Renault Dauphine
* See the Top 5 most produced models by clicking on the title! *
Today I am taking you on a trip down memory lane, to explore the best-selling models in France 50 years ago…
Launched in 1956, the Renault Dauphine is an instant hit. It becomes the best-selling car in France as early as for its first full year of sales in 1957 and hits record production figures for the times, peaking at 395,000 units in 1959. 267,000 units were produced in 1961.
Citroen 2CV
The early sixties is also the time the Citroen 2CV became a (sort of) blockbuster, 15 years after its original launch! It reaches a record 158,000 units produced in 1961 and ranks #2 overall for the very first time. France’s best-seller in 1956, the Simca Aronde stays on the podium all the way up to 1961 when 153,000 units were produced.
Peugeot 404
Launched in 1960, the Peugeot 404 immediately strikes a chord with the French consumer: it is produced at 115,000 units for its first full year in 1961. It is followed by the Peugeot 403, slowing down to 78,000 units after peaking at 182,000 in 1958.
Renault 4L
1961 is also the year the legendary Renault 4L launched. From July to December, 20,000 units of the model were produced. The Renault 4 would end up being the most successful French model ever, reaching a final production total of 8,135,424 units by the time it finished its life in 1992.
Full Year 1961 Ranking Table below.
