Neither a Buick nor an Opel (though designed by Opel as part of GM’s T-car programme), but the import name for the Isuzu Gemini (1976–9) in the US for the 1977 through to the 1979 model years. In 1976, this car had been the Opel Isuzu; by 1977, it was either the Buick/Opel or the Buick Opel, depending on which brochure and which ad you were looking at. The cars themselves tended to have the virgule. Four-door sedan and two-door coupé, as in Japan, but only the 1·8-litre engine offered. Generally a well built compact car, complementing the Chevrolet Chevette in GM’s US line-up, but suffered from an identity crisis. By GM’s own admission, inferior to the Toyota Corolla 30. Minor facelift for 1978 with rectangular headlamps.

• Isuzu Gemini (1976–9)

Marque: Buick | Predecessor: Opel Isuzu | Successor: Isuzu I-Mark