Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this frame up restored 1973 Opel GT 1900 Coupe with believed to be only some 57K original miles.
The curvy little mini Corvette Opel GT is a rare front-engine, rear-drive two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by Opel over two generations separated by a 34-year hiatus and originally designed by GM?s Clare MacKichan while on duty at Opel in Russelsheim, Germany.
The first generation Opel GT (1968-1973) debuted as a styling exercise in 1965 and was developed from the Opel GT show car of few years earlier with the chassis and running gear shared with the Opel Cadet. The bodies were built by the renown French builder Brissonneau & Lotz in France and then shipped to Germany for final assembly.
The styling of the GT was often cited as similar to the 1967 Corvette Stingray being a two seater sports car with no external trunk lid with cargo wedged in behind the setbacks and pushed into a small hold hidden by a simple curtain!
The driver sat quite low to the belt line and faced an impressive looking dashboard with full instrumentation.
It was equipped with a base 1. 1 L OHV inline four cylinder engine although most buyers chose an optional 1. 9 L camshaft engine, which produced slightly more horsepower. Some of the early 1968 models also came with a slightly higher compression "H" code cylinder head.
In 1971, due to emissions regulations, Opel reduced the compression ratio of the 1. 9 L engine used in the US and output fell slightly. The base transmission was a four-speed manual and a three-speed automatic was available with the 1. 9 L engine. The model run of the Opel GT was from 1968 to 1973.
The Opel GT has a steel unibody chassis and a front mid engined layout. The engine is mounted far back in the chassis to improve weight distribution. The power-assisted braking system uses discs in the front, drums in the rear. Steering is unassisted.
One distinctive feature of the Opel GT is the operation of the Hidden Headlamps which are manually operated, by way of a large lever along the center console next to the shifter. Unlike pop-up headlights, they both rotate in the same direction (counterclockwise from inside the car) about a longitudinal axis.
Designed by Opel stylist Erhard Schnell the GT is a fastback that has neither an externally accessible trunk nor a conventional hatchback. There is a parcel shelf behind the seats that can only be accessed through the main doors. Behind the parcel shelf is a fold-up panel that conceals a spare tire and jack.
In North America, the GT was marketed at Buick dealerships.
Automotive magazine Road & Track reviewed the GT in their June 1969 issue, recording 096 km/ h in 10. 8 seconds and a top speed of 182 km/ h.
This particular example is a a fantastic restoration on a rare Opel GT with the desirable 1900 cam in head engine rather than the base 1. 1 liter ohm unit - it a frame up restored car, professionally restored with care and accuracy. Great attention to detail with every phase of the restoration. The motor has a little more horsepower but is still very much original and maybe a little more drivable than it was in 1973 -in other words it stays up with today's traffic.
The original Bright Red? (color code L-529) paint is in exceptional condition and the interior is likewise. The car boasts new rubber components all around including tires. This is a show quality car than can be a unique daily driver.
With very few examples remaining that have not been in some kind of accident or rusted through, you will look long and hard to find a finer example anywhere else.
