The interior and luggage compartment of the 1965 Opel Kadett are remarkably spacious, especially compared to other popular cars from the 60s such as the VW Beetle and the Citroën 2 CV. The simple technology of these cars still fascinates both young and old. What could be better than seeing a vintage car that used to drive in large numbers on Dutch roads? The Opel Kadett was a luxury car in every respect. For Tjisse, this captures an image of the times, an image that he still remembers well and that evokes emotions in him.
Tjisse: “We cannot bring back history, but we can bring back the memories of it. It is wonderful to see that many enthusiasts within our Opel club cherish and preserve their vintage cars. Classic car enthusiasts are by definition a hobby, and if you take it seriously, it guarantees years of enjoyment. My personal favorite is my '65 Opel Kadett. For me it is a form of relaxation. As an entrepreneur in the two-wheeler industry, it is a moment of escape from the daily hustle and bustle; forgetting all worries during a ride in my 'time machine' that takes me back to the 60s.”
Opel Kadett 1965
The fact that Tjisse has a bond with this “King size Compact” is due to its immaculate condition and its carefully maintained history. Everything is as it was on the day it was delivered by the Opel dealer: the complete booklets, the original radio that was installed at the time, and a large number of pennants as proof that the Opel took part in classic events. The personal details, such as the photo of his wife with the text “drive carefully” and the nodding dog in the rear window, are very much part of the 60s.
Pleasant side effect
During spontaneous rides you invariably become the center of attention: smiles, thumbs up. Because what's the point of having a classic car if you can't show it off? Shared pleasure is double the pleasure. A nice side effect is that spectators become enthusiastic about vintage cars again.
Finally
The Opel Kadett has a powerful engine: 47 hp guarantees a speed with which it can hold its own on the highway. To 26 km/h in 100 seconds, runs vibration-free and look at the photo under the hood: accessible from all sides. No, comparing it with a modern car is not possible, that goes without saying. But with the Opel Kadett there is a taste for tradition and nostalgia, something that is missing from more modern, computer-designed models.
I now live in Canada and had a 1965 Opel Kadett A Coupe when I lived in the Netherlands in 1976. This Opel still drives in the Netherlands.
Frits. Beautiful A cadet! Great that this classic is preserved!!
I took driving lessons and exams in a brand new B Kadett in 1968. Great car! Back then the cars still had character, but not anymore.
Nice car, honor it also from a historical perspective 😉
From the post-war reconstruction era, with social achievements (such as higher wages, holidays) and a tight highway network (especially in Germany and the Netherlands), this car turned out to be an excellent representative and family car.
I suppose this Opel Kadett is the 1st generation and was born with a “twin”: the Vauxhall Viva.
Totally correct .
And 6 Volts too. It couldn't be more fun. The engine room has a bit of contemporary patina and looks neat. The Germans would say: “That's Joy!” The same applies to the interior. I don't know about anyone else, but for me it's fun. Nice that this Kadett is still driving around. Keep it like that!
If he were to drive a B-Kadett, he wouldn't know what he was experiencing! 😀
A dog on the parcel shelf is certainly fun. It should actually be one with fabric on it, but this one is nice too (I have a light brown one with fabric. And no, it's not for sale...😉)
The only thing missing is the crocheted toilet roll cover. Or was that more of a '70s thing? 🤔 Anyway: very nice car!
I have an A and a B.
The B drives better, but the A is more fun on the road…