What is your favorite orphan car brand?

Just like that cheerful redhead singing about the hope that tomorrow brings, there are orphan cars cruising the streets that have lost their parents (their companies, anyway). Through corporate merger or sour financial decisions, the doors have closed on more than a few car companies over the years.

With any luck, the cars that survived through an enthusiastic owners community that carries the torch and keeps them alive. These passionate owners take it upon themselves to preserve as many parts as possible, reproducing things whenever they can, and keeping track of survivors.

The list of examples is too long to include here, but a few are so close to our hearts that we have to mention them: Pontiac, a recent inductee to the orphan brand club; Amphicar, the lackluster boat and car in one; and the unforgettable muscle-car-in-an-Italian-suit known as the DeTomaso Pantera. All great in their own right, but not enough to keep the lights on at corporate.

If you have an empty spot in your garage, please think about those needy orphans. And let us know below, what’s your favorite orphan car?