France 1957-1960: Renault Dauphine reigns

Renault Dauphine

* See the Top 5 most produced models by clicking on the title! *

Launched in 1956, the Renault Dauphine is an instant hit and becomes the best-selling car in France as early as for its first full year of sales in 1957. Production figures are immediately very high: 280,000 units in 1958, 395,000 in 1959 (a record at the time) and 382,000 in 1960.

Peugeot 403

The Peugeot 403 is also a real success over the period, peaking at 182,000 units in 1958. Following up on its title of best-seller in 1956, the Simca Aronde stays on the podium over the period, peaking at #2 and 205,000 units in 1959.

Citroen 2CV

This is also the time the Citroen 2CV became a (sort of) blockbuster, more than 10 years after its original launch: from #4 at 125,000 units produced in 1958, it went up to #3 both in 1959 with 146,000 units and in 1960 at 152,000. Notice the Citroen DS/ID at #5 in 1960 with 78,000 units.

Full 1958, 1959 and 1960 Top 5 Ranking Tables below.