We’re all about gratitude at OnAllCylinders and we do encourage everyone to count their many blessings today.

But we’ll take a respite from all the thankfulness to focus on the other component of this holiday—Turkey Day.

And in honor of that alternative moniker, we’re talking turkey today (as in the biggest automotive turkeys ever).

None of this is opinion, mind you. It’s strictly by the numbers—we’ve listed some of the worst-selling cars (by volume) in the history of the American automotive industry.

The biggest automotive turkeys ever? Or did the public just miss the mark on these nine low-volume rides? You tell us.

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5. AMC AMX

Produced: 1968-1970

Sales: 19,000

red amc amx with twin white racing stripes
(Image/OnAllCylinders)

We hear you, AMC fans. Perhaps if there had been a critical mass of enthusiasts like we see today in the late-1960s, AMC would have sold more than 19,000 of these and still be with us. Even still, we were a little surprised to see this one on the list. But at least the low sales numbers make the AMX a valuable collectible today.

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4. AMC Marlin

Produced: 1965-1967

Sales: 17,000

AMC Marlin Coupe at Stan Hywet moto bella car show
(Image/OnAllCylinders – Nicole Kunar)

In a case of Cosmo’s “Who Wore It Better,” many folks preferred the similar fastback silhouette of the first-gen Dodge Charger to the AMC—though you can credit the Marlin with being the first to the party.

3. Plymouth Prowler

Produced: 1999-2002

Sales: 8,100

Plymouth prowler hardtop coupe
(Image/OnAllCylinders)

This is the car that inspired the modern retro-car movement, and it’s frankly shocking that only 8,100 of them sold. But between 1999-2002, that’s precisely what happened. While it didn’t have the sales success Plymouth wanted, we think everyone with a little hot rod in their blood can appreciate bits and pieces of this one. And Chrysler never really intended the sales numbers for the Prowler to go through the roof anyway.

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2. Studebaker Avanti

Produced: 1962-1963

Sales: 4,600

White 1963 Studebaker Avanti Coupe at Summit Racing Car Show
(Image/OnAllCylinders)

So the face looks like Johnny Five. Even 50 years later, it’s not the most-beautiful thing we’ve ever seen. But the Studebaker Avanti was a technological leap forward when it showed up in 1962-1963. Only 4,600 were sold. It’s like people weren’t ready to go fast. Or maybe they just needed more input.

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1. Studebaker Wagonaire

Produced: 1963-1966

Sales: 940

rear tailgate of a 1963 studebaker lark daytona wagonaire with supercharged v8
Far from a turkey! This particular Wagonaire Daytona is packing a Supercharged 289 Stude V8 and has plenty of drag races on its resume. Learn more about it in this article/podcast.(Image/OnAllCylinders)

Three years of production. 940 sold. Okay. So the movable hard top leaked a little. But, goodness. It has a rad movable hard top! In an era where it was perfectly acceptable to stand up and stick your head out of moving vehicles! We are beyond confused why the Wagonaire inherits the unenviable spot of #1 on this list. But. Three years? Only 940 sold? Gobble, gobble, we guess.

What belongs on this list? What doesn’t? Do you prefer whipped cream or Cool Whip on pumpkin pie?

We want to know.

Happy Turkey Day, everyone.

Author: Matt Griswold

After a 10-year newspaper journalism career, Matt Griswold spent another decade writing about the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He was part of the original OnAllCylinders editorial team when it launched in 2012.