It’s been out with the old for a host of models in 2009, some provoking misty-eyed fond farewells, some told not to let the factory door hit them on the bumper on the way out. We pick the saddest and happiest goodbyes of the year.
Don’t leave me! I can change!
1) Honda S2000
A sculpted drop-top with rear-wheel drive and a frantically schizophrenic VTEC engine. What’s not to like? Ah yes, its ability to spin in the wet, even when driving in a straight line.
2) Volkswagen Golf Mk1
No, really – we’re not stuck in 1984 with Keeley Hawes. They have been making versions of the original Golf in South Africa since 1978, but the last post has finally been parped for the Mk1. Weep.
3) Bentley Arnage
The last of the Roller-derived Bentleys signals the end of an era at which started back in 1931. New Mulsanne will be technically superior, but nostalgia was sewn into this car. We’ll miss it like we miss David Niven’s moustache.
Gone. And forgotten.
4) Vauxhall Astra Mk5
Another compact Vauxhall that didn’t quite hit the mark. Tragic chrome cummerbund at the back best sent to Room 101.
5) Pontiac G6
…and every other Pontiac. A white G6 was the last of the brand ever produced. Honestly, can you picture any Pontiac since the original GTO?
6) Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Never quite the sum of its high-tech parts, and certainly not enough to add up to the asking price of £314k – only 1700 were sold. Too heavy? Too edgy? Too pricey? Too right: toodle-oo.