Subaru, which ranks only 11th among makes in sales nationally, continued a strong third in sales in Colorado in 2013.

Led by Toyota/Scion with 23,083 sales and

Ford with 22,169, sales of new cars and trucks in Colorado in ’13 totaled 176,433, an 11.2 per-cent increase over the previous year, according to the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.

Japanese-based Subaru, led by Forester, showed a gain of more than 4,000 units in the state. Colorado has been one of Subaru’s strongest sales markets for the past 35 years. Other large increases in total numbers were by Honda and Dodge/Ram.

Biggest percentage of increase was by the make with the smallest number of sales; luxurious Jaguar jumped from 51 to 92, an 80 percent gain. It introduced all-wheel drive for its sedans in the fall.

“Full-size pickups, compact SUVs and compact luxury SUVs sectors continued to lead in market-share gains and have now for the past 10 consecutive months,” according to Tim Jackson, president of the dealer association.

Following are Colorado sales totals for 2013 by make:

Toyota/Scion 23,083; Ford 22,169; Subaru 18,275; Honda 14,591; Chevrolet 13,580; Nissan 11,285; Dodge/Ram 11,178; Jeep 10,277; Volkswagen 6,490; Kia 5,856; Hyundai 5,782; GMC 4,802; BMW 3,621; Mazda 3,582; Lexus 3,240; Audi 2,725; Mercedes-Benz 2,710; Acura 2,120; Buick 1,551; Cadillac 1,379; Chrysler 1,271; Infiniti 1,125; Mini 1,076; Volvo 872; Land Rover 848; Lincoln 676;

Mitsubishi 610; Porsche 490; Fiat 430; Tesla 178; smart 147; Jaguar 92.

Elway bronze hands ondisplay at DIA

John Elway was preparing to dip his throwing hand in warm wax, then into cold water, the wax and water again, back and forth, when I arrived at his office in a Toyota dealership on Arapahoe Road early one morning 14 or 15 years ago.

There directing the operations were noted Denver sports sculptor Raelee Frazier and her husband, Frank.

It was the start of an artistic endeavor resulting in the famed Elway Hands bronze, of which 32 sets were made and are valued highly today.

One of the sets has gone on display this week at Denver International Airport in promotion of Super Bowl Week and the Denver Broncos. Overseeing the display creation was Tim Vacca, DIA exhibits coordinator, according to Raelee Frazier.

Subaru 11th nationally, 3rd highest in Colorado

Jaguar had fewest sales, though highest percentage of increase, in Colorado in 2013, thanks to addition of all-wheel drive to its sedans, including this luxurious XF midsize. BUD WELLS PHOTO.

The bronzed football-toting hands of former Denver Broncos great John Elway are on display at Denver International Airport.PHOTO PROVIDED BY RAELEE FRAZIER.

Toyota, Ford tops