Opel Rekord 1.8 S. Impression of an old-fashioned fine travel car

During the autumn of 1982, the facelift version of the Opel Rekord E appeared. The 1977 model was quite updated. For example, the front, interior and rear were redesigned. The then GM subsidiary also used more plastic. These are just a few of the changes that have brought the Opel Rekord up to date. Partly thanks to the optical adjustments, the cw value of the new Rekord E2 dropped from 0,42 to 0,36. The Rekord was also available with 1.8 OHC engines, which actually retired a number of CIH engines. We drove the Rekord E2 with a 1.8 S engine on board.

In 1983, the year of construction of the Stratosblauwe Opel, the Rekord was the best-selling car in the large middle class in the Netherlands. Overall, the Rekord then finished tenth in the Dutch sales ranking. The welcome guest of yesteryear is a fairly rare sight today. That makes it special to drive with this rear wheel good old to be on the road. This car is known at the RDW as Opel Rekord 1.8 N, but a look under the hood shows that we are dealing with the 1.8 S engine. The GM Varajet II carburetor confirms that fact, the engine code is playing hide and seek. Anyway. Instead of the 75 DIN-PK version, we have the 90 DIN-PK version, and that is very noticeable in this Opel Rekord E2.

Powerful motor, fine proportions gearbox

The 1.8 OHC engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and that combination allows for a rather lazy shifting behaviour. Today it may sound strange, but you don't miss the fifth gear in combination with the engine. The torque of the 1.8 engine is available early on, the overlap in the gears is significant. That makes this Opel whistling and quite powerful in today's traffic. Less contemporary is the driving character of the Opel, the Rekord E2 clearly derives its technical configuration from its predecessors, including a rigid rear axle and coil springs at the rear.

Nice old-fashioned comfort

The November 1983 car drives like a later XNUMXs mid-sized car. It keeps its course, hangs nicely in the springs, is understeered, leans over a bit in the bends despite two stabilizers and puts quite a bit of weight in the shell. It drives pleasantly, the languid handling is pleasant. But again: do not underestimate the performance potential of the car - especially with this powerful engine in the front. You can make good, fast and relatively economical meters with it. Especially on longer stretches, this is in all respects a very nice car to be on the road with. Within the built-up area, the Opel is a lot less agile. This Rekord is not built for a quick in-between maneuver, even parking (without power steering) in small spots requires insight and get to work.

Excellent service, modest interior

The operation is child's play as far as the gears and clutch are concerned, the accelerator pedal does give a considerable back pressure in this example. It also takes some getting used to the single lever on the left of the steering column, which houses most control functions. Occupants welcome a lot of space in the interior, the large furniture contributes to a quite comfortable experience. In terms of equipment, the Opel is modest, it is a real basic version, with the exception of the engine. That does not alter the fact that the decoration of the car is neat, things do look neat. But richly endowed with goodies: that's another story.

Solid comfort

That is not a problem in this car, especially when driving, the car offers a solid comfort, although a power steering would not be out of place in the weighty-feeling car. The braking system is energized, and it does its job more than properly. Slowing down is child's play, and the Rekord remains very stable. Rekord E2 copies are for sale for reasonable prices, also because they are not much in demand as a classic. But therein lies an opportunity for the candidate. With this type of Rekord in particular, fans of large Opels can get a car that weighs in, offers old-fashioned comfort and gives a clear nod to the good-natured and steadfast character that characterized Opel's larger mid-sized cars for years. And not only that: you also buy a maintenance-friendly and easy keyable car with which you can easily participate in daily traffic. A car too, with which you can easily and comfortably cover long distances. In a way that pleasantly brings you back to how it once was.

Thanks to Nosstalgia, Drachten