Best-Selling British Cars of the 1970s

Written by  John O'Cean.

​During the 1970s, several British car models gained popularity and became best-sellers.
​Here are some of the top-selling British cars from that era:

Ford Cortina

Ford Escort

Vauxhall Viva

• Ford Cortina: The Cortina was the most popular car in Britain during the 1970s. It offered a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of engine options. The Cortina was available in different trims and variations, catering to various customer preferences.
• Ford Escort: The Ford Escort was one of the most successful British cars of the 1970s. It was available in various body styles, including saloon, estate, and van. The Escort was known for its reliability, practicality, and affordability.
• Vauxhall Viva: The Vauxhall Viva was a compact family car that gained significant popularity in the 1970s. It was known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. The Viva was available as a two-door or four-door saloon and offered a practical and reliable driving experience.

Mini

Triumph Dolomite

Morris Marina

• Austin/Morris Mini: The iconic Mini continued to be a strong seller during the 1970s. This compact car was loved for its unique design, maneuverability, and fun driving experience. The Mini was available in various trims and had a loyal following.
• Triumph Dolomite: The Dolomite was a compact executive car that achieved success in the 1970s. It offered a stylish design, comfortable interior, and good performance. The Dolomite featured a range of engine options and was well-regarded for its handling and ride quality.
• The Morris Marina was introduced in 1971 and quickly became a popular choice in the UK. It was available as a saloon, coupe, and estate. The Marina was known for its spaciousness, simplicity, and affordable price, making it a common sight on British roads.

Hillman Avenger

Austin Allegro

Ford Capri

• The Hillman Avenger, produced by Chrysler UK, was a compact family car that gained popularity in the 1970s. It offered a practical and reliable driving experience and was available in different body styles, including saloon, estate, and coupe.
• The Austin Allegro is a small family car that was manufactured by the Austin-Morris division of British Leyland from 1973 until 1982. The styling - particularly of the estate - was controversial at the time however the Allegro offered exceptional space and comfort in a relatively small package and is much-loved by enthusiasts to this day.
• The Ford Capri is a fastback coupé built by Ford of Europe, designed by Philip T. Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. It used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina and was intended as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang.

Ford Granada

Austin Maxi

Triumph 2000/2500

• The European Ford Granada is a large executive car manufactured by Ford Europe from 1972 until 1994. The first-generation model was produced from 1972 to 1976 at Ford’s German factory in Cologne and at its British factory in Dagenham. In 1976, production switched entirely to Germany.
• The Austin Maxi is a medium-sized, 5-door hatchback family car that was produced by Austin and later British Leyland between 1969 and 1981. It was the first British five-door hatchback. British Leyland built and sold the Maxi alongside the 1971 Morris Marina and 1973 Austin Allegro. All three were replaced by the 1982 Austin Maestro.
• The Triumph 2000 is a mid-sized, rear wheel drive automobile which was produced in Coventry by the Triumph Motor Company between 1963 and 1977. It was introduced on 15 October 1963. It was styled by Giovanni Michelotti.

​These are just a few examples of the best-selling British cars in the 1970s. Each of these models had its own unique characteristics and attracted a significant customer base during that time.