Closing date July issue -> May 19
Opel Rekord 2.0 S (1978) “Lucky find” for Geurt Gerben
Opel: “A car you can rely on.” Ask an Opel owner why he is so pleased with his car, and he will answer: “It is a car that won’t let you down.” With a wink, because this Opel advertisement text dates back to before the Second World War.
That reputation for reliability was one of the features that attracted buyers. Geurt Gerben's Opel Rekord 2.0 S, a four-door from the German mid-range, is also still a usable family car as a classic. The Nationale Autopas lists a low mileage of 67.000 km for this car.
Geurt Gerben: “I grew up with the Opel Kadett, and as a qualified mechanic, I could maintain my own cars without any problems. Even though I later chose a different profession, the expertise for my own maintenance and repairs remained.”
Opel Kadett: Kurz gesagt OK!
His passion is evident in his life with cars. It started with a Kadett B. And yes, Opels get older too, so after a few years a successor arrived: a Kadett C. This was followed, as an enthusiastic Opel driver, by a Kadett C Coupé, two Kadett E's, and finally an Opel Ascona B. Talk about brand loyalty.
The new addition
As an Opel “fan” of Opel, it will come as no surprise that the new addition also had to be an Opel. Geurt Gerben found the classic online, but it was primarily the history that led him to decide to purchase it. It is an Opel Rekord 2.0 S from 1978, with 67.000 kilometers on the odometer according to the Nationale Autopas.
Gebra garages in Venlo-Blerick and Helden
As early as the 50s, they represented the Opel and Chevrolet brands. The first owner purchased the car in Venlo and remained the owner until 2018: a period of 40 years, with 25 years of use and 15 years of inactivity. After these long years of service, the car was transferred to the second owner. He had LPG installed, at which time the interior was also replaced.
The third owner encountered technical problems, which was the reason for a quick sale to Geurt Gerben. With his technical skills, he was able to resolve the issues quickly. As a result, the classic is now ready to be used as a hobby car again.
Owning a classic/vintage car
Anyone who owns a classic or vintage car appreciates it when as many other enthusiasts as possible recognize its value. That is receiving “appreciation” for the car that the passion is drawn to. And let’s be honest: isn’t happiness in life also determined, to some extent, by an enjoyable car hobby?
Scoring on the happiness ladder
Do you also want to score higher? Then a subscription to Auto Motor Klassiek Very good advice. Sweet memories come to life for 49,50 per year.
More photos can be found below.
Toured around in a Rekord E-2 for a few years; a wonderful car, comfortable, spacious, super reliable, and great for towing trailers!
The “last”. Chrome bumper record, just before plastic completely took over the automotive world…
I had a 20s two-door, a slightly yellower color.
Fine car, but traded it in at 40k because I found it a boring car. The new car was a Rover 2600 SD1; well, that was anything but boring, to the dealer at least twice a month.
It's nice that enthusiasts also maintain cars like these, which are cherished so much despite their sometimes low value. They really capture the atmosphere of the past, because back then there were more Opels on the road than Porsches and Jaguars…
Keep it like that!
Worked on Opels at the dealer for 17 years
Great cars
Replaced many water pumps and outlets
Replaced many water pumps and exhausts, so they weren't that good after all.
I have been driving a Volvo Amazon since 1982. I have had to replace a water pump twice, and I swapped the dynamo for an AC alternator. The old DC one was still good, but AC provides more power.