History's Best Selling Vehicles of 1960

Throughout the swinging sixties, 1960 saw a swell surge of Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair in the world of vehicles! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Chrysler Newport and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Chrysler and Oldsmobile proved their mettle with Rambler Classic, delivering craftsmanship that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Chrysler Newport

   Released in 1960 by Chrysler

   On October 1, 1960, Chrysler dealerships across North America unveiled their 1961 model lineup, marking a significant strategic shift for the corporation. Central to this new direction was the reintroduction of the Chrysler Newport. Unlike its previous incarnation as a high-end hardtop, the 1961 Newport was positioned as a new, budget-friendly entry in the full-size market. This launch was a calculated response to economic pressures and intense competition, aiming to draw customers from brands like Pontiac, Mercury, and Oldsmobile. The Newport was designed to be Chrysler's volume seller, offering the brand's signature engineering and commanding presence at a price point accessible to a much broader audience.

2. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

   Released in 1960 by Oldsmobile

   On October 1, 1960, Oldsmobile dealerships unveiled the 1961 model year lineup, which included a groundbreaking new entry: the F-85 Cutlass. This date marks the birth of one of the most enduring names in automotive history. Introduced as a top-tier model of the new F-85 'senior compact' line, the Cutlass was General Motors' answer to the growing demand for smaller, more efficient vehicles. It shared its basic Y-body platform with the Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest but was distinctly an Oldsmobile, aiming to deliver a premium, sporty experience in a smaller package, setting the stage for a multi-decade run of immense popularity.

3. Rambler Classic

   Released in 1960 by Rambler

   On October 1, 1960, American Motors Corporation (AMC) unveiled its lineup for the 1961 model year, with the newly named Rambler Classic taking center stage. This date marked a strategic consolidation for the company, replacing the former Rambler Six and Rebel V8 models under a single, unified banner. The launch was a key part of AMC President George W. Romney's vision to focus on sensible, efficient, and well-built automobiles, a segment the company had successfully pioneered. By presenting a refined and restyled mid-size car, AMC aimed to strengthen its brand identity and capitalize on the growing public demand for practical alternatives to the larger, more extravagant vehicles offered by the Detroit 'Big Three' automakers.

4. ZAZ Zaporozhets

   Released in 1960 by ZAZ

   On October 22, 1960, the Zaporizhia Automobile Building Plant (ZAZ) in the Ukrainian SSR initiated a new chapter in Soviet history by commencing series production of the ZAZ-965 Zaporozhets. This date marked the birth of the Soviet Union's first true 'people's car,' a direct response to the government's call for an affordable and accessible vehicle for the masses. Previously a manufacturer of agricultural combines, the ZAZ factory was completely retooled to produce this new microcar. The launch was a landmark event, symbolizing a shift towards consumer goods and promising personal mobility to millions of ordinary citizens who had never before had the opportunity to own an automobile, aiming to fill a role similar to the Volkswagen Beetle in West Germany or the Fiat 500 in Italy.