From minis to muscle cars, take a look back at some of the grooviest and best-loved cars on WA roads in the '60s.

Click a thumbnail below to start the image gallery.

16 cars West Aussies loved in the '60s

  • Chrysler Royal - The Australian version of this luxury US saloon was a head-turner on WA roads with its impressive tail fins. Many models also sported two-tone paintwork.
  • Citroen DS - Although iconically French, this marvel of modern design and innovation was assembled in Australia during the ‘60s. There was nothing else like it on WA roads, so seeing one was usually memorable.
  • Falcon XK - The compact lines of the XK were a hit with Aussie buyers. It was a family car with sleek good looks. And fishing in really tight shorts was obviously a thing back then too.
  • Falcon XR - This car brought with it some important benchmarks such as the first Aussie V8 muscle car. It introduced the now-iconic Falcon GT badge.
  • Falcon XR GT - Its buff bod and high performance made this a sought-after Falcon and a hero on the racetrack. Most were painted gold and the few that weren’t are even more special today.
  • Holden EH - The EH models were the first to use the distinctive red Holden motor, helping the car become the best-selling Holden model at that time. Along with the sedan, there was a station wagon, panel van and a ute.
  • Holden EJ - The EJ changed the basic layout of a Holden in 1962 with a sleeker, more angled approach.
  • Holden EK - An update on the FB Holden, the EK was the first Holden to have the option of an automatic transmission. It included ‘modern’ features like electric wipers and an improved ‘fresh air unit’.
  • Holden HD - It was all about looks with the HD of 1965, the most radically styled Holden since the original of 1948. But it was the sharp-edged design of the front guards that polarised opinion.
  • MGB - In the ’60s MG was a brand in its prime and the MGB hit its mark. But complacency set in through the 1960s and MG’s reputation for innovation soured in a fast moving market.
  • Mini - Forget big car, big country, the Mini was all about celebrating small. The mini car was a hit in the era of the mini skirt, which these two probably should have worn before they waded into a rocky lake.
  • Morris Minor - It’s the car many West Aussies of a certain age learnt to drive in, went to uni in and took on road trips. They were cheap and mostly easy to fix thanks to their simple design and plentiful parts.
  • Toyota Corolla - The Corolla first hit ours streets in the ‘60s towards the end of the decade. Toyota had already established a strong presence in the local market thanks to the Corolla’s low price and running costs.
  • Toyota Corona - It was the Corona of 1965 that really started the momentum for Toyota as an affordable mid-sizer with unique styling…but modest performance.
  • Valiant AP5 - In a land of Ford versus Holden the AP5 was a welcome relief for those looking for more. And it delivered, in everything from quality to features and space.
  • Volkswagen Beetle - The engine was nothing special and its handling could be outdone by a well-tuned wheelbarrow, but that didn’t matter to those who loved the years of trouble-free motoring.
What other cars were big on WA roads in the '60s? Email your pics and stories to editor@rac.com.au

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