Opel GT appeared in the automotive arena to offer a stylish, sporty driving experience at an affordable price. Fortunately, it was well-received by the public for its striking design, which was ahead of its time, and its nimble handling and performance made a sports driving lover’s darling.
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Sixty years ago, the Opel brand was vastly different from what it is today. Not only were its technologies behind, but its design was uninspired compared to other German car brands. The company’s model range was considered dull and unexciting, with a famous joke being that even the drying paint on a fence was more interesting to look at. However, in 1965, the two-door Opel GT burst onto the scene, breaking the mold with its bright, stylish, and sporty design, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Corvette. This change did not happen by chance – the leadership of General Motors was concerned with the lackluster state of the German branch and sent Anatol Lapin, a Russian-German emigrant and future chief designer of Porsche, to turn things around. With the stylish GT, Lapin demonstrated that the German brand was capable of producing magnificent vehicles.
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It was the mid-1960s and the Rüsselsheim-based car brand, Opel, was in dire need of a change. The company’s designs were dull and uninspired, and even the jokes about the brand’s lack of excitement were spreading far and wide. Anatol Lapin, a Russian-German emigrant and future chief designer of Porsche were dispatched by GM in 1965 to the German branch with the mission of breathing new life into the brand. And that’s exactly what he did. With his vision and creativity, Lapin created the stylish two-door Opel GT, a German version of the Chevrolet Corvette. Its sleek curves, sharp lines, and aerodynamic design made it a stark contrast to the gray mediocrity of the past. In September 1965, the world was introduced to the Opel GT, and it quickly became a popular sports car. Not only was the Opel GT a feast for the eyes, but it also packed a punch under the hood, powered by a robust engine that delivered an adrenaline-fueled driving experience. So, here’s to Anatol Lapin and the creation of the Opel GT. This was a shining example of what can be achieved with a bit of vision, creativity, and determination to break the mold. It’s a classic car that still holds a special place in the hearts of many enthusiasts even today.
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The 1973 release was a stylish and well-engineered car. It had a sporty exterior design that caught everyone’s attention. Under the hood, it had a 1.9-liter engine that could produce 106 horsepower and reach speeds of over 110 miles per hour. This was all thanks to the efficient fuel injection system. The interior of the 1973 edition was designed to be both functional and stylish. The car had a two-seater cockpit that was simple and clean in design, with all the controls within easy reach of the driver. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with high-quality upholstery and generous amounts of legroom. The instrument panel was located in front of the driver and was easy to read, displaying all the important information such as the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. The steering wheel was adjustable, allowing drivers to find the perfect driving position. The shift lever was located on the floor and was easy to use, providing smooth and precise gear changes. In terms of storage, the 1973 automobile had a small trunk located in the rear of the car, providing enough space for a weekend getaway or a short trip. There were also several small compartments located throughout the cabin, providing convenient storage for smaller items such as sunglasses, maps, or a phone.
Source: AutoBarn Classic Cars
The 1973 edition appeared in several renowned movies such as “The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974), a James Bond film that starred Roger Moore and featured a 1973 release in a high-speed chase scene, “Gone in 60 Seconds” (1974)starring H.B. Halicki, “Le Mans” (1971), a racing movie starring Steve McQueen and featuring a 1973 Opel GT as one of the many automobiles that competed in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
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