz ‘Fintail’ models (W110/W111) offered conservative luxury, solid engineering, and prestige in 1966. Popular with businessmen and affluent families, they represented dependable high‑quality motoring in European and export markets.

500

The Fiat 500 remained Italy’s iconic city car in 1966, celebrated for tiny footprint, frugal running costs, and cheerful character. It was a ubiquitous, affordable urban transporter that defined small‑car mobility for a generation.

Healey 3000

The Austin‑Healey 3000 was a celebrated British sports car in 1966, prized for strong touring performance and classic open‑two‑seater charm. It sold well among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic who valued spirited driving and style.

Popular Cars in Other Years