To get back on track, I'm going to add my own personal list. I've driven at least one of each of these at some time.
They are in no particular order.
Lightburn Zeta
We often refer to Toyotas as applicances thanks to their bland but reliable natures but the Zeta was actually the product of a washing machine manufacturer. I suppose there is some synergy - in that era both were mad eof metal and had a motor but with all of 12 kW from the 324cc 2 cylinder even the modest 440 kg weight wasn't going to make this a performer. Which was just as well given the handling bore a remarkable resemblance to the spin cycle of a washing machine and it will remain a mystery how 363 of them actually found homes.
Leyland Marina "6"
The 4 cylinder versions were bad enough but as living proof that a big engine in a small body doesn't always work, Leyland cheerefully shoehorned the 2.6 litre in-line 6 from the P76 to create the Marina 6. Weighing just over a tonne and with 82 kW this combination meant that you were simply heading toward the upcoming accident faster than you would otherwise have been. The worst part of the handling equation was the rear suspension which had the unique inability to control lateral or longitudinal movement in any way, shape or form but it was ably abetted by the front end that simply made it a lead tipped arrow.
Lada Samara by Brock
Not just a tragic misuse of the legendary name but a complete steaming pile of crap in any way you care to measure it. The Brock makeover added more exhaust noise to (mercifully) drown out the racket from the 1.3 litre / 48 kW engine it came equipped with but with 948 kg to move it did so in a leisurely fashion. It was blandly ugly, undertyred and while no great shakes in a straight line it was much worse at going around corners.
Datsun 120Y
Sold in a number of countries as a replacement for the much loved 1200 models this was another fine example of style over substance. Although a lightweight at 825 kg and producing a reasonable 52 kW from the 1.2 litre engine, the performance was average but overshadowed by the flimsy build quality. The 1970's bright colour palette faded faster than an ageing starlet, the mechanical woes are legendary and it remains a testament to Datsun marketing that so many were sold.
Austin / Leyland Tasman X6
Basically another victim from the "too much power in too rubbish a chassis" school
and burdened by front wheel drive, this fine example of why the British Empire ceased to be relevant was blessed with 76 kW (almost twice that of the 4 cyl versions) to move 1170 kg and like the Marina above, neither end of this chassis was playing with a full deck. The scary part for both the Marina and Tasman (and cousing Kimberley) is that Leyland were toying with the idea of either a 3.0 V6 or the venerable Rover V8 in either 3.l5 or 4.4 litre form. Scary just thinking about it.
Holden Piazza
Probably not the worst thing they have put a badge on but well deserving of a place on this list. The basic recipe of a 2 litre turbo (Holdens first) developing 110 kW and a body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro promised much but underneath was a chassis barely capable of dealing with the 52 kW of the base version and which simply proved lethal at more than twice the power. Anyone bold enough to drive one hard soon learnt about poorly designed live rear axles and their ability to spear you off into the scenery.
That it also cost $35,000 when launched here (1986) and even a subsequent $5,000 price drop which included refunds to previous purchasers couldn't save it.
Nissan Cedric
Not just lumbered with an awful name when launched here in the early 1960's, it also had design elements reminiscent of the Edsel and the 1.5 litre, 52 kW engine was required to movce a portly (for the eara) 1,300 kg.
Performance was best measured with an hourglass and although it was very well equipped for the time it approached corners in a similar manner to an ocean liner - it was necessary to start applying steering lock well before an approaching corner in order to get the thing to actually consider a change in direction!
Jaguar E Type V12
Not all are going to agree with this addition but the in line six versions are not only one of the most beautiful designs of all time but also one of the best handling chassis of the era. You'd think, then, that adding the 5.3 litre V12 would only enhance the experience but the exact opposite was true. The addition barely improved performance, ruined the handling balance and made even the simplest service task a major event. Add to that the unreliability which plagued British product of the era and there was little to redeem this model.
Honourable mentions (and to round out the list of ten) go to almost any Fiat built prior to 1990 thanks to their propensity toward rust and to the Toyota Avalon for proving that even a world giant can still produce a fogettable dog.
Cheers
Russ
Cheers
Russ