History's Best Selling Vehicles of 1966

Revisiting 1966 presents a grand parade of vehicles history, marked by Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Nissan Sunny, Mercury Cougar, and Toyota Corolla took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Nissan and Mercury led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Nissan Sunny

   Released in 1966 by Nissan

   On April 23, 1966, Nissan launched a car that would define a new era of personal mobility for Japan and the world: the Datsun Sunny (B10). This date marks a pivotal moment in Japan's post-war economic miracle, as rising incomes fueled a demand for affordable family vehicles, a phenomenon known as the 'my car' boom. The Sunny was Nissan's direct entry into this burgeoning mass market, a thoughtfully designed vehicle aimed at the average family. Its debut ignited one of the greatest rivalries in automotive history, as it went head-to-head with the Toyota Corolla, which launched just a few months later. This day heralded the dawn of the Japanese compact car's global dominance.

2. Mercury Cougar

   Released in 1966 by Mercury

   On September 30, 1966, as part of the grand unveiling of 1967 models, the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford introduced a brand-new vehicle: the Cougar. This date marked Mercury's official entry into the wildly popular 'pony car' market, a segment created just two years earlier by its corporate sibling, the Ford Mustang. The launch was strategically timed to capture the attention of new car buyers during the traditional fall season. Unlike the Mustang, which appealed to the masses, the Cougar was presented as a more sophisticated, comfortable, and European-inspired grand tourer, aimed at a slightly older and more affluent customer who desired both performance and luxury.

3. Toyota Corolla

   Released in 1966 by Toyota

   On October 20, 1966, Toyota officially announced a vehicle that would redefine the global automotive landscape: the Corolla. Launched into a rapidly growing post-war Japanese economy, the Corolla arrived as the nation's