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This Car Lust was actually a request from David Colborne, who sent me an e-mail asking for some Sterling coverage with the irresistible lead-in: “I mean, these things were a worse idea than the Chrysler Maserati TC, if such a thing were possible.” It’s a good line, but no–it’s not possible. The TC holds the crown for all-time bad automotive decision-making.

Actually, as ideas go, I thought the Sterling was a pretty inspired one. In the late 1980s Japanese cars were known primarily for their engineering and their reliability, not their flair or luxury. English cars excelled at sumptuous interior appointments and quirky charm. What better idea than to clothe reliable, well-engineered Honda mechanicals, in the form of the first-generation Acura Legend, with sophisticated English bodywork and an old-world wood and leather interior?

Unfortunately, the execution didn’t really match the concept. For one thing, it was a an Austin Rover project, not a Jaguar or Aston Martin, meaning the vaunted Honda reliability couldn’t overcome the inevitable build quality problems. For another, there was no brand recognition or dealer network, and not enough magical old English magic to give the car its own identity.

Unknown except for their poor quality reputation, poorly made, and not particularly exciting, Sterling sales cratered. After four years, Sterling–and Austin Rover–were gone. Happily, the commonality with the Legend means Sterling owners have an easier time finding parts than most owners of orphaned cars.

Oddly, I prefer the Sterlings to their first-gen Legend cousins. The first Legends were almost criminally anonymous, and the Sterling has a forlorn charm to it that I appreciate–especially the slick, sexy five-door hatchback 827 SLi pictured here. There are two Sterlings 825s near my house, completely knackered and on blocks. That’s both sad and incredibly, incredibly unlikely.

The photos here are courtesy of Flickr user aqualite.

–Chris H.