UK Car Sales By Brand : 1965-69

The BMC 1100 was well ahead of its time

Getting any sales data back in the 1960's is very hard for the Britain. I managed to get this together and although I have more, it is a bit patchy. I decided to keep it simple and minimal gaps.

BLMC was formed in 1968 when BMH ( BMC) combined with Leyland Motors (including Triumph cars). A year earlier BMH took over Rover and in 1966 acquired Jaguar. I have included Triumph and Rover sales in all BMH/Leyland/Rover figures, but not Jaguar.

Ford was a major car maker back then. Vauxhall was losing its way and Rootes (Hillman, Humber etc.) was taken over by Chrysler in 1967. There weren't many imports at this time, although 1969 seemed to mark a distinct change.

65	66	67	68	69	Brand	1965		1966		1967		1968		1969
1	1	1	1	1	BM / Leyl	474,967		462,324		438,117		435,121		376,765
2	2	2	2	2	Ford	289,373		262,477		280,380		301,083		264,012
4	4	3	3	3	Vauxhall	129,733		116,971		146,021		145,118		112,685
3	3	4	4	4	Chrysler	131,024		123,173		135,036		112,506		93,378
n/a					Jaguar	13,598		11,424		13,901		12,661		11,779

To break down BM figures to show how various brands were selling in the UK...

	Brand	1965		1966		1967		1968		1969
	Austin / Morris	384,497		357,146		311,622		319,307		278,433
	Triumph	61,199		70,909		86,932		80,626		64,693
	Rover	19,046		23,405		26,711		26,822		23,373
	MG	10,225		10,864		12,852		8,366		10,266
	Total	474,967		462,324		438,117		435,121		376,765

Summary: The British motor industry really boomed in the post war 1950's and 60's, but by the end of the 60's cracks were starting to appear.

Data source: SMMT.
Picture source: toplowridersites.com