Skip advert
Advertisement

Best-selling cars 1985

The Ford Escort was the best-selling car in 1985, with the Vauxhall Cavalier in second

Ford Escort - 1985

The Cold War was thawing in 1985, and PM Margaret Thatcher was in her second term. In response to the Heysel Stadium tragedy in Belgium, all English football clubs were banned from European competition for five years.

Over 157,000 Ford Escorts found homes in the UK in 1985, making it the best seller ahead of the Vauxhall Cavalier. The saloon version, badged Orion, sold another 65,000 units. The Ford Fiesta ranked third overall in 1985; it would have to wait until 1990 to hit top spot.

Austin/MG Maestro - 1985

It competed with the 1980 Austin Metro, notably made famous by Lady Diana. Also sold as an MG, the Metro had no brand for a few years when Austin was shelved in 1987. It became a Rover in 1990, reflecting the tough times facing British car makers. But the bigger Maestro also registered in the chart.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In October 1985 local production of the Peugeot 309 began, making it the first of many foreign cars to be built in the UK.

Best-selling cars 1985

Pos.ModelSales
1Ford Escort157,269
2Vauxhall Cavalier134,335
3Ford Fiesta124,143
4Austin/MG Metro118,817
5Ford Sierra101,642
6Vauxhall Astra76,553
7Austin/MG Montego73,955
8Ford Orion65,363
9Vauxhall Nova61,358
10Austin/MG Maestro57,527

Click below for the best-selling cars of that year...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025