Regardless of what type of vehicle they drive, Americans have reason to hope that declaring bankruptcy is a new beginning and not the end of General Motors.

One hopeful sign is that the company is selling or otherwise shedding some of its extraneous brands such as Hummer and the Swedish Saab.

It's sad, though, that the German Opel also is likely to be spun off. It's been a part of General Motors since 1929 and has produced some very spiffy vehicles during its long history including, half a century ago, the Rekord model, which looked a little like a small version of a 1956 Chevy.

People now in their 60s remember with great fondness the Camaro of the 1960s, a very nice car. Even the Corvair, the model with four on the floor, was a blast to drive, no matter what the spoilsport Ralph Nader said.

Now too, GM makes some great vehicles, including trucks that look good, are reasonably economical and are fun to drive. There is no reason that a slimmed down and rejuvenated General Motors, freed from some of its enormous debts, can't once again regain its eminent position in the world of cars. (hh)