The promise of the Opel GT – “Only flying gives a greater thrill” – remains a vivid memory in the minds of car enthusiasts. The iconic slogan, accompanied by an unforgettable advertising campaign, captures the essence of an era when driving was a sense of adventure and emotion. Jan Kienstra still feels the thrill of owning this special sports car, an experience that defies time and keeps the spirit of the GT alive.
Opel GT was a success
In the 60s and early 1,1s, the Opel GT marked a turning point in the automotive world. With a long, low nose, heavily flared wheel arches and an elegant rear, the GT exuded the allure of an exclusive Italian model. Yet the sports car remained thoroughly European and affordable. A rival to the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in an era when sports cars were still pure passion. Although the technology was largely adopted from existing Opel models, the addition of pop-up headlights made the GT a striking appearance on the road. The choice between a modest 1,9 hp engine (90 liter) and the more powerful 185-liter engine with XNUMX hp and a top speed of XNUMX km per hour ensured that the GT was both aesthetically and technically appealing.
Enjoy, but in moderation
For Jan Kienstra, entrepreneur in Nes on the Wadden diamond Ameland, the Opel GT is more than a vehicle. It is a source of relaxation after a hectic business world. On the quiet island, the top speed does not have to be reached. Because it is all about the pure driving pleasure and the experience of the car. Driving the GT offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the timeless beauty and nostalgia that this classic exudes. Together with his son Thijs, Jan shares a passion for classic cars, a hobby that brings both relaxation and a sense of connection with times gone by.
Owners pride
The history of the Opel GT is steeped in personal stories and nostalgic memories. Jan tells how the car was originally purchased by his brother. More than forty years ago, in a striking ochre yellow colour. This colour, which was later transformed into a refined anthracite shade after a technical service, underlined the unique appearance of the GT. “There is something magical about this car,” says Jan with a twinkle in his eye. “Every time I look at it, I discover new details, but the feeling of pure driving pleasure always remains the same.” The craftsmanship of the Hoogstra bodywork company in Dokkum, which restored the car with the utmost care, remains a source of pride and admiration.
Opel GT
The Opel GT was introduced in 1968 and remained in production until 1973. A period in which the democratization of sporty motorcycling began. In contrast to many other sports cars of that time, the GT was designed for a wider audience. With this model, Opel managed to find a perfect balance between affordability and exclusivity, which made the GT popular with both the masses and car enthusiasts.
The car represents an era when innovation and design went hand in hand, and when motoring was still imbued with romance and adventure. Today, the Opel GT remains an icon in the world of classic cars. Stories of restorations, encounters at classic car meetings and the shared passion for original details keep the spirit of this model alive. While it continues to inspire and amaze young and old alike.
This rich history, combined with the unforgettable experience and personal stories of enthusiasts such as Jan Kienstra, makes the Opel GT a true masterpiece of design and technology. A car that has not only stood the test of time, but also continues to shine as a symbol of passion, originality and driving pleasure.
(The story continues below with the photos.)
Something magical! Awesome! Only Real Old Opels have that! Enjoy and keep them on the road!
Beautiful! I should never have gotten rid of mine…
What a beauty!
Beautiful model. The discussion about this model back then can no longer be found: “The bodywork is beautiful, but impractical. The chassis is simply that of an Opel Kadett with a simple rigid rear axle. So it is a 'would be' sports car, which in terms of roadholding and steering drives just like a sedan, but is more than twice as expensive to buy and can only transport 2 instead of 2 or 4 people.” As a classic, it is now worth four times as much compared to a Kadett from that time.
It used to be my dream car. I could never buy it then. Until I was allowed to drive a Corvette C3, from which the GT is derived. I never wanted anything else. It never happened. I now have a '93 C4. That will never go away!
I had one from 1969 to 1972, when I unfortunately wrote it off, i.e. a flower seller drove onto the main road from his yard without looking and I could no longer avoid him.
Thanks to the long nose I got off lightly, a crumple zone that was not yet discussed at the time.
slimmed down less fatty Fat!!!! thats what it is but definitely fun!!
insanely beautiful car was in doubt whether it was a GR or a Manta but it became the Manta and why mom and dad two brothers couldn't get in it it was just 19 years of beautiful time
Back then there were still beautiful cars…
I had restored it in ochre yellow. Incomprehensible that nothing more than slightly modified Peugeots remains of Opel.
Only the GT junior was delivered in the colour ochre yellow in the last years. A somewhat simpler version without chrome bumpers and fewer clocks in the car.
What a beautiful timeless car when cars
Still had character instead of those horrible Tesla cages and other monstrosities
Opel's finest!
With unchanged appearance (so not with those modern details and waiters higher and wider, and certainly not like the new Ford Capri blunder)
This model would still sell very well today. There are few who do not find this Opel GT beautiful.
Well, agreed.
But it no longer passes today's crash tests.
And so such a model will never appear on the roads again.