Makes and Models: GT

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.

The origins

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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.

The 1973 model year

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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.

Did you know?

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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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Opel GT was a concept automobile that first appeared as an experimental design, then suddenly became a serial one, in the end turning into a unique record vehicle that opened a new page in the history of the German automaker. 

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60 years ago, the Opels were not what they are today – neither technologically, which is quite natural, nor in design. By the mid-60s, the Rüsselsheim company stood apart with their dullest design among German car brands. According to the then-famous joke, even the drying paint on the fence was more exciting than studying the model range of the brand of those years. And suddenly in 1965, amid the gray mediocrity, a two-door GT thundered out. Bright, stylish, sporty – a kind of German version of the Chevrolet Corvette. And it was not an accident or a mistake. Detroit was worried about the mediocre state of the German branch. The leadership of General Motors dispatched Anatol Lapin, a Russian-German emigrant and the future chief designer of Porsche, to the rescue operation. It was Lapin who made the shake-up in the Rüsselsheim swamp. The stylish GT proved the German brand could be magnificent.

The origins

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The model was called the “European Corvette” for a reason. Back in 1962, GM chief designer Bill Mitchell sent a team of specialists to Germany, who were tasked to refresh the brand’s dull lineup and save the brand. For the first time, the headquarter and the top management offered Rüsselsheim company to develop a sports vehicle like the Chevrolet Corvette, only in a reduced form. The head of Advanced Design Studio Erhard Schnell took over the project, in 1962-1964, and in 1965, the Experimental GT concept car was built. It was an aerodynamic coupe with a 2 + 2 landing formula, surprisingly similar to Mitchell’s Mako Shark II – a prototype of the third-generation Corvette. From a bright concept car that made a splash at the 1965 Paris Motor Show, it became a real sensation for the brand. The next few years were spent on the various test drives on the brand’s test track at Düdenhofen, and in 1968 the car finally went on sale as the Opel GT. 

The 1970 model year

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The body of the 1970 model year was in the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle, with curved fenders and a fastback sloped roof. The long hood rested against a thin front bumper, the radiator grille was replaced by two horizontal holes, and an asymmetrical bulge was made above the air filter. Instead of pop-up rectangular headlights, the model got round ones that turn manually using a lever on the console. Even a joke arose about this, according to which this automobile owner could be recognized by their pumped-up right arm. The model was a unified mixture of two models – Kadett B and Rekord C. It was equipped with an independent front suspension, disc brakes in front, and drum brakes in the rear, a transverse spring, a leading rear axle on leaf springs. The 1078ccs, 60HP inline 4-cylinder OHV engine was the base engine, but most buyers opted for the 1,897ccs, 90HP overhead (CIH) 4-cylinder engine. Both engines were moved behind the front axle for better weight distribution. There were two transmissions to choose from – a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed THM-180 automatic. The list of options included a self-locking differential, anti-roll bars, a heated rear window, and engine compartment lighting. In 1970, the Junior modification with a 1.9-liter engine and simplified trim joined the 1100 and 1900 S modifications. It differed from the rest of the Opel GTs in the presence of horizontal moldings with GT/J inscriptions along the perimeter of the body and special disks. In addition, the interior was redesigned: there were additional devices and velour upholstery on the seats.

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1970 Junior modification was produced in Germany Bochum city, but the bodies were supplied by the French company Brissonneau & Lotz. When it became part of Renault, the supply of bodies ceased in favor of Renault.

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