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OPEL Kadett B. From compact to iconic!
The Opel Kadett B is a car that wasn't just any model; it laid the foundation for a true icon in automotive history. What began as a compact car quickly became a symbol of sportiness, innovation, and versatility. In 1965, it was finally time for a successor to the Kadett A, which had only been on the market for three years. Opel decided to launch the Kadett B, with an improved design and more space. And that decision later proved to be invaluable. A remarkable 2,2 million units were sold before production ceased in 1973.
Bigger and more spacious
The Kadett B was more than just a new design. The car was significantly larger than its predecessor. Its length grew by 18 cm, bringing the total length to over four meters. This not only provided more space for passengers, but also for luggage. The trunk was a whopping 12% larger, and the station wagon version – called the "Caravan" by Opel – now had a load space of 1,57 meters with the rear seats folded down. This was a relief for many customers. And all for just 100 Deutschmarks more than the previous generation.
Lots of choice, lots of variety
What made the Kadett B so special was its enormous variety of models. Customers could choose from various body styles, including two- and four-door sedans, coupes, and station wagons. The Caravan was available in two- or five-door versions, but the five-door version was rare. The coupe, known for its unique "gills" in the C-pillar, became one of the most sought-after models. This coupe was nicknamed the "Gill Coupé" because of these air intakes, which gave the car a sporty appearance.
Technical updates
The Kadett B was continuously improved throughout its production years. The engine was enlarged from 1.0 to 1.1 liter and came in two versions: the N version with 45 hp and the S version with 50 hp. In 1968, the leaf springs on the rear axle were replaced by coil springs, which significantly improved the car's handling. The interior was also modernized, with a new dashboard and improved ventilation. Most striking, however, was Opel's decision to paint the interior entirely matte black starting in 1971 for increased safety and a fresher look.
Luxurious and sporty
The Kadett B was not only practical but also a feast for the eyes. Inspired by American compact cars, the coupé had a sleek and dynamic appearance. But the Kadett B's sporty side truly became apparent with the introduction of the "Kadett Rallye." This affordable sports car was equipped with a 1.9-liter engine and could reach speeds of 170 km/h. The Kadett Rallye's matte black hood wasn't just a design choice; it also served a functional purpose: it prevented the driver from being blinded by the sun.
Rally successes
The Kadett Rallye proved its mettle on the rally circuit. In 1967, the Lembart/Vogt team won its class in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, one of the world's toughest rallies. In 1968, the Kadett B achieved impressive results: 222 class victories and over 600 medals. This made the Kadett Rallye popular not only in Germany but worldwide. From the Stuttgart-Lyon-Charbonnières Rally to the Tour de Luxembourg Rallye, the Kadett Rallye was everywhere, winning time and again.
The Olympia A
In addition to the sporty models, Opel also introduced a more luxurious version of the Kadett B: the Olympia A. This version was aimed at customers who wanted something more than the standard Kadett. The Olympia featured special luxury interiors, wood veneer on the dashboard, and a modified radiator grille. Available in three trim levels, it filled the gap between the Kadett and the larger Rekord. The Olympia A symbolized Opel's focus on luxury and performance in the compact segment.
Innovation and versatility
The Kadett B was one of the most versatile models of its time. The car was available in no fewer than eight different body styles, from the classic sedan to the Gill-Coupé and the Caravan. The word "Gill" translates into Dutch as "breathing organ of a fish" or "gill of a fish" (Source: vertalen.nu, ed.). Under the hood, there was also a choice: from the 1.1-liter engine to the 1.9-liter engine. The Kadett B even became a pioneer in automotive electrification: the 1968 Stir-Lec I was an experimental electric-powered prototype that gave the Kadett B a pioneering position in automotive history.
End of the Kadett B
In 1973, production of the Kadett B ended. But in that short period, the car had undeniably proven itself. The Kadett B was sold in more than 120 countries and had a huge impact worldwide. The model was not only a commercial success but also laid the foundation for future success stories, such as the legendary Opel GT and the subsequent generations of the Kadett. The Kadett B became the technical platform on which Opel would later build new icons, setting a new standard for Opel's brand identity.
Kadett B as a legend
What made the Kadett B so special was not only its technical avant-garde qualities, but also its versatility. From a practical family car to a sporty rally car, the Kadett B offered something for everyone. Over the years, the model has proven itself as one of Opel's most beloved classics. And even now, more than 50 years after its introduction, the Kadett B remains a favorite choice for car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
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In some countries, such as France, Italy, and Belgium, road tax is determined by the number of horsepower eligible for tax purposes. Cars under 1000cc are particularly affordable in Italy, which is why Opel only produced the 1.0 version for the Italian market, essentially using the engine from the A-Kadett. Incidentally, the engine would return in the D-Kadett and Corsa A after a very long hiatus.
In the Netherlands, the program began with the 45 hp 1100N engine, easily recognizable under the hood by its single exhaust manifold. The 1100N didn't have rotocaps—rotating valve discs designed to prevent valve burn. No worries, these engines were virtually indestructible.
I discovered just how indestructible it was in 1980. During my military service in Germany, I once forgot to close the sump cap. The result: the orange oil light suddenly came on on the highway. Oh well, I thought, that's impossible, I just checked the gauge. So I drove on to the next gas station. By then, smoke was already billowing from the hood. With three liters of fresh oil and the gas cap on the valve cover, I could just keep going. Another time, I drove from Rotterdam to my home in Oudenbosch without coolant. No problem, just replaced the broken radiator, filled it with fresh coolant, and drove on. I once won a bet in a pub by saying the Kadett would start in the middle of winter on a single spark plug. I didn't know that, but I won the bet. It did indeed start early in the morning in severe frost with three disconnected spark plug wires.
Oh yes. The LS wasn't a five-door, but a Kadett version of the Olympia. It was replaced in 1970 by the Ascona A. The Ascona A was originally intended to replace the Kadett B and Olympia A, but GM Detroit had other plans. The C-Kadett, with much of the B-Kadett's DNA, would eventually become a truly global car, produced on all continents.
Mistakes or not, I'm just enjoying this, so thanks again for this – free! – article.
We live happily ever after with no damage. The Anlasser loses itself 2 moulds. With careful consideration, this would be ultimately beneficial. Der Nutzwert und des Preis -Leistungs -Verhältnis wurde von keinem meiner Autos more erreicht.
Schlechte Übersetzung
In 1975, I was allowed to buy a Car-a-Van from my employer for 250 guilders. I drove it for almost five years without any problems whatsoever… Fantastic car. Then I bought a Kadett C, and drove it under a lamppost in the rain one evening; just as trouble-free…!
The B-Kadetts my father drove (built in the mid-1970s and early 1973, respectively) both had such a long gear lever. As a little boy, I was allowed to operate it, sitting in the passenger seat, of course. I have fond memories of that.
I worked for Opel for years as a first mechanic, and I found the B the most enjoyable to drive and tinker with. What others called mopping, I actually found very enjoyable for going straight through a bend. Later, the Opel Manta also had this wonderful toss-and-throw driving behavior.
I had one, everything that could go wrong broke the engine, the drivetrain, no, give me a Ford 12M, that was good at the time.
A fantastic car that lasted a very long time. It's also a pleasure to tinker with, with almost "headroom" around the engine.
Nice dry rattle in the engine.
The five-door appears to have a fixed rear window, so it is a four-door coupe?
That's exactly what it is. This article was poorly cut and pasted...
The proper name for Opel station wagons is Car-A-Van. This was Opel's way of indicating that it's a combination of a Car (passenger car) and a Van (van). Not a Caravan (caravan). Otherwise, a nice article.
Thanks for your reply! You're absolutely right that Opel liked to play with the spelling Car-A-Van in its advertising back then, to make it clear that it was a combination of "Car" and "Van." Officially, however, the station wagon was simply called Caravan. That's how it appears in the brochures, price lists, and on the data plates. So both spellings are found, but Caravan was the official model name.
Germs, not Kiewen Coupe.
There are still a few mistakes in the article, but others have already pointed these out.
Cut/paste is a no-go for me, Koos Werkeloos!