Forgotten Models of Disappeared Car Brands

Automotive history knows many brands that were once well-known, and then disappeared. Nevertheless, some models of these brands deserve to be remembered — if only because each of them left a noticeable mark on the industry.

Italian interpretation of the British idea: Innocenti Mini

Innocenti, originally famous for scooters, began producing Mini under license in the 1960s. However, in 1974, the company introduced its own version — redesigned and stylistically rethought. Marcello Gandini from Bertone was responsible for the design, thanks to which the car received a more modern appearance and a practical fifth door.

The updated Mini remained in production until 1993, that is, seven years longer than the original British model. In the future, the fate of the brand turned out differently: Fiat acquired Innocenti and Maserati from De Tomaso in the 1990s, after which it closed production and began using the brand for restyled models. One of them was the Mille — in fact, the second generation of the Brazilian-assembled Uno, sold cheaper than the Italian version. By 1997, with the disappearance of the model range, the name Innocenti had finally fallen out of use.

Innovation that turned into a problem: NSU Ro80

The NSU Ro80, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1967, looked like a car from the future. The streamlined body, unusual proportions and two-rotor Wankel engine made it unique for its time.

Technical features of the model included:

The design solutions of the Ro80 influenced cars of the 1980s–1990s. For example, the block headlight layout with an integrated turn indicator subsequently appeared on the VAZ-2105.

Despite its progressiveness, the model faced serious reliability problems with the rotary engine. This undermined the confidence of buyers, and the fuel crisis finally exacerbated the situation. High warranty costs became a heavy blow for NSU, and as a result, the company was absorbed by Volkswagen, merging it with Auto Union in 1969. The last Ro80 was released in 1977. At the same time, NSU's developments did not disappear: the Audi 50, created as a replacement for the Prinz, later became the basis for the Volkswagen Polo.

American «Firebird»: Pontiac Firebird

The Pontiac Firebird appeared in 1967 as a response to restrictions within General Motors. The company was prohibited from producing a two-seater sports car in order not to create competition for the Corvette, so the model was built on the Chevrolet Camaro platform.

The car quickly became iconic and was nicknamed the «screaming chicken». It survived four generations and was produced until 2002. Later, in 2010, General Motors finally closed the Pontiac brand itself.

A turning point for Saab: Saab 99

The Saab 99, which debuted in 1968, became an important stage for the Swedish brand. The company abandoned the outdated style and switched to a more modern body with a panoramic windshield.

At the same time, there was a transition to four-cylinder engines from Triumph, which finally completed the era of two-stroke engines. The 1978 Turbo version became particularly famous, which set the direction for future «charged» Saab models.

In the future, the brand experienced a change of owners: General Motors acquired it in 2000, then sold it to Spyker in 2010, but already in 2011 car production was discontinued. Later, the assets were transferred to the Chinese company NEVS, which, however, does not use the Saab name.

Long life despite circumstances: Studebaker Avanti

The Studebaker Avanti, introduced in 1962, was created as a competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette. The project was implemented in a short time — in just 40 days under the leadership of designer Raymond Loewy, using the chassis of the Lark model.

The car was distinguished by:

However, the high price, production difficulties and supply delays negatively affected sales. An additional factor was rumors about the possible closure of the company, which scared away buyers. As a result, by 1963, dealers had accumulated a large number of unsold cars.

A total of about 5,800 copies were produced before the closure of Studebaker. At the same time, the model itself turned out to be surprisingly tenacious: in subsequent decades, its production was resumed by various entrepreneurs, and Avanti remained on the market until 2006.

The stories of these cars show that even disappeared brands can leave a noticeable mark. Each of the models became a reflection of its time — whether it was a technological breakthrough, a design experiment, or an attempt to go beyond the usual.

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