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