German auto manufacturer Opel began selling cars in the U.S. through Buick dealers in 1957. That practice would continue until 1975, when Buick had sufficient traction with its own compact, the Apollo/Skylark. Rare today is the Opel Olympia Rekord P1 (or simply Rekord), including this 1958 edition, which we’re told has been sitting for 50 years. Considered a “large family car” by European standards, this iteration of the automobile was sold through 1960. This example may only have 39,000 miles but comes with ample patina. Located in Steeleville, Illinois, this vehicle’s owner is fielding offers as no specific price is listed here on Facebook Marketplace (except for a crazy large placeholder).
You’ll recall that General Motors had a stake in Opel back then, which explains the later Buick connection. Various inline-4s were offered ranging from 1,205 to 1,680 cc, all with a 3-speed manual transmission. Speculation is that the chief designer of the Rekord P1 was influenced by the U.S.-made Chevrolet Bel Air from 1955-56. At first glance, I saw and wondered about that similarity as well. On its home turf, the car was quite popular and was usually only outsold by the VW Beetle.
We assume the seller’s ’58 Opel sedan was purchased at a Buick dealer back in the day. Which would mean it was a fairly rare sight even in that era and more so today. The seller refers to it as a barn find and says he has photos but uses ones outside and up on jack stands. The mileage appears to be very low, and the machine sits on its original tires. So, you have to wonder why it was parked decades ago.
Under the ample patina is blue paint flanked by a blue and white interior. The front seats are wearing plastic covers which may have been added in 1958 – and haven’t yellowed. Rust has been held at bay for its 50-year hibernation, which is good because finding new sheet metal would probably require importing pieces from Europe. We assume the engine won’t respond without some work and fresh fuel. What would you pay for a project like this, which will surely be the only one in your circle of car people? Tipster “Zappenduster” scores again!
Sure looks like a 39xxx mile car, I’m glad there is a picture of the speedometer as proof. Without the proof it would be hard to justify the asking price.
Steve R
25 years ago we were in Cuba, staying at a resort 20 miles to the east of Havana. The resort had a daily shuttle into Havana. The return was at 5pm so we took a taxi back to the hotel. We were walking towards the taxi stand when I heard a “Psst, senor!”
It was an unlicensed taxi. It was a station wagon that looked like a little Nomad. I asked the driver what kind of car it was and he said it was an Opel.
There’s a possibility this car’s camshaft sprocket had gone bad and it led to the long hibernation.
Years ago I worked with a German fellow who related a story about an Opel Rekord he had owned in the distant past. He was a Volkswagen dealership service technician when someone had traded the Opel in on a VW. The Opel had quit running due to the camshaft sprocket having shucked its teeth. To remove the timing cover the engine would have to be removed from the car, but he wasn’t going that route. He took the “heat wrench” to the crossmember, removed the timing cover, installed a new timing chain and sprockets, rewelded the crossmember, then drove the car for several years.
Idk what I’d offer. I suppose I’d want to buy for as little money that I could. My plan: G Get the engine running and the car moving under its own power, drive it and work on the cosmetics little by little.
What kind of money is this worth.
Not much and likely less than the seller will want. Anyone that can’t name their price in an ad isn’t serious. This is like the seller at a garage sale or swapmeet who respond to a potential buyer asking what they want for an item and responding, “what will you give me”. They are always quick to turn down an offer they don’t like, but reluctant to tell you what they will accept. They are basically on a fishing expedition.
Steve R
I own and drive a Opel Rekord Caravan (which means “station wagon”) 2-door from 1968 as my daily.
Probably the same engine as the featured car.
Very reliable, never let me down.