The 1960s: a decade of cultural revolution, moon landings, and, of course, iconic automobiles. For anyone wondering, Did They Have Cars In The 1960s? The answer is a resounding yes! The 1960s were a golden era for the automotive industry, witnessing a surge in innovation, design evolution, and the rise of legendary car brands and models that still captivate enthusiasts today. This era saw significant strides in both European and American automotive engineering and styling, each region carving its distinct path in car manufacturing history. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of 1960s cars, exploring the key European and American manufacturers and their contributions to this dynamic decade.
European Car Manufacturers in the 1960s: Innovation and Style
The 1960s in Europe were marked by economic growth and a burgeoning middle class, leading to an increased demand for personal vehicles. European car manufacturers responded with a wave of innovative designs, focusing on performance, efficiency, and distinctive styling. Brands from Germany, Italy, France, and Sweden made significant impacts on the global automotive landscape during this period.
BMW: The Rise of the “New Class”
BMW, in the 1960s, strategically shifted its focus to sports sedans and touring cars to compete more effectively with Mercedes-Benz and capture a larger share of the luxury car market in Europe and the United States. The pivotal moment came at the 1961 Frankfurt Auto Show when BMW unveiled the prototype of the “New Class” sedan. This car was revolutionary and became the foundational blueprint for nearly every BMW model until the 1990s, cementing its place as a truly significant 1960s import car.
A classic BMW New Class sedan, showcasing the design that defined BMW cars of the 1960s and beyond.
The BMW 1500, launched in 1961 and released in 1963, was the first of the New Class generation. It was the first modern BMW to feature a four-cylinder engine, boasting a top speed of 148 km/h. These 1960s foreign cars were also equipped with advanced features for the time, including front disc brakes and a four-wheel independent suspension system, enhancing both safety and handling. Initially offered only as a four-door sedan, the BMW 1500 was met with immense popularity, and BMW struggled to meet the overwhelming demand. The desire for higher performance led to the evolution of the 1500 into the iconic BMW 2002.
BMW’s manufacturing capabilities couldn’t keep pace with the popularity of these 1960s foreign cars. Between 1962 and 1964, only 23,807 units of the 1500 were produced. While designed as a middle-class family sedan, the German market desired even greater performance. BMW’s engineers further refined the 1500, leading to the emergence of the classic BMW 2002, first introduced in early 1968. Interim models like the 1800 with a 90 hp engine and the 1600, launched in February 1967, also gained traction with consumers. Car and Driver magazine lauded the 1600 as “the best small sedan we ever drove” and “the best economy car ever offered to an undeserving American public,” praising its affordability (around $2,500), speed (102 mph, 0-60 mph in 11.4 seconds), fuel efficiency (up to 30 mpg), and reliability. The BMW Isetta Bubble Car, another 1960s car import, served as a popular second car option, featuring a 300CC motorbike engine that delivered 80 MPG and a top speed of 55 MPH.
Volvo: Safety Innovations from Sweden
Volvo, renowned for its commitment to safety, introduced significant advancements in car safety during the 1960s. In 1965, the Volvo Favorit, a new model of the Amazon, was released, though visually similar to the standard two-door version. The groundbreaking Volvo 144, launched in 1966, was a product of extensive engineering focused on safety.
The Volvo 144, a pioneer in automotive safety features during the 1960s.
The Volvo 144 was equipped with disc brakes on all wheels, a split steering column, and new locks on the three-point safety belts. Its body incorporated energy-absorbing crumple zones in the front and rear, and even the door locks were designed with safety in mind. The 144 also featured a triangle-split dual-circuit brake system, ensuring that even if one circuit failed, 80% of the braking power remained, making these 1960s foreign cars among the safest available.
The Volvo 144 gained international recognition, including in the US, where these 1960s foreign cars met the stringent new safety regulations. In 1968, Volvo expanded the 144 series with models like the Volvo 164, the 140 series, and the Volvo 144 Taxi. Volvo’s sales in Great Britain surged by 70% in that year. Further improvements in safety were introduced in 1969 for the 140 Series, including head restraints for front seats, safety belts for rear passengers, and an electrically heated rear window. These 1960s foreign cars continued to evolve with more safety features in subsequent decades, solidifying Volvo’s reputation as a leader in car safety.
Volkswagen: The Enduring Beetle and Expanding Lineup
Volkswagen had already established a presence in the United States by the 1960s, with initial sales starting in 1949. From a mere two units sold in the first year in America, sales of the Volkswagen Type 1, as it was initially known, skyrocketed, reaching a cumulative total of one million by 1955. These 1960s foreign cars experienced a surge in popularity, driven significantly by innovative and witty advertising campaigns. Volkswagen’s ads became as iconic as the car itself, employing clean layouts and clever copy to attract younger, more sophisticated consumers. While officially named the Type 1, the “Beetle” moniker first appeared in U.S. advertising in 1968. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, despite its design becoming somewhat dated, Volkswagen’s Beetle continued to break production records, surpassing even the Ford Model T, thanks to its reliability and smart marketing. By 1973, total production of these 1960s foreign cars exceeded 16 million. The “Beetle,” a 1960s car import, became a symbol of reliability and affordability, and many can still be seen on American roads today.
The iconic Volkswagen Beetle, a symbol of the 1960s and a testament to enduring design.
To broaden its appeal and compete with other 1960s foreign cars, Volkswagen expanded its product line in 1961 with the Type 3 models, offering variations in body styles like the Fastback, Notchback, and Squareback, all built on the mechanical foundation of the Type 1. In 1969, the Type 4 models (also known as the 411 and 412) were introduced, representing a more significant departure from previous designs with features like automatic transmission, electronic fuel injection, unibody construction, and a more robust engine.
Peugeot: French Style and Performance
Peugeot, a French automaker, introduced the Peugeot 404 in May 1960. Designed in Italy by Pininfarina, the 404 marked a stylistic turning point for Peugeot. Its design blended classic modernism with elegance, revamping Peugeot’s brand image. By the following year, Peugeot’s annual production reached 260,000 vehicles. The direct injection engine became a standard feature on the 404, enhancing its performance and efficiency.
The Peugeot 404, a stylish French car of the 1960s, designed by Pininfarina.
In 1965, Peugeot ventured into front-wheel drive with the Peugeot 204, a departure from their traditional rear-wheel-drive saloons. The 204 featured a light alloy engine with an overhead camshaft, independent suspension on all four wheels, and disc brakes on the front wheels, showcasing Peugeot’s commitment to innovation. A special diesel-powered Peugeot 404 coupé achieved a remarkable feat on June 14, 1965, breaking 40 world records at the Montlhéry ring, highlighting the car’s performance and durability. Between 1960 and 1972, Peugeot produced two million units of these 1960s foreign cars, the 404, praised for its blend of style and practicality, enjoyed considerable sales success.
Alfa Romeo: Italian Flair and Sporting Heritage
Alfa Romeo, an Italian manufacturer with a rich history in motorsport, became renowned in the 1960s for its stylish small cars and models designed for the Italian police force, known as “Panthers” and Carabinieri.” Models like the “Giulia Super” and the 2600 Sprint GT, nicknamed “Inseguimento” (Pursuit), were particularly popular. These 1960s foreign cars were commercially successful, evidenced by the production of the 100,001st Giulietta in February 1961.
The Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto, an iconic Italian roadster made famous in the 1960s film “The Graduate”.
1966 marked a significant year for Alfa Romeo spiders with the launch of the 1600 Spider, featuring distinctive Italian styling. Alfa Romeo held a competition to name the new spider, and Mr. Giudobaldo Trionfi of Brescia won with his suggestion, “Duetto.” The Alfa Romeo Spider “Duetto” achieved global success and became a design classic. Famously featured in the 1967 film “The Graduate” starring Dustin Hoffman, the Spider, also known as Duetto, gained worldwide recognition for its unique shape and Italian charm. Designed by Battista Pininfarina, it was his final collaboration with Alfa Romeo, representing years of design evolution from the late 1950s. These 1960s foreign cars remained in production for nearly three decades with only minor changes, a testament to its timeless design. The Spider featured a monocoque construction with crumple zones, a 1570 cc Alfa Romeo twin-cam four-cylinder engine producing 109 hp, independent front suspension, five-speed transmission, and disc brakes.
The original Duetto was produced from 1966 to 1967 and was succeeded in 1969 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, powered by a 118 hp 1779 cc engine. European models featured twin carburettors, while North American versions had SPICA mechanical fuel injection. While visually similar, the 1750 Spider Veloce had modifications to its suspension, brakes, electrics, wheels, and tires. The name “Duetto” was dropped, and the car was officially titled 1750 Spider Veloce.
Throughout the 1960s, Alfa Romeo also focused on motorsport, using production-based cars like the GTA (Gran Turismo Allegerita), a lightweight aluminum-bodied version of the Bertone-designed coupe with a powerful twin-plug engine. These fast 1960s foreign cars achieved victory in the inaugural Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am championship in 1966.
Renault: French Innovation and Global Reach
Renault, a French vehicle manufacturer with a history dating back to 1899, was known for its innovative designs, safety technologies, and motorsport involvement. Renault cars were exported to the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. The rear-engine Renault 4CV, launched in 1946, proved to be a strong competitor to 1960s foreign cars like the Morris Minor and Volkswagen Beetle, selling over half a million units and remaining in production until 1961. Renault also produced the larger, conventional Renault Fregate from 1951 to 1960.
The 4CV’s successor, the Dauphine, enjoyed significant sales success, expanding Renault’s production and sales internationally, including in Africa and North America. However, the Dauphine’s sales in North America were less successful, and it became outdated by the early 1960s. Renault rebounded with the launch of two highly successful models, the Renault 4 and Renault 8, in 1961 and 1962, respectively. The Renault 4 was the world’s first car with a hermetically sealed cooling system and remained in production until 1992. The Renault 8 was the first mass-produced car with disc brakes on all four wheels.
The Renault 8, a pioneering mass-produced car with disc brakes on all wheels in the 1960s.
The Renault 8 was introduced to the US market in 1962. These 1960s foreign cars continued Renault’s motorsport legacy with rallying successes, further enhanced by collaborations with Alpine, notably the Renault-powered Alpine A110. Renault also achieved success with the more upscale Renault 16, launched in 1966, which reinforced Renault’s reputation for innovation as the world’s first hatchback larger than subcompact size. The Renault 16 was also the first Renault model to be named “Car of the Year.” By 1969, Renault’s production exceeded one million vehicles annually, with over 500,000 exported, demonstrating the global appeal of these 1960s foreign cars.
Porsche: German Sports Car Excellence
Porsche, founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, the engineer behind the Volkswagen Beetle, established itself as a premier German sports car manufacturer. Known for its racing heritage, Porsche’s main rival in competition was traditionally Ferrari. In the sports car market, Porsche competed with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lotus, Jaguar, and Maserati.
In 1963, following racing successes with models like the Porsche 550 Spyder, Porsche launched the iconic Porsche 911. The 911, another air-cooled, rear-engined sports car, featured a six-cylinder “boxer” engine. The 911 became Porsche’s most renowned model, achieving success in racing, rallies, and sales. These 1960s foreign cars contributed significantly to Porsche’s brand identity. The Porsche 911 remains in production today, though current models have evolved significantly from the original 1963 design, retaining only the rear-engine, six-cylinder concept and iconic styling cues. A more affordable version, the Porsche 912, with the same body but featuring a 356-derived four-cylinder engine, was also offered.
American Car Manufacturers in the 1960s: Size and Innovation
The 1960s in the United States were characterized by a booming economy and a car culture that emphasized size, power, and style. American car manufacturers, including GM, Ford, and Chrysler, produced a range of vehicles from compact to full-size, reflecting diverse consumer preferences.
General Motors (GM): Compacts and Corvair’s Bold Design
GM responded to the growing compact car market by introducing three new smaller models for 1961: the Buick Special, Oldsmobile F-85, and Pontiac Tempest. The Oldsmobile F-85, available as a sedan, coupe, and station wagon, was powered by a V8 engine from 1961 to 1963. In 1964, the F-85 was upgraded to an intermediate-sized car. The Cutlass, initially a trim level of the F-85, became a separate model in 1964, with the F-85 nameplate continuing on lower-priced models until 1972. Subsequently, all Oldsmobile intermediate 1960s cars were known as Cutlasses.
Chevrolet introduced the radical Corvair, featuring an aluminum six-cylinder rear engine layout. The 1960 Chevrolet Corvair 500 Deluxe came with a basic Corvair engine, a single-barrel carburetor, and a three-speed manual transmission. While not directly copying Volkswagen’s 1960s cars, the Corvair shared similarities in its air-cooled rear engine, compact transaxle, and suspension design. However, the Corvair was larger, both inside and out, and was considered an “American-sized compact.” The Corvair was groundbreaking for Chevy, featuring their first and only rear air-cooled engine, first unitized body, first production car turbocharger, and fully independent suspension on all wheels.
The Chevrolet Corvair Monza, a sporty model that boosted Corvair sales in the 1960s.
Early in 1960, a sporty “Monza” model was introduced, featuring bucket seats, full wheel covers, and a full vinyl interior. These sporty 1960s cars significantly boosted Corvair sales and attracted enthusiasts. The Corvair developed a following and was considered one of the sportier compacts, sometimes referred to as a “poor man’s Porsche.” In 1962, Chevrolet launched the Chevy II line of 1960s cars. While initially intended as an economy car, the Corvair found greater success with the more luxurious trim and sportier image of the Monza model, which sold well in 1961.
Chrysler: Valiant’s Practicality and Plymouth’s Downsizing Misstep
Chrysler introduced the Valiant, a compact car that was conventional in layout but innovative in its features. The Valiant was initially sold as a separate brand in its first year before adopting Plymouth logos. The first generation Valiant, launched in 1960 and lasting until 1962, featured a unibody construction. It was restyled in 1963 and completely redesigned in a style reminiscent of European cars of the time. From 1963, Dodge used the Valiant as the basis for its Dart models.
The Valiant was the only survivor among the Detroit compacts, remaining in production until 1976 when it was replaced by the Volare and its Dodge counterpart, the Aspen. The Valiant and its derivatives found a solid market, but despite its profitability, it couldn’t prevent Plymouth’s market share decline in the 1960s car market. Ironically, the Valiant’s success led Plymouth to a costly mistake. Believing in a shift towards smaller 1960s cars, Plymouth downsized its entire fleet. However, most customers still preferred larger cars, and Plymouth lost further market share.
Ford/Mercury: Comet’s Versatility and Edsel’s Legacy
The Mercury Comet was designed to be a versatile car for Mercury. Introduced in 1960 on a stretched Ford Falcon frame, the Comet was intended to serve as Mercury’s compact, intermediate, and pony car offering simultaneously. Originally planned as the 1961 Edsel Comet compact car, it was rebranded as the Mercury Comet after the Edsel brand was discontinued. The Mercury Comet outsold all Edsel models in its first year.
Developed as a compact car for the ill-fated Edsel line, the Comet was released as a separate Mercury model sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers after Edsel’s demise before the 1960 model year. The Mercury Comet became a crucial model for the Mercury brand. Fewer than 6,000 Edsels survive today, making them collector’s items, with convertibles in good condition sometimes fetching over US$20,000.
American Motors Corporation (AMC) / Rambler: Economy and Innovation
The Rambler story is a mix of success and eventual decline. The new Rambler, known for being cheap and easy to repair, became a hit during the recession of 1958, making American Motors the only profitable domestic car manufacturer that year. In 1960, Rambler produced over 450,000 cars and became the third-highest-selling domestic brand.
Ramblers were pioneers in using unibody construction across their entire model lineup. This technology provided a stronger structure without a separate chassis, reducing squeaks and rattles. Most modern cars, except for trucks and some SUVs, owe their design to this 1960s cars’ unitized body construction innovation. Rambler was also a safety innovator, being the first to offer seat belts as an option in 1950 and making them standard equipment by the end of the decade. However, by 1962, the introduction of compact cars by the “Big Three” automakers reduced Rambler’s market share.
The AMC Rambler Marlin, an attempt by Rambler to enter the personal luxury car market in the 1960s.
Rambler introduced some of the most attractive designs of its history in the mid-1960s. The AMC Rambler Limited Edition Extra highlighted this period with redesigned Classic and Ambassador series for 1966 and the introduction of the Classic-based Marlin in 1965. The Marlin was an attempt to compete in the “personal car” market dominated by models like the Ford Thunderbird and Buick Riviera. Unfortunately, Rambler’s efforts to compete with the “Big Three” were not very successful. Their 1960s cars faced declining sales. The Rambler name, once synonymous with economy, lost favor in a market increasingly focused on style and horsepower. A rebranding effort was initiated, and by 1968, the Rambler name was discontinued, ending the era of 1960s cars known for fuel efficiency.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of 1960s Cars
The 1960s were undeniably a pivotal decade for the automotive industry. Did they have cars in the 1960s? Absolutely, and they were some of the most innovative, stylish, and influential cars ever produced. European manufacturers like BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Renault, and Porsche pushed boundaries in design, performance, and safety. American automakers such as GM, Chrysler, Ford/Mercury, and AMC also contributed significantly with iconic models and technological advancements. The cars of the 1960s not only reflected the spirit of the decade but also laid the groundwork for many of the automotive technologies and designs we see today. From safety innovations to engine advancements and stylistic trends, the legacy of 1960s cars continues to inspire and fascinate car enthusiasts and historians alike, proving that this era was truly a golden age for the automobile.
