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What small car did Ford make in the 60s?

Ford’s best-known small car from the 1960s was the Ford Anglia (105E), a compact hatchback produced from 1959 to 1967. Ford also introduced the Cortina in 1962 as a more modern, small-family car that would anchor the company's European lineup through the decade and beyond.


Anglia (105E): Ford’s compact staple of the era


In the early 1960s, Ford’s Anglia model defined urban affordability and practical design in Britain and other markets. The 105E variant became a recognizable symbol of British motoring with its compact footprint and straightforward engineering.


Here are the key milestones of the Anglia in the 1960s:



  • The Anglia 105E was introduced in 1959 as Ford’s entry in the growing compact segment; production in the UK continued through 1967.

  • Two- and four-door body styles were offered, emphasizing economy and ease of maintenance.

  • The Anglia gained pop-culture notoriety, including its appearance in media and a famous film tie-in as the car used in the Harry Potter series (Chamber of Secrets).


In summary, the Anglia provided Ford’s first mass-market compact option in the 1960s and helped cement the automaker's presence in Europe’s entry-level market.


Cortina: Ford’s small family car that defined a segment


The Cortina arrived in 1962 as a more modern alternative to the Anglia, designed as a small family car to appeal to buyers needing more space without stepping up to Ford’s larger models.


Key Cortina generations in the 1960s:



  • Cortina Mk I (1962–1966): The original compact family sedan/estate designed to compete in Europe’s growing small-car segment.

  • Cortina Mk II (1966–1970): A significant update with refreshed styling, longer wheelbase options, and expanded engine choices to broaden appeal.


These iterations helped Ford expand its share in European markets during the decade and laid the groundwork for future generations of the Cortina.


Summary


In the 1960s, Ford’s small-car lineup centered on two main models: the Anglia (105E) as the practical compact car and the Cortina as a more modern small-family car. Both models played key roles in Ford’s European strategy, paving the way for later decades and influencing small-car design in the industry.

What cars did Ford make in 1960?


In 1960, Ford offered a diverse lineup of cars, including the compact Falcon and the full-size Galaxie, Fairlane, and Custom 300. The luxury Thunderbird continued, while the Station Wagon series included models like the Ranch Wagon, Country Sedan, and Country Squire. The F-Series trucks, such as the F-100 and F-250, were also available.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1960 Ford vehicles: 1mSteve MagnanteYouTube · Oct 6, 2025
Passenger Cars

  • Falcon: A new, compact, and affordable car that was Ford's entry into the small car market. 
  • Fairlane: The new base model for Ford's full-size car lineup, with a higher-trim Fairlane 500 also available. 
  • Galaxie: The top full-size model, known for its spacious interior and powerful engines. 
  • Custom 300: A model in the full-size lineup. 
  • Starliner: An aerodynamic and stylish 2-door hardtop version of the Galaxie, popular in NASCAR. 
  • Thunderbird: A personal luxury car with a distinctive, elegant design. 

Station Wagons
Ranch Wagon, Country Sedan, and Country Squire. 
Trucks and Vans
  • F-100
  • F-250
  • F-350
  • Econoline: A compact van introduced for the 1960 model year. 

Commercial
Courier and Ranchero: A coupe utility vehicle based on the Falcon.



What is the name of Ford's smallest car?


The smallest current Ford car is the Ford Puma, a subcompact SUV that is sold in Europe. In the United States, the smallest vehicles Ford sells are the Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick pickup truck. Historically, the Ford Fiesta was the smallest Ford car before it was discontinued.
 

  • Ford Puma: This is the smallest current Ford car in global markets, classified as a subcompact crossover SUV. While slightly larger than the old Fiesta, it retains a compact feel and is very popular in Europe. 
  • Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick: In the US, these are the smallest options available from Ford. The Bronco Sport is the shortest, while the Maverick pickup is narrower than the Bronco Sport but longer due to its truck bed. 
  • Ford Fiesta: This was once the smallest car Ford made globally. However, it has been discontinued in most markets, including the United States. 



What small cars did Ford make?


Current small Ford models include the Puma, a compact SUV, and the Puma Gen-E, its electric version. Previous popular small cars that are no longer in production in many markets include the Fiesta, EcoSport, Ka, and Ka+.
 
Currently available

  • Ford Puma: A compact SUV designed for city life, available in mild-hybrid and performance ST versions.
  • Ford Puma Gen-E: The all-electric version of the Puma. 

Previously available
  • Ford Fiesta: A very popular small car that is no longer in production in many regions. 
  • Ford EcoSport: A small SUV that was available for several years. 
  • Ford Ka and Ka+: A small city car that was produced in various generations. 
  • Ford B-MAX: A small multi-purpose vehicle. 
  • Ford C-Max: A compact multi-purpose vehicle. 



What was Ford's first compact car?


Ford Falcon
1960 Ford Falcon Catalog, "Easiest Car in the World to Own"
Like Chrysler and General Motors, Ford entered the small car market in the 1960 model year. The company's six-cylinder Falcon was a hit, selling 435,676 units in its first year -- more than either of Ford's crosstown rivals.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.