The late 1960s reshaped driving tastes worldwide — new styling cues, shifting fuel and safety priorities, and a booming market put an eclectic mix of models on the road. 1968 sits at the crossroads of muscle, compact economy cars, and practical vans that defined daily life in different countries.
There are 30 Popular Cars in 1968, ranging from AMC Javelin to Volkswagen Type 2, illustrating everything from American performance to European utility. For each entry you’ll find below Country,Body style,Production (units 1968),Description (30-50 words) so you can quickly compare origin, format, and production figures before diving into the list you’ll find below.
Which of the 30 cars were the biggest sellers in 1968?
Look at the Production (units 1968) column to spot top sellers — high-volume models are typically economy compacts and mainstream family cars rather than niche sports cars. Regional preferences matter: European markets favored small hatchbacks and vans, while North America showed strong numbers for full-size sedans and pony cars; the table makes those differences easy to spot.
How reliable are the 1968 production figures in the list?
Production totals come from manufacturer records, period reports, and validated registries, but may vary by source due to rounding, regional assembly counts, and later revisions; treat the numbers as best-available estimates and consult original factory publications or national registration archives for definitive figures.
Popular Cars in 1968
| Name | Country | Body style | Production (units 1968) | Description (30-50 words) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Impala | USA | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 710,900 | The best-selling car in America for 1968. As part of Chevrolet’s full-size line, it offered a vast range of engines and body styles, from practical family sedans to the sporty SS model, solidifying its place as a quintessential American car. |
| Ford Mustang | USA | Coupe, convertible, fastback | 317,404 | The original pony car received minor styling updates and a new 302 V8 engine. Its cultural icon status was cemented by its starring role in the classic 1968 film “Bullitt,” creating one of cinema’s most famous car chases. |
| Volkswagen Beetle | West Germany | Sedan, convertible | 1,130,147 | A global phenomenon and the top import in the US, the 1968 Beetle received significant updates, including larger taillights, an external fuel flap, and a new automatic stick-shift option. It remained a symbol of counter-culture and affordable transportation. |
| Ford F-Series | USA | Pickup truck | 536,929 | America’s perennial best-selling truck, the fifth-generation F-Series offered durability and versatility for both work and personal use. New safety features were added for 1968, and a wide range of engine options solidified its dominance in the crucial truck market. |
| Chevrolet Chevelle | USA | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 464,669 | Completely redesigned for 1968 with a sleek, long-hood/short-deck profile, the Chevelle was a versatile intermediate. The SS 396 model was a muscle car powerhouse, offering up to 375 horsepower and becoming one of the most popular high-performance cars of the era. |
| Ford Galaxie | USA | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 923,232 | As Ford’s best-selling full-size series, the Galaxie 500 offered style, comfort, and value. The 1968 model featured a new grille and hidden headlights on the upscale LTD and XL trims, representing the mainstream American family car with available big-block V8 power. |
| Oldsmobile Cutlass | USA | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 363,334 | The Oldsmobile Cutlass line was redesigned for 1968, featuring new fastback styling on coupes. It successfully blended performance and luxury, with the 442 model (now its own series) becoming one of the most balanced and respected muscle cars on the street. |
| Pontiac GTO | USA | Coupe, hardtop, convertible | 87,684 | Often credited with starting the muscle car craze, the 1968 GTO was redesigned with a curvaceous new body and a revolutionary body-colored “Endura” front bumper. It was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, blending style with formidable street performance. |
| Dodge Charger | USA | Hardtop coupe | 96,108 | Redesigned for 1968 with its iconic “Coke bottle” styling and hidden headlights, the Charger became a muscle car legend. The high-performance R/T model with the standard 440 Magnum V8 was a street and strip terror, also featuring in the film “Bullitt”. |
| Chevrolet Camaro | USA | Coupe, convertible | 235,147 | In its second year, the Camaro continued its rivalry with the Mustang. The 1968 model featured minor styling tweaks, Astro Ventilation, and new high-performance options like the SS and Z/28, the latter being a homologation special for Trans-Am racing. |
| Plymouth Road Runner | USA | Coupe, hardtop | 44,599 | A new model for 1968, the Road Runner was a budget-friendly muscle car built for performance. Stripped of non-essentials and featuring a “beep-beep” horn from the cartoon character, it offered immense power at an affordable price and was an instant sales success. |
| Chevrolet Nova | USA | Sedan, coupe | 200,974 | Redesigned for 1968, the Nova adopted a scaled-down Chevelle-like look, transforming from a simple compact into a potent “super-sleeper.” With the SS package and a 396 big-block V8 option, it became a lightweight terror on the drag strip. |
| Ford Cortina | UK | Sedan, coupe, wagon | 210,503 | A best-seller in the UK, the Mk II Cortina was a practical and popular family car. It offered a range of engines and trims, including the high-performance Lotus Cortina, which dominated touring car racing and established a reputation for affordable performance. |
| Mini | UK | Sedan, wagon | 299,679 | An icon of the 1960s, the Mini (sold under Austin and Morris brands) revolutionized small-car design with its transverse engine and front-wheel drive. Its go-kart-like handling made it a blast to drive and a giant-killer in motorsport, beloved across all social classes. |
| Chevrolet Corvette | USA | Coupe, convertible | 28,566 | The C3 “Stingray” debuted in 1968 with dramatic “Mako Shark II” inspired styling, featuring T-top roof panels and pop-up headlights. Despite some initial quality issues, its radical design made it an instant icon and a desirable American sports car. |
| Plymouth Fury | USA | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 340,307 | Plymouth’s top full-size car, the Fury offered a wide range of models from the basic Fury I to the luxurious VIP. Known for solid engineering, it was a popular choice for families and police fleets, delivering dependable performance in a stylish package. |
| Toyota Corolla | Japan | Sedan, coupe, wagon | 163,892 | The first-generation Corolla was gaining global popularity as a reliable and economical compact car. Its simple mechanics, fuel efficiency, and high build quality helped establish Toyota’s reputation worldwide, paving the way for its future as a best-selling nameplate. |
| Fiat 500 | Italy | Sedan, wagon | 392,109 | The quintessential Italian city car, the tiny Fiat 500 was at the peak of its popularity. Its rear-engine design provided surprising interior space, and its charming character made it a cultural icon in Europe, symbolizing post-war mobility and Italian style. |
| Datsun 510 | Japan | Sedan, coupe, wagon | 60,000 | Launched in 1968, the Datsun 510 (Bluebird in Japan) was a game-changer. Often called the “poor man’s BMW,” it featured a sophisticated overhead-cam engine and four-wheel independent suspension, offering European sports sedan performance at a Japanese economy car price. |
| Buick Skylark | USA | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 203,636 | Sharing its new A-body platform with the Chevelle and GTO, the 1968 Skylark featured a distinctive “sweepspear” design. It offered a more luxurious and comfortable take on the intermediate size, with the GS 400 providing potent, gentlemanly muscle car performance. |
| AMC Javelin | USA | Hardtop coupe | 55,125 | AMC’s stylish entry into the pony car market debuted in late 1967 for the 1968 model year. The Javelin was praised for its roomy interior and handsome styling, offering a competitive and distinct alternative to the Mustang and Camaro. |
| Ford Thunderbird | USA | Coupe, sedan | 64,931 | The “Glamour Bird” continued its move towards personal luxury. The 1968 model featured a new grille reminiscent of a jet intake and a powerful new 429 Thunderjet V8. It offered a unique blend of sporty styling and plush, full-size comfort. |
| Volkswagen Type 2 | West Germany | Van, bus, pickup | 233,653 | Known as the Bus or Transporter, the Type 2 received its first major redesign for 1968. The “Bay Window” model replaced the “Splitscreen,” offering a one-piece windshield and better suspension, continuing its role as a counter-culture icon. |
| Ford Escort | UK | Sedan, wagon | 226,396 | Launched in late 1967 to replace the Anglia, the Escort Mk1 quickly became a massive sales success in Europe. Its simple, robust mechanicals and “dogbone” grille made it a popular family car and a legendary platform for rally racing. |
| Citroën DS | France | Sedan, wagon | 98,787 | A futuristic marvel, the DS was famous for its aerodynamic styling and innovative self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension. The 1968 models received a major facelift with distinctive directional headlamps under a glass canopy, further enhancing its avant-garde reputation. |
| Porsche 911 | West Germany | Coupe, Targa | 10,667 | The iconic rear-engined sports car continued its evolution in 1968. The lineup included the entry 911T, the luxury 911L, and high-performance 911S. Its distinctive shape and sublime handling cemented its legendary status among enthusiasts. |
| Jaguar E-Type | UK | Coupe, roadster, 2+2 | 6,892 | Considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made, the E-Type entered its Series 1.5 phase in 1968 for the US market. This transitional model featured exposed headlights to meet new safety regulations but retained the stunning performance of the original. |
| Plymouth Barracuda | USA | Coupe, convertible, fastback | 45,412 | Redesigned in 1967, the ’68 Barracuda continued with its distinctive fastback glass. New performance packages, including the 383 V8, established its muscle car credentials beyond its economy car roots, making it a formidable street machine. |
| Ford Falcon | USA | Sedan, coupe, wagon | 131,318 | While overshadowed by the Mustang, the Falcon remained a popular and practical compact. For 1968, it continued to offer reliable, economical transportation for families and budget-conscious buyers, serving as a cornerstone of Ford’s lineup before the Maverick arrived. |
| Renault 8 | France | Sedan | 231,885 | A popular rear-engined family sedan in Europe, the Renault 8 was known for its boxy but practical design and four-wheel disc brakes, a rarity in its class. The high-performance Gordini version was a dominant force in rallying, building a strong sporting reputation. |
Images and Descriptions
Chevrolet Impala
The best-selling car in America for 1968. As part of Chevrolet’s full-size line, it offered a vast range of engines and body styles, from practical family sedans to the sporty SS model, solidifying its place as a quintessential American car.
Ford Mustang
The original pony car received minor styling updates and a new 302 V8 engine. Its cultural icon status was cemented by its starring role in the classic 1968 film “Bullitt,” creating one of cinema’s most famous car chases.
Volkswagen Beetle
A global phenomenon and the top import in the US, the 1968 Beetle received significant updates, including larger taillights, an external fuel flap, and a new automatic stick-shift option. It remained a symbol of counter-culture and affordable transportation.
Ford F-Series
America’s perennial best-selling truck, the fifth-generation F-Series offered durability and versatility for both work and personal use. New safety features were added for 1968, and a wide range of engine options solidified its dominance in the crucial truck market.
Chevrolet Chevelle
Completely redesigned for 1968 with a sleek, long-hood/short-deck profile, the Chevelle was a versatile intermediate. The SS 396 model was a muscle car powerhouse, offering up to 375 horsepower and becoming one of the most popular high-performance cars of the era.
Ford Galaxie
As Ford’s best-selling full-size series, the Galaxie 500 offered style, comfort, and value. The 1968 model featured a new grille and hidden headlights on the upscale LTD and XL trims, representing the mainstream American family car with available big-block V8 power.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
The Oldsmobile Cutlass line was redesigned for 1968, featuring new fastback styling on coupes. It successfully blended performance and luxury, with the 442 model (now its own series) becoming one of the most balanced and respected muscle cars on the street.
Pontiac GTO
Often credited with starting the muscle car craze, the 1968 GTO was redesigned with a curvaceous new body and a revolutionary body-colored “Endura” front bumper. It was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, blending style with formidable street performance.
Dodge Charger
Redesigned for 1968 with its iconic “Coke bottle” styling and hidden headlights, the Charger became a muscle car legend. The high-performance R/T model with the standard 440 Magnum V8 was a street and strip terror, also featuring in the film “Bullitt”.
Chevrolet Camaro
In its second year, the Camaro continued its rivalry with the Mustang. The 1968 model featured minor styling tweaks, Astro Ventilation, and new high-performance options like the SS and Z/28, the latter being a homologation special for Trans-Am racing.
Plymouth Road Runner
A new model for 1968, the Road Runner was a budget-friendly muscle car built for performance. Stripped of non-essentials and featuring a “beep-beep” horn from the cartoon character, it offered immense power at an affordable price and was an instant sales success.
Chevrolet Nova
Redesigned for 1968, the Nova adopted a scaled-down Chevelle-like look, transforming from a simple compact into a potent “super-sleeper.” With the SS package and a 396 big-block V8 option, it became a lightweight terror on the drag strip.
Ford Cortina
A best-seller in the UK, the Mk II Cortina was a practical and popular family car. It offered a range of engines and trims, including the high-performance Lotus Cortina, which dominated touring car racing and established a reputation for affordable performance.
Mini
An icon of the 1960s, the Mini (sold under Austin and Morris brands) revolutionized small-car design with its transverse engine and front-wheel drive. Its go-kart-like handling made it a blast to drive and a giant-killer in motorsport, beloved across all social classes.
Chevrolet Corvette
The C3 “Stingray” debuted in 1968 with dramatic “Mako Shark II” inspired styling, featuring T-top roof panels and pop-up headlights. Despite some initial quality issues, its radical design made it an instant icon and a desirable American sports car.
Plymouth Fury
Plymouth’s top full-size car, the Fury offered a wide range of models from the basic Fury I to the luxurious VIP. Known for solid engineering, it was a popular choice for families and police fleets, delivering dependable performance in a stylish package.
Toyota Corolla
The first-generation Corolla was gaining global popularity as a reliable and economical compact car. Its simple mechanics, fuel efficiency, and high build quality helped establish Toyota’s reputation worldwide, paving the way for its future as a best-selling nameplate.
Fiat 500
The quintessential Italian city car, the tiny Fiat 500 was at the peak of its popularity. Its rear-engine design provided surprising interior space, and its charming character made it a cultural icon in Europe, symbolizing post-war mobility and Italian style.
Datsun 510
Launched in 1968, the Datsun 510 (Bluebird in Japan) was a game-changer. Often called the “poor man’s BMW,” it featured a sophisticated overhead-cam engine and four-wheel independent suspension, offering European sports sedan performance at a Japanese economy car price.
Buick Skylark
Sharing its new A-body platform with the Chevelle and GTO, the 1968 Skylark featured a distinctive “sweepspear” design. It offered a more luxurious and comfortable take on the intermediate size, with the GS 400 providing potent, gentlemanly muscle car performance.
AMC Javelin
AMC’s stylish entry into the pony car market debuted in late 1967 for the 1968 model year. The Javelin was praised for its roomy interior and handsome styling, offering a competitive and distinct alternative to the Mustang and Camaro.
Ford Thunderbird
The “Glamour Bird” continued its move towards personal luxury. The 1968 model featured a new grille reminiscent of a jet intake and a powerful new 429 Thunderjet V8. It offered a unique blend of sporty styling and plush, full-size comfort.
Volkswagen Type 2
Known as the Bus or Transporter, the Type 2 received its first major redesign for 1968. The “Bay Window” model replaced the “Splitscreen,” offering a one-piece windshield and better suspension, continuing its role as a counter-culture icon.
Ford Escort
Launched in late 1967 to replace the Anglia, the Escort Mk1 quickly became a massive sales success in Europe. Its simple, robust mechanicals and “dogbone” grille made it a popular family car and a legendary platform for rally racing.
Citroën DS
A futuristic marvel, the DS was famous for its aerodynamic styling and innovative self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension. The 1968 models received a major facelift with distinctive directional headlamps under a glass canopy, further enhancing its avant-garde reputation.
Porsche 911
The iconic rear-engined sports car continued its evolution in 1968. The lineup included the entry 911T, the luxury 911L, and high-performance 911S. Its distinctive shape and sublime handling cemented its legendary status among enthusiasts.
Jaguar E-Type
Considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made, the E-Type entered its Series 1.5 phase in 1968 for the US market. This transitional model featured exposed headlights to meet new safety regulations but retained the stunning performance of the original.
Plymouth Barracuda
Redesigned in 1967, the ’68 Barracuda continued with its distinctive fastback glass. New performance packages, including the 383 V8, established its muscle car credentials beyond its economy car roots, making it a formidable street machine.
Ford Falcon
While overshadowed by the Mustang, the Falcon remained a popular and practical compact. For 1968, it continued to offer reliable, economical transportation for families and budget-conscious buyers, serving as a cornerstone of Ford’s lineup before the Maverick arrived.
Renault 8
A popular rear-engined family sedan in Europe, the Renault 8 was known for its boxy but practical design and four-wheel disc brakes, a rarity in its class. The high-performance Gordini version was a dominant force in rallying, building a strong sporting reputation.
