Closing date July issue -> May 19
Opel Rekord B CarAVan 1.5 (1966) Stunning classic for Marten
The Opel Rekord B CarAVan is one of those classics that makes you stop and take notice. A story of amazement and disbelief, so surprising that the photos form a visual story in themselves. Where have they gone, all those beautiful Opel Rekords from the sixties? You rarely see them on the road anymore. That has everything to do with the short production run of the Rekord B. Precisely because of this, this Opel Rekord B CarAVan is extra rare today. And of course, it helps that this particular example still looks stunning.
Danish-delivered workhorse with class
This Opel Rekord B CarAVan was delivered new in Denmark and began its life as a practical all-rounder. Usable for work during the week, suitable for the family on weekends. It is precisely that dual character that makes it so attractive. Verner Keller from Bramming was the first owner. As a furniture maker, he drove it remarkably little. According to the car's documentation, the odometer still reads only 58.000 kilometers. That makes the story behind this Opel Rekord B CarAVan all the more beautiful.
Admiring glances everywhere
At the Interclassics classic car show in Maastricht, the car was showered with interest and compliments. Not surprising, as this is no average classic. This Opel Rekord B CarAVan has presence, history, and just enough individuality to stand out among the other beautiful vehicles. It remained with its first owner from 1966 to 2009. Saying goodbye after 43 years was difficult, but inevitable. At that farewell, a photo was even taken of the couple with the Opel, as a tangible reminder of a long shared history. Eventually, the Opel also appeared in a popular Danish series.
Four years of restoration
Most people trade in their car after three, five at most. Some drive it for ten years, and a select few make it to twenty-five. After that, such a car usually ends up with an enthusiast. That is exactly what happened here. After much hard work and four years of restoration, the new owner has once again been able to fully enjoy the second life of this beautiful classic. The restoration photos tell in detail what this Opel Rekord B CarAVan has been through and how carefully it has been brought back to life.
Notable features
The license plate AU 86396 is also an integral part of the car's history. According to tradition and the available documentation, that license plate is special. That story gives this Opel Rekord B CarAVan even more character. What is certain, in any case, is that you are looking at a rare and remarkably well-preserved Opel, one with a past that sparks curiosity and an aura that works just as strongly today as it did then.
A gentleman in traffic
Marten: “This mid-range car was immediately the most elegant and the most spacious: sleek lines, impressively wide, and neatly finished. A sea of space, an extra bench seat for comfortable seating, and let’s certainly not forget the spirited engine. And as a classic, it is of course a gentleman on the road now.”
Would you also like to enjoy this Opel Rekord B CarAVan?
Are you enthusiastic about this Opel and do you appreciate quality? Do you also want to enjoy the attention of other road users? Please contact us for a lasting relationship. We, too, would love to see this Opel Rekord B CarAVan continue to be admired on Dutch roads. ASM Autoservice, via info@asmautoservice.nl, can tell you more if you would like to drive this special Opel Rekord for your hobby enjoyment.
Side effects?
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(More photos below.)
What a stunningly restored Opel, compliments to the restorers!!!!!
WOW!!!!!😍
Our 1965 Opel A Rekord A is still here.
31 years from my grandfather and now 30 years in our possession
75% original 224d on the odometer and fully roadworthy.
That shade of blue too, 1700cc and 4 doors
It can still last a while.
My father bought a new one in 1965; after five years, it was completely rusted through.
Beautiful time capsule and story to match. Probably the only “Box Wagon” that still looks so good.
What a powerful story. These cars drove so smoothly and were very reliable. If something did break, they were very easy to repair. So many memories of them. And yes, rust prevention was indeed practically non-existent, but some people had their new cars treated with Tectyl anyway, the so-called Tectyl/ML treatment, which really helped.
Nice Opel
The Opel and Ford station wagons (or Kastenwagen in German) from the 50s and 60s were already 99,999% scrapped by the late 70s because they were worn-out workhorses by then.
My father had a 1963 Record A (round headlights instead of these square ones on the B). It went to the scrapyard after only 5 years, which was common practice at the time (a new one wasn't that expensive back then either).
(The Toyota Crown successor also went to the scrapyard after just 4 years and was replaced by 3 Peugeot 504s, which didn't last long either in terms of rust)
It is very rare for an example of this Opel to surface in 2025.