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Opel GT: The Made in Germany Baby Corvette
Opel GT: The Made in Germany Baby Corvette
Words Roberto Marrone / Photos Opel Media
Like several Opel cars (of the General Motors group of the era) it took its cue from American lines mocking the legendary Corvette. The Opel GT 1.900, however, had a more suited displacement to the European standard, while maintaining a long aerodynamic and streamlined nose, retractable headlights, set-back cockpit, rounded fenders and a truncated tail – which is stylistically very well done – with double round headlights. Inside, the resemblance to the Corvette was even more evident, just look at the dashboard and steering wheel. The instrumentation was very complete and pleasantly arranged. Many complained about the absence of a trunk, in fact at the back there was only access to the fuel tank, while the spare wheel was located behind the seats, just where a small suitcase could have been placed.
The 1,897cc 90-hp engine was good for 185kph. It was a 4-cylinder derived from the Opel Rekord (but there was originally also a 1,100 cc with 60 hp.) with a Solex double-barrel carburetor. Certainly not a rocket, but fun to drive. Independent wheel suspension, rear axle with rigid axle and Panhard bar, rear stabilizer bar (front on request), it was also possible to have a self-locking differential and the automatic gearbox. In 1971 the 1.1 was eliminated, while the 1.9, due to the new anti-pollution regulations of the US market, lost 5 hp. Some were used in racing, with powers reaching 170, 190 and 225 hp, which were very suitable for uphill races. Even after the end of its production, many private racers continued to use it in the racing world. Today you see very few of them and when it happens it is always a much admired car. The line has remained pleasant despite the passing of time, it’s well built as well, plus it can be found at very attractive figures. It remained in production from 1968 to 1973 and was produced in 103,463 units.
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