How Many 60s Cars Can You Name?
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America’s automobile market soared in the 1960s, predicated on speed, performance and refined style. When looking at the decade, we can’t not appreciate the rise of the “Big Three” as they swept across the nation, overseas and into worldwide markets: Ford, Chrysler and General Motors—truly a triumvirate—were a force to be reckoned with.
The 1960s were years of change, departing from age-old designs to double down on performance and style. By and large, this evolution took several turns along the way. We might recognize the Mustang as a record-book vehicle known for shifting the auto world’s gears into race-proven speeds, but it’s impossible to recapture the car’s magic without regarding history, itself.
In 1960, nearly all vehicles sold in America were American-made. Abroad, nearly half of them were sold by American manufacturers. By and large, American Motors Corporation spearheaded the nation’s industry progression throughout the decade. Very much a dynasty, the Big Three also spawned the rise of the “compact” vehicles we’ve come to love: those well-known for their fuel economy, maneuverability and sleek design. Highlighting the trend as a 50s forerunner, AMC’s Rambler would soon serve as an industry blueprint for these fuel-efficient designs.
We saw GM’s Corvair and its six-cylinder, hind-end engine in the 60s—as well as Chrysler’s Valiant. When Ford rolled out the Falcon, the auto industry saw a notable shift in direction. By 1962, the Big Three had won over a sizable chunk of AMC’s fans. By 1964, drivers indulged in all-new, mid-sized vehicles with explosive V-8 engines: Muscle cars ruled the road.
Most of the decade’s roads lead back to the Mustang, as well as the Dodge Charger and the GM Camero. They offered speed and performance, of course, but they also served as industry landmarks in terms of affordability. At the time, America had already experienced the eaves of an industry governed by ever-rising gas prices. While the Muscle Car Era faced a decline in the 70s, these powerhouses evaded tightening emission regulations due to their intuitive designs derived from modest price-tags.
So, what’s your take on 1960s vehicles? If you were around for BMW’s rollout of small, sporty vehicles, you’ll probably fare well in this quiz. If you remember the competition surrounding the Mercedes-Benz—even more so. Let’s benchmark your automobile memory, taking a closer look at the 1960s biggest industry booms.
The 1960s were years of change, departing from age-old designs to double down on performance and style. By and large, this evolution took several turns along the way. We might recognize the Mustang as a record-book vehicle known for shifting the auto world’s gears into race-proven speeds, but it’s impossible to recapture the car’s magic without regarding history, itself.
In 1960, nearly all vehicles sold in America were American-made. Abroad, nearly half of them were sold by American manufacturers. By and large, American Motors Corporation spearheaded the nation’s industry progression throughout the decade. Very much a dynasty, the Big Three also spawned the rise of the “compact” vehicles we’ve come to love: those well-known for their fuel economy, maneuverability and sleek design. Highlighting the trend as a 50s forerunner, AMC’s Rambler would soon serve as an industry blueprint for these fuel-efficient designs.
We saw GM’s Corvair and its six-cylinder, hind-end engine in the 60s—as well as Chrysler’s Valiant. When Ford rolled out the Falcon, the auto industry saw a notable shift in direction. By 1962, the Big Three had won over a sizable chunk of AMC’s fans. By 1964, drivers indulged in all-new, mid-sized vehicles with explosive V-8 engines: Muscle cars ruled the road.
Most of the decade’s roads lead back to the Mustang, as well as the Dodge Charger and the GM Camero. They offered speed and performance, of course, but they also served as industry landmarks in terms of affordability. At the time, America had already experienced the eaves of an industry governed by ever-rising gas prices. While the Muscle Car Era faced a decline in the 70s, these powerhouses evaded tightening emission regulations due to their intuitive designs derived from modest price-tags.
So, what’s your take on 1960s vehicles? If you were around for BMW’s rollout of small, sporty vehicles, you’ll probably fare well in this quiz. If you remember the competition surrounding the Mercedes-Benz—even more so. Let’s benchmark your automobile memory, taking a closer look at the 1960s biggest industry booms.