My worst car was a Morris Ital 1.7 Estate.
Actually, I say that, but it was a hand-me-down from my Grandad who used to fettle with it constantly (excuse to get away from SWMBO no doubt!) so it was mechanically perfect. It was also free which was nice as I was a student at the time. It did a great job of carrying all my rubbish around. Just pile it all in the back, bicycles and all, and shut the tailgate. A similar technique was used on the rare occasions when I was sober at the end of a Friday night and my mates needed a lift home.
However, no attempt whatsoever had been made during production to protect it from rust so it was a constant battle to stop it rotting away. It suffered exactly the problems that Mark mentioned with the British car industry. New model? Right, let's go and have a look in the parts bin, then. When I look at other 1980's cars from the like of VW, even Ford, I can't imagine why it ever sold at all. Maybe it was brand loyalty or maybe they were ridiculously cheap.
The O series engine was remarkably good IMO. It burned a little oil, but then it always had since new. It was reasonably nippy and fairly refined. I pity the poor soles who bought one with a 1275 A series in though. Gearbox was dire. Only 4 speed and 3 of them whined so badly you tried to stay in 4th. Again, like that since new, back to dealer, TADTS.
Handling was the worst aspect, though. Suspension straight from the Marina. I can't express in words how bad it was <shudder>.
Still, it did me for a good 5 years and was the ripe ond age of 14 when I sold it. Actually my Mum sold it for me when I was on holiday, which impressed me.
Kevin
. Guess I'll start by clearing the garage out. Or slump in front of the PC all day as usual 
