History's Best Selling Vehicles of 1973

Revisiting 1973 presents a grand parade of vehicles history, marked by retro grooves and analog innovation and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Mitsubishi Lancer, Volkswagen Passat, and essential classics took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Mitsubishi and Volkswagen led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Mitsubishi Lancer

   Released in 1973 by Mitsubishi

   On February 1, 1973, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched a car that would become an icon: the Lancer. This debut was a pivotal moment for the recently independent automaker, as it introduced a vehicle designed to fill a crucial gap between its small Kei-class cars and the larger Galant sedan. Launched into a competitive Japanese market dominated by the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sunny, the Lancer was engineered to be a global contender. Its arrival was timely, preceding the peak of the 1973 oil crisis, making its blend of efficiency and performance particularly appealing. This date marked the birth of a nameplate that would spend the next five decades building a formidable legacy in showrooms and on rally stages worldwide.

2. Volkswagen Passat

   Released in 1973 by Volkswagen

   On May 14, 1973, Volkswagen launched a car that would fundamentally change its identity and secure its future: the Passat. This date marks a pivotal moment when the company, famous for its rear-engine, air-cooled Beetle, fully embraced a new era of modern, front-engine, water-cooled vehicles. The Passat (designated B1) was not just a new model; it was a statement of intent and a strategic masterstroke. By leveraging the advanced engineering of its subsidiary, Audi, Volkswagen was able to introduce a sophisticated family car that immediately positioned the brand to compete directly with established European rivals, moving it decisively away from its quirky, post-war roots and into the automotive mainstream.