1973 Opel GT

The Opel GT was in production from 1968 to 1973, and was a coupe derived from the Kadett saloon. Styled in house by Erhard Schnell, the Kadett is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car seating two people, with a luggage shelf behind the seats and accessible via the doors.

First shown at Frankfurt in 1965 as a concept car, the Opel GT was launched in 1968. It may have been a European project, but Detroit took a keen interest: some of GM’s top stylists had been involved in this small sports car which foreshadowed the look of the C3 Corvette. The first two years of GT production used the 1.1-litre engine from the Kadett. A transverse front leaf spring and rear coils hooked to a live axle meant that suspension was not wholly independent. Built by Brissonneau et Lotz in France for Opel, the GT was unsurprisingly a strong seller in America – where it was sold through Buick dealerships.

The camshaft-in-head (CIH) engine from the Opel Rekord was also fitted to the GT, in a choice of two specifications. The lower-spec GT/J was introduced in 1971 to sit alongside the standard GT. It was devoid of almost all chromework and had a reduced specification, in order to reduce its price and broaden its appeal.

The standard Opel GT was more lavishly trimmed – which in part explains the reason why Opel discontinued the model in 1975 – it terminated the body contract, and the Opel GT was not cost-effective enough to compete against other sports GTs such as the Datsun 240Z.

The smallest engine on offer was a 1.1-litre overhead valve unit, driving a four-speed gearbox and the rear wheels. This unit had a single carb, was normally aspirated, and produced just 67bhp. Later GTs from 1970 were fitted with the 102bhp 1.9-litre CIH engine shared with the Ascona and the Manta. Again, this drove a four-speed manual, but also an optional three-speed automatic.

The Opel GT isn’t quite as sporting as its looks would have you believe, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The engine has more than enough power and torque, and with the amount of space inside it feels like a true junior GT car. Opel started with an interior model and then formed the body to fit, so six footers have more than enough space despite its compact dimensions.

Mechanically, the Opel GT is basically a Kadett with a Rekord engine, though the tiny sump means you need to keep an eye on the oil levels. Service items for the CIH engine are easily sourced – Opel kept using it until 1994, so most motor factors should still stock spares. Many have been converted to Manta GTE power, with a five-speed box – this doesn’t add value, but it does make them more usable.

Specialists such as The Opel GT Source can find panels, parts and trim. In terms of rot, Opel GTs aren’t great – check the battery tray, floorpan, shock turrets and all lower panels, as well as door tops and the front belly pan.

Early hand-assembled cars and the early 1.1s are most collectible, though the 1.9 is best to drive. The standard 1.9 GT is the most desirable of the later cars, with the slightly less plush GT/J slightly less valuable. Buy on condition, the best cars are always the most valuable – and bright colours are more desirable than sombre dark shades and blacks.

For similar style, you’ll need to head to America and find a Chevrolet Corvette. For a fairer competitor, take a look at the Mk 1 Ford Capri and the Triumph GT6 among others. The MGB GT would be another good choice, though those who might like the Opel’s scarcity would find the MGB GT a little too common.