UK 1974-1975: Ford Cortina & Escort popular, Austin Allegro shines

January 29, 1976
Matt Gasnier

Austin Allegro

* See ‘Read more’ for the Top 80 best-selling models! Many thanks to DC and Chris *

In 1974 the UK new car market is hit full frontal by the recession: down 24% year-on-year to 1,268,655 registrations, then a further 6% in 1975 to 1,194,115 units. The Ford Cortina and Escort dominate the models ranking over the period: the Cortina sells 131,243 units for a 10.3% share in ’74 vs. 91,699 and 7.2% for the Escort. In ’75 the two models are much closer, with the Cortina at 106,787 sales (-19%) vs. 103,817 (+13%) for the Escort.

Leyland Princess

The BMC Mini and Morris Marina rank 3rd and 4th both years with the Mini maintaining itself at 7.1%. The Austin Allegro has its best years in the country at #6 in ’74 with 60,619 units and #5 in ’75 at 63,339 sales. The Triumph Dolomite lands in 8th position both years, while the Leyland Princess breaks into the UK year-end Top 10 in 1975 at #9 with 29,067 sales.

Datsun Sunny

Imports-wise, the irresistible progression continues: from 5.1% share in 1965, they reach 27.o9% in 1974 and 33.2% in 1975… The Datsun Sunny is up 65% to #11 and 27,136 units in ’75, the best score ever so far for a Japanese model in England, whereas the VW Golf, launched in ’74, is up to #14 in ’75 for its first full year of sales in England at 19,069 units. The Rover P6 is in a solid 16th place in 1974 with 18,488 sales.

Rover P6