OPEL Kadett C Coupé (1979) A connection with bygone days for Wiebe

"This will be my new classic." Wiebe's short and sweet reaction when he spotted this beautiful Opel Kadett C Coupé. You choose the car that suits you; aptly so in his case, because in his younger years he drove a Kadett Coupé in the exact same color. It was a hit from the first glance: passion, memories, and enthusiasm all in one.

Opel in the Netherlands

There was a period of over 25 years when Opel was among the absolute top performers in the Netherlands. A wide model range, solid technology, and a recognizable design. The Kadett was a top seller for years, and in the C-series (1973-1979), the Coupé was undoubtedly the most popular and sportiest model. That aligns perfectly with Wiebe's choice; historically, he's in the right place.

Reliable classic

Wiebe: "For me, the Coupé is a car with character, exactly what I was looking for. A reliable classic with charm, one you don't see on the road every day anymore. In my youth, they were driven everywhere or just parked outside on the sidewalk, in all weathers. Scratches and dents weren't so bad; it was a mass-produced car meant to make getting around easy. Now we rave about this beauty. It only gets used in the summer and sleeps in the garage under a blanket."

Previous owners?

The seller had only scant information about the car: it was delivered new to Snip in Doezum, and the first owner kept it for about 12 years. After that, the history fades. It is certain, however, that the car never underwent a major restoration. Only the rust on the wheel rims was addressed, after which it was repainted in its original color. This is entirely fitting for an Opel Kadett C that has spent most of its life in its original state.

Love of classics

Wiebe: "Our family has a deep love for classics. Besides this Opel Kadett C Coupé, I've had a Mercedes 280 CE for over 20 years. I also have a treasure trove of unique mopeds from the 70s, like the Batavus Whippet and the Eysink. I sometimes feel a pang of melancholy when I look at the collection. Both my sons (in their twenties) drive a Baby Benz, the 190; they, too, are cherished and perfectly maintained as modern classics."

What is nostalgia?

What is nostalgia but a longing for your youth? Do you recognize the sheepskin rugs, the dice, the nodding dog? Get behind the wheel and you're instantly transported back to the 70s. That's why the Kadett is looked at, admired, and sometimes even stared at along the way. People point, smile; the nostalgic feeling does the rest. Wiebe is as happy as a prospector who has struck gold; we, too, are not unmoved by such beauty and appreciate that he's keeping a piece of automotive history alive.

(Below are some more pictures.)