UK 1976: Ford Escort claims pole position, Mini stays on podium

Ford Escort

* See the Top 15 best-selling models by clicking on the title *

The UK new car market is back up 8% year-on-year in 1976 to 1,285,583 registrations. Eight years after its original launch, the Ford Escort is the UK’s best selling model for the first time this year, up 29% to 133,959 sales and 10.4% share. It manages to pass the Ford Cortina, up ‘only’ 18% to 126,238 units and 9.8%. The BMC Mini stays stable in third position with a solid 6.3% share, as do the Morris Marina (#4) and Austin Allegro (#5).

BMC Mini

Vauxhall Chevette

The new Vauxhall Chevette, launched in 1975, is up 9 ranks to land in 6th position for its first full year of sales thanks to 43,827 units sold, above the Ford Capri, back within the top 10 at #7 after one year absence. The Austin Maxi is also back within the country’s 10 best-sellers after missing out in ’75, up 4 ranks to #9.

Full Year 1976 Top 14 Ranking Table: click on ‘Read more’ below the Austin Maxi pic.

Ford Capri

Austin Maxi