We can think of many instances in which automakers (usually cash- or time-strapped) fumbled as they attempted to replace a popular model. Sometimes they got ahead of themselves by trying to fill a niche that didn’t exist yet – and that, in some cases, was never created. The resulting models asked more questions than they answered and they stood out like a puddle of engine oil on a red carpet.

Here are some of the black sheep from the automotive world. Some of these cars will remain unloved for decades to come while others have become more enticing as they’ve aged: