1973 Opel GT

History

Production of the Opel GT began in 1968 and continued until 1973, with a total of 103,463 examples being produced. The first few hundred examples created were hand-assembled. The standard engine was the 1.1-liter OHV four-cylinder engine that produced 67 horsepower (SAE). An optional 1.9-liter engine was offered and was the choice of most buyers. Horsepower with this option rose to just over 100 (SAE). The standard gearbox was a four-speed gearbox, but a three-speed unit was available with the 1.9-liter engine. The engine was mounted in the front and sent power to the rear wheels. The chassis was constructed of a steel unibody construction. The front suspension was a double A-arms and transverse leaf springs, while the rear was comprised of coil springs and a live axle. Disc brakes could be found in the front, and drums in the rear.

The design was very eye-catching; it bore resemblance to the Chevrolet Corvette, which seemed fitting since it was styled by GM stylists such as Clare McKichan and Chuck Jordan.

In early 2006 a press release was issued that announced the revitalization of the GT name. The 2007 Opel GT was to be built atop the GM Kappa platform, which is the platform used by the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007