Opel GT

Opel GT
Lothar Spurzem (Spurzem at de.wikipedia) · CC BY-SA 2.0 de · source
Name	Opel GT
Manufacturer	Opel
Production	1968–1973 (first generation), 2007–2009 (second generation concept-derived)
Assembly	Rüsselsheim am Main, Germany; final assembly locations varied for second generation
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Designer	Erhard Schnell, George Gallion (influences)
Related	Vauxhall models, General Motors platforms

Opel GT The Opel GT is a two-seat sports car produced by Opel with a distinctive low-slung fastback profile that drew attention across Europe and North America. Launched in the late 1960s, the model combined styling cues similar to contemporary Ferrari and Chevrolet designs while using engineering from General Motors subsidiaries and influencing later GM small sports cars. The Opel GT name returned in the 2000s as a concept-influenced revival related to a Saturn-marketized variant.

Introduction

The Opel GT debuted as a compact sports coupe during a period when manufacturers such as Porsche, Alfa Romeo, MG, and Triumph Motor Company were competing in the sports car market across West Germany, United Kingdom, and United States. Opel presented the GT at auto shows and in marketing targeted at buyers comparing it with cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Datsun 240Z, and Fiat 124 Sport Spider. Its combination of European styling and General Motors mechanical components aimed to bridge enthusiasts familiar with Vauxhall and mainstream GM customers considering performance-oriented imports.

Design and Development

Design work for the Opel GT began under the oversight of designers tied to Opel's chief studio in Rüsselsheim am Main, with aesthetics reflecting broader currents from designers associated with Bertone, Pininfarina, and Ghia. The GT’s exterior featured curvaceous fenders, a pronounced front bonnet, and a fastback rear inspired by grand tourers on display at Turin Auto Show and Geneva Motor Show. Engineering teams coordinated with General Motors Research and borrowed components from models such as the Opel Kadett and Opel Manta programs to meet cost and parts-commonality targets. Innovative elements included pop-up lighting geometry and a nearly flush cabin silhouette developed in collaboration with aerodynamicists who had worked on prototypes for BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Production and Model Years

Series production of the original GT ran from 1968 through 1973, assembled at Opel facilities in Rüsselsheim am Main. Model years saw incremental updates including different engine tunings, interior trim changes influenced by suppliers like Bosch and Sabelt-type vendors, and export variants tailored for United States safety and emission rules influenced by agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The U.S. market received modified bumpers and emission controls similar to contemporaneous adjustments made by Ford and Chrysler brands. A commemorative second-generation revival appeared in the 2000s tied to a concept introduced at shows such as the Frankfurt Motor Show and later adapted for Saturn branding in North America.

Technical Specifications

The Opel GT used front-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture with live axle or independent rear suspension options considered during development phases that paralleled setups used by Chevrolet small-block installations. Powerplants ranged from small-displacement inline-four engines with overhead camshaft designs to upgraded carbureted variants inspired by tunings common in Bosch-equipped European sports cars. Transmission choices included 4-speed and 5-speed manuals with gearsets sharing lineage with General Motors light-duty transmissions. Braking systems used front disc brakes and rear drum arrangements similar to components sourced by suppliers that also supplied Triumph Motor Company and Rolls-Royce. Chassis geometry and weight distribution were tuned by engineers experienced from projects at Opel Rekord and Opel Kadett programs to yield competitive handling for its era.

Motorsport and Performance Variants

Privateers campaigned the Opel GT in club racing and endurance events organized by groups like the FIA-affiliated national clubs, entering races alongside cars from Lotus and Porsche. Performance-oriented upgrades included enlarged carburetors, higher-compression pistons, and modified camshafts influenced by tuning houses that previously specialized on BMW and Ford units. Some teams adapted suspension components from Opel Manta rally programs and brake upgrades comparable to kits used by AC Racing specialists. These race-modified examples appeared at hillclimb events and regional touring car series where homologation was less restrictive than in factory-backed World Rally Championship campaigns.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, the Opel GT received praise in publications associated with Autocar, Road & Track, and Auto Bild for its styling and handling relative to price points set against competitors like Datsun and Triumph. Critics noted limitations in interior space and long-distance comfort compared with grand tourers from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. The GT achieved a cult following among collectors and restoration specialists working with parts networks tied to General Motors Heritage inventories and independent suppliers. Its design influenced later compact sports concepts from GM divisions and encouraged small-coupe initiatives within Opel and Vauxhall, contributing to heritage exhibits at museums such as the Deutsches Museum and shows honoring postwar European sports cars.

Category:Opel