The cars from 1961

in 1961
Yuri Gagarin Photo: konstantin32/Depositphotos.com

NRK had started official TV broadcasts, Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, John F. Kennedy was the newly elected president of the United States, the Berlin Wall was erected, Grynet Molvig and Lill-Babs were played on the record players and some had apparently started to dance twist. The rationing of cars had been lifted and the car was about to become common property.

in 1961
 
In my neighborhood it would take another 2-3 years before most people bought a car. My dad drove a decent dark red Tempo Sving wearing a potty helmet. I was three years old and I don't remember very well which cars were common this particular year, but I got to know them better over the course of the decade. Feel free to write about your own vehicle memories from 1961 in the comments!

 

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1961

Short-distance cars

In 1961, we received the cars from neighboring countries such as Sweden and Russia, and close countries such as the UK, Germany and France. Japanese cars had not gained a foothold in the market. The cars that came from afar were the ones that were made in America. The best seller in 1961 was the Volkswagen, which many referred to as an expensive car. Another big seller was the Ford Anglia – the one with the inward-facing rear window. The previous model (100E) was still produced as the Ford Popular - although I'm not sure if it was sold here at home.

New models in 1961

Several models saw the light of day this year. Some became bestsellers such as the Renault 4, Volkswagen 1500 (Type3), Fiat 1300/1500 - others became legends, such as the Jaguar E-Type and Volvo P1800.

 

The news in 1961

Bristol 407
Citroen Friend
Fiat 1300/1500
Ford Consul 315
Hillman Super Minx
Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar Mk10 (MkX)
Lancia Flavia
Mercedes-Benz W110
MG Midget
Oldsmobile Cutlass F85
Opel Record P2
Renault 4
Simca 1000
Volkswagen Type3
Volvo P1800


 

1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970

 

Sources: NRK - Back to 1961

Photos: The rights to the photos belong to "Terje's cars" with the exception of the photo of Yuri Gagarin whose copyright belongs to Konstantin32/Depositphotos.com. Interior photos to create period color were taken at the Oslo Folk Museum.

Terje Bjørnstad. Blog administrator, hobby photographer and car enthusiast.

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