Opel GT (1968). Irresistible elegance

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Purchasing classics there

The reasons why a classic is bought is different for everyone. That can be nostalgia. But the design and technology of the classic can also play a role. At Hans-Peter, the Opel GT was a family adventure.

By: Dirk de Jong

For his father Siep, the Opel reliability was proverbial. He drove various models such as the Opel Olympia convertible, the Opel Rekord and various models over the years. 

Factory new 

It is often said that you should not look back. Fortunately, Hans-Peter does feel the need to look back on his years of restoration. When the photo books are on the table, we get access to a very fascinating report. When purchased, the Opel GT was certainly not so beautiful anymore. The first task was to completely disassemble the car and complete the engine overhaul. Each part was overhauled in a period of 4 years, which sometimes brought the thought "what did I start" on his mind. Yet everything about the Opel GT was transformed with an eye for detail and with original parts into a beautiful classic that started its second life as factory new. 

Member of the Opel GT club for 25 years 

The Opel GT has determined the life of Hans-Peter from the age of 17 and it is clear that the love for this beautiful classic runs deep. The immaculate car is therefore of inestimable value to him. The policy of the aforementioned Opel GT club is of course to maintain the model. But also support the members with parts and technical information, which is very important in a restoration. Hans-Peter: Even though I have had the Opel GT for many years, I sometimes walk around it to admire it. In fact, the Opel GT makes me happy and always gives me energy again. 

Opel blood 

An enormous amount of Opel blood flows through the veins of Hans-Peter and his father Siep. Collecting brochures, miniatures and the many Opel GT club magazines are also part of the hobby. Hans-Peter's 'white tornado' already conquered second place in a European context at an Opel GT meeting in Germany. Respect for this enthusiast who brought the car into competition condition and will undoubtedly keep it that way. His enjoyable task now is to convey that passion to others.

Also read:
- Opel Rekord 1700 restoration
- Opel Senator 2,5 E-Automatic. A storage model
- The Opel Rekord E2. Plush, no fuss with the better equipped Opel
- Opel Diplomat. The Opel-o-saurus Rex
- Opel Ascona A. Successful asset in the seventies middle class

Vauxhall GT (1968)
Vauxhall GT (1968)
Vauxhall GT (1968)

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6 comments

  1. To Olav ten Broek.
    The GT exhibited at the IAA in 1965 was far from being developed and was not based on a B Kadett. It was a study model that Opel had made (as the first car manufacturer in Europe).
    The fact that it then takes another 3 years to put a driving model on the road is a short time for developing a model.

  2. Built too short! The first study of the GT was already in 1965 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but sales did not start until 1968. Why? The 1965 model was almost fully developed and the GT shared platform and technology with the B-Kadett, also released in 1965.

    The answer is: capacity problems. The Kadett factory in Bochem almost succumbed to the success of the Kompeltje, which pushed the Beetle out of its place as the best-selling European car.

    That is why the GT was made according to a strange and expensive solution: the bodywork came from Alsace, from Chausson, from there it went to Brisonneaux $ Lotz to be assembled, after which the GTs were put back on the train to enter Bochum. Kadett parts. Speaking of European cooperation.

    The GT earned a second youth in 1973 on the improved chassis of the C-Kadett with its coil springs, but by then Brisonneaux & Lotz was bought by Renault, then still a 100% state-owned company. And the French State did not want to produce for a German manufacturer. Talk about European bickering.

  3. Bought a new Opel Gt in 1969, then worked at Opel, registration number was 02 -24 YES. Drove up and down Maastricht Roermond every day. Pedal to the metal. Drove problem-free and good handling.

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