Closing date June issue -> April 21
Opel Commodore GS 2800 (1977). A representative classic
A truly beautiful classic car always has admirers. Not only for its design, but also for its striking color and presence. How many do you still see on the road every day? This Opel Commodore GS is a particularly successful combination of sporty driving pleasure and luxurious comfort. It's a representative car: sharply cut lines, powerful presence, and yet always stylish.
The Opel Commodore
It drives like it looks: fast, exceptionally fast. The GS (Grand Sport), with its all-powerful six-cylinder engine, delivers 142 hp from a 2,8-liter engine. This gives the Commodore a top speed of around 185 km/h (115 mph) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 10 seconds. These were impressive figures when the Commodore B was launched in the early 1970s.
It may have disappeared from the streets, but it's never been forgotten by Opel enthusiasts. And this classic is an exceptionally beautiful example. Jan is fond of classic cars and vintage vehicles in general, but Opel has always held a special place for him.
Jan's car life
Everyone is sometimes unexpectedly struck by the power of memories. For Jan, that story begins with a family visit to Germany when he was eight years old.
Jan: "My father was a lover of comfortable cars and mainly drove Simcas and Renaults. But my love for a rugged car was born during that family visit, where I saw a bright orange Opel Rekord with a black vinyl roof. What a car! The Rekord D had a four-cylinder engine, while the Commodore has a six-cylinder, but the model is essentially the same.
That memory still gives me a sense of satisfaction. And I find that feeling in my 1977 Opel Commodore. True enthusiasts will recognize it: the wheel can sometimes roll strangely."
The discovery
Jan had been looking for a Rekord or Commodore Coupé for a while, preferably in orange. Then, suddenly, a beautiful Opel Commodore for sale appeared on a Facebook page for classic cars.
Jan: "I honestly didn't know that the Commodore B was also available new in Signal Green (color code 301). And secretly, I actually liked it even better than in orange."
The car's story proved just as interesting. The Commodore was delivered new by an Opel dealer in 's-Gravenzande. After six years of use, it disappeared into a garage in Den Helder, where it sat for a full 28 years. In 2012, it was purchased by an enthusiast and collector who restored the car to its presentable condition, including fitting it with Ronal rims. He used the Commodore exclusively for vacation trips.
The owner had several Commodores in his collection and could eventually say that the collection was complete: a Commodore A, B and C.
Jan: "I was especially impressed by the front of the classic. So beautiful, so sturdy. And what's more, it's in almost original condition; it had never been welded. The deal was closed quickly. The seller just wanted to wait four or five weeks to arrange a new MOT and say goodbye to his beloved pet in peace."
The sale was an emotional one due to his declining health. It was a real emotional issue for him to let go of the car. But he was happy that the classic car was in good hands with me.
Love
Love is worth more than gold. Jan and his future husband searched for a romantic location to have their wedding day photo taken with the Commodore, posing in a timeless setting with a classic car as the centerpiece. That seems like a guarantee for a successful marriage.
Opel drivers
It's not surprising that there are still many classic Opels on the road in the spring and summer. But in the north of the country, a group of Opel enthusiasts has also formed, with about ten cars. They organize an annual drive and support each other in their hobby.
Sometimes the cars take a back seat, and it's all about fun and friendship. The group features desirable classics: an Opel Kadett Coupé, Opel Manta, Opel Kadett GSi, Opel Ascona, and Opel Monza. Different models, but the same passion.
For a true classic car enthusiast, it ultimately matters little which model they drive. Ranks and positions don't exist; it's the love for the brand and the hobby that counts.
The sporting form of prestige
Jan: "It's a delightful feeling when you hear the soft purr of the six-cylinder engine. A gentle push on the accelerator and you immediately feel the power of the 2,8-liter engine. The seductive lines of this Opel Commodore leave no one unmoved. I regularly get thumbs-up along the way."
The story makes it clear: Jan is someone who knows what he wants. He has a healthy dose of perfectionism and a strong bond with his Opel Commodore. Owning a classic car is more than a hobby; it's a lifestyle full of enjoyment.
(More photos below)
I am now a senior pensioner, but I was an Opel mechanic for many years. The Commodore has always charmed me, so for a while I had a B 2.8 4-door with flared rims, a modified exhaust system, a front spoiler of course, and a Weber 45 DCOE on it—more out of necessity to bypass the poor automatic choke of the original carburetor. It was an automatic and drove wonderfully—metallic bronze with a black interior. Unfortunately, a GS/E was not within reach, but the feeling, the smell, and the power of the inline 6 have always stayed with me. Please take good care of your acquired Commodore… both it and you deserve it… I should never have parted with it…
It was once my father-in-law's car (2nd owner). According to him, the history of the car is incorrect, as described here. (He is the son of Uncle Piet)
How nice to see this car again, very nice memories here, this car belonged to my uncle Piet in Den Helder, I could have taken it over at the time but had other priorities at the time, nice that it ended up in a good place😁👍
In 1978, I almost bought a 2.8 GSE from a friend, but the price difference was still too great. It was automatic, but I didn't care. This was a real rocket when you used the Kickdown.
Does anyone happen to know of a gold-colored A or B for sale?
Beautiful, reliable and certainly also beautiful model, based on American standards
A beautiful car and incredibly fast. It's a shame the front bumper is a bit crooked.
Beautiful car! And the other cars mentioned too. The Opels of the 70s were top-notch design.
A true master of a car. I found almost all the 1970s Opels very beautiful, not just the KAD, but certainly also the 2-door Rekord D and Commodore B. The E (and also Commodore C) had a more modern design, but underneath it all, it was the same old faithful large mid-size car it always was. I had a lot of experiences during three long vacation trips with my best friend in his Rekord E2 in the late 1980s. That car was fantastic and, despite the high speeds and heavy city traffic, it averaged 32 mpg. This shade of green is wonderfully 1970s and suits the Commodore very well. Please keep it looking this good.
In my opinion, the most beautiful Opel ever made.
Beautiful car!