Europe 1983-1987: 2nd gen VW Golf takes the lead
No official data for European car sales over the period, only the name of the best-seller: the VW Golf, taking advantage of the launch of its 2nd generation in 1983, climbs onto the top European spot and keeps it that way for at least 5 years until 1987.
If you have access to official car sales data for Europe over this period and before please make sure to get in touch!