Italy 1966: Fiat up to 74.1% share, Top 5 brands 100% Italian in first millionaire market (+14.5%)

The Fiat 500 Giardiniera ranks inside the Top 10.

In 1966, new car sales in Italy shoot up 14.5% to cross a very symbolic barrier for the first time: the million annual sales at 1.014.975. Fiat edges up to a mammoth 74.1% share ahead of Alfa Romeo at 4.9%. With Innocenti at 3.5% lurching up 3 spots to land on the third step of the podium, the Top 5 is entirely composed of Italian brands for the first time since 1961 with Lancia at #4 and Autobianchi at #5. Opel remains the #1 foreigner but recedes to #6 just ahead of Simca and Renault.

The Bianchina Panoramica is Autobianchi’s best-seller in Italy in 1966.

We have a Top 25 models ranking with volumes for the first 8 months of the year, showing the Fiat 500 and 850 holding a combined 45.5% share. In fact, with the availability of Coupe and Familiare variants, Fiat occupies the first 6 spots with the 124, 1100R, 850 Coupe and 1500. The best-selling non-Fiat is the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 at #7, with the Fiat 500 Giardiniera ranking #9 overall. The Opel Kadett is the #1 foreigner at #10, followed by the Simca 1000 at #13 and the NSU Prinz at #16. The Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica is the brand’s best-seller at home at #14.

Full Year 1966 Top 20 brands and 8 months 1966 Top 25 models below.