In light of the news that the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus led overall new UK car sales in September (the best September for new car sales in a decade!) we thought we’d reflect on the phenomenal UK figures Ford has achieved over the past century. You may also be aware that this July the Ford Fiesta was announced as the bestselling car of all time on UK shores with an overall number of 4,115,000 Fiesta models shipped since it launched in 1976. As a sense of strange celebratory reflection, here’s a rundown of the UK’s best selling Ford cars.

Ford Escort (4 Million +)

Oh my, yes, this wonderful little multi-faceted family car didn’t half put up a good fight and we all lapped it up. Now replaced by the far sleeker Focus, the Escort long reined the British Ford market selling 4,000,000 during its 32 year production run (the best selling UK car ever, at the time). More or less abandoned at the turn of the millennium, the car was quietly retired from production but for many it was never forgotten.

Ford Cortina (2.4 Million +)

This vintage beauty is commonly associated with 1960s Britain but made its true sales mark in the 1970s where it came out on top as the best selling UK car of the decade. The large family car went through several updates over its 20 year manufacturing history (ceasing in 1982) with five prominent generational redesigns. It was revealed in 2009 that the Cortina remains the third (possibly fourth now) most popular car sold in the UK and at the time of its production passing only faced competition notable competition from the second generation Vauxhall Cavalier. The car still retains a cult following.

Ford Focus (1.7 Million +)

While it hasn’t quite caught up with the Ford Escorts ‘everyman’ sales feat, the Focus is a consistent, reliable seller with wide demographic appeal. Beautifully designed, efficient and with a generous enough design to suit families both large and small, it strikes the perfect equilibrium between class and convenience. As of March 2014, the Ford Focus is now the most popular car currently inhabiting Britain’s roads. Well deserved!

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