Image by Leif Rohwedder from Pixabay
Introduction: A New Kind of Sports Car
In the late 1960s, while American muscle cars like the Mustang and Camaro dominated, the Opel GT emerged. Produced from 1968 to 1973, this European sports coupe blended elegance with a touch of American flair, captivating drivers on both continents.
Genesis: From Concept to Reality
The Opel GT’s journey began in 1965 at the Frankfurt Auto Show with the stunning “Opel Experimental GT” concept by German GM subsidiary, Opel. Led by Erhard Schnell, its revolutionary design featured flowing lines and rotating headlights, echoing the Corvette C3. This resemblance was intentional, aiming to bring the essence of American sports cars to an eager European market.
The concept’s overwhelming popularity swiftly led Opel to greenlight the GT for production. The challenge was adapting its dramatic design into an affordable, practical car. Opel achieved this by basing the GT on the reliable Opel Kadett B chassis, significantly cutting development costs. Chausson in France initially produced the body, a testament to European craftsmanship, and Opel in Germany then finished and assembled it.
Design and Engineering: A Blend of Style and Substance
Debuting in 1968, the production Opel GT remained remarkably true to its concept. This two-seater coupe sported an aggressive, low-slung profile with muscular haunches and theatrical manual-crank rotating headlights. Inside, the driver-focused cockpit featured a full array of gauges and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, making the car feel special even at a standstill.
Performance: Two Engines, One Thrill
Under the hood, the Opel GT offered a choice of two engines. The base model, the GT 1100, was powered by a 1.1-liter, four-cylinder engine producing a modest 67 horsepower. While not a performance powerhouse, it was a perfectly capable and zippy engine for a car of its size. The real star of the show, however, was the GT 1900. This model featured a more potent 1.9-liter, four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Opel Rekord, which delivered a respectable 102 horsepower. This engine, combined with the car’s light weight and nimble handling, transformed the GT into a true sports car. The GT 1900 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 11 seconds and reach a top speed of over 115 mph, making it a serious contender in its class.
Driving Dynamics: A Driver’s Car with Critical Acclaim
The Opel GT was a joy to drive, known for its predictable and engaging handling thanks to its rear-wheel-drive, independent front suspension, and solid rear axle.
In September 1970, Motor Sport Magazine lauded the Opel GT’s “roadability,” particularly its stable rear axle and suspension. They praised its cornering, aided by Goodyear tires and direct rack-and-pinion steering, which allowed for effortless high-speed maneuvers. The magazine even placed it “in the Lotus Elan category without reservations” for sheer driving enjoyment.
Road & Track, despite finding the Kadett’s engine noisy, was “pleasantly surprised” by the GT 1.9. They also praised the optional four-speed manual transmission as “excellent” and “fully up to the job of accomplishing slam shifts.” Paul Frére, writing for Motor in March 1969, observed, “The GT is extremely well behaved and should go a long way to change public opinion about the roadworthiness of Opels. With radial tyres, good weight distribution and rather stiff springs, both handling and roadholding are excellent. On faster bends the car is almost completely neutral and cornering speeds quite high. The light and very positive rack-and-pinion steering combine to make up a car which is extremely pleasant and enjoyable to drive.”
While some testers noted understeer (which they often mitigated by lifting the inside rear wheel), the GT’s planted, responsive feel and direct, communicative steering overwhelmingly earned praise. This encouraged drivers to push its thrilling limits on any road.
Market Success and Global Appeal
The Opel GT was a global success, thanks in large part to its availability in the United States. It was sold through Buick dealerships, which gave it a wide and established distribution network. In the U.S., marketers promoted the GT as a ‘mini-Corvette,’ and the comparison served as a powerful selling point. Its sleek styling and affordable price made it an attractive alternative to more expensive sports cars, and it quickly found a dedicated following.
Conclusion: The End of an Era and a Lasting Legacy
The Opel GT’s production run was relatively short, lasting only five years, from 1968 to 1973. The car’s demise was a result of a few factors. The cost of its manual-crank rotating headlights, which were a defining feature, became increasingly expensive to produce. Additionally, Opel’s focus shifted towards developing more mainstream and practical vehicles, and the GT’s niche status no longer aligned with the company’s long-term strategy. The final nail in the coffin was the changing safety regulations in the U.S., which would have required significant and costly redesigns to the car’s body.
Despite its short lifespan, the Opel GT left an indelible mark on the automotive world. It was a car that proved that a beautiful, sporty coupe could be both affordable and reliable. It was a car that brought European style and American flair together in a seamless and unforgettable package. Today, the Opel GT is a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its unique design, engaging driving dynamics, and its role bridging automotive cultures. It’s a testament that a great car isn’t just about speed, but passion, style, and the sheer joy of the open road. Though its production run was brief, the Opel GT’s light continues to shine brightly for car enthusiasts worldwide.
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