Because of Opel’s affiliation with General Motors in the 1960s, it’s not surprising that the new GT sports car would look like a scaled-down version of the C3 Corvette that debuted in 1968. But its underpinnings were tied to the Opel Kadett econobox, so it was not a barn burner. This 1971 edition has been captive in a garage for many years and is said to have a solid body, making it a good restoration candidate. Located in Squaw Valley, California, the Opel is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,500.
Back in the day, if you wanted to buy an Opel GT in the U.S. (or any Opel, for that matter), you paid a visit to your local Buick dealer. Sitting next to the Electra’s, Riviera’s, and LeSabre’s was the Kadetts, GTs, and anything else Opel was bringing over to this side of the Pond. The 2-seat Opel GT began as a concept car at European auto shows in 1965 and borrowed from the Mako Shark II for its styling (which also went to the Corvette). Between 1968-73, more than 103,000 GTs were built, with 70% of them coming to the U.S., so Americans were the target market.
The U.S. GTs came with a 1897cc “high-cam” engine which produced 90 hp using a 4-speed manual transmission. The car provided spirited performance and handling for its type, akin to the later Mazda Miata. The GTs continued to be imported through the 1973 model year, but new Federal safety laws that mandated 5 mph front bumpers killed the GT going forward. The front ends weren’t designed for cowcatchers and the existing bodywork was fragile out front at best.
We’re told the seller’s ’71 is a complete car except for the transmission (long gone). There is no rust, dents, or Bondo in the machine, so a cosmetic restoration may not be difficult. The interior could be okay, except it’s quite dirty for sitting for an eternity. The seller postulates that a good detailing along with a $500 transmission could create a car worth $7,000. Hagerty may be on his side with this one as a ’71 GT in Good condition is said to be worth $9,200.
I know this is the standard line with these….looks like a mini corvette. No ,it doesn’t, it looks much better in my eyes and no more like a Corvette than a 240z, XKE or quite a few other cars with long hoods and rearward cabins. So even with the connection to GM I don’t see it.
PZAK It should look like a corvette, it was the proto type for the ’68 corvette and the drawing code name was Opel.
Project Opel was the code for the 1953 Corvette.
More akin to the 1964 Pontiac Banshee concept car than the first 1962 Chevrolet Mako I. Clearly the designers were influencing each other, but Banshee was the genesis for Mako II, Stingray and Opel’s GT.
Would DeLorean have eviscerated the corvette with a Banshee based 1967 Firebird instead of the modified Camaro that the Pontiac division was forced to cobble together?
Chevrolet was certainly concerned.
Or, perhaps the Chevrolet corvair Monza GT concept kicked everything off….
Finally, a car I want and can afford and it’s clear across the country from me!
Uship.com you can get a independent transporters to ship it to you
My thoughts exactly, however, I am across the pond!
My brother had a stack of these. There’s no trunk just the hollow behind the seats. He pointed out that this was not tbe car if you had a yen for storing anything. The roll-over head light arrangement was always good for a laugh
I’ve never seen anyone compare an Opel GT to a Miata before, and I expect for good reason.
jwaltb – well, how about comparing an Opel GT to a Saturn Sky – because that’s what the later-generation was badged in America!
So if it sells before you get there, you missed it by that much…
You don’t think it looks like a Corvette? Would you believe a Mako Shark?
Would you believe an XKE?
How about an Opel Kadett with a fancy paint job?
Yes, I went there…
And it looks nothing like a Corvette.
It seems like these always turn up on various sites to much discussion, along with the occasional Opel Kadet, etc., but what the author refers to as “anything else Opel was bringing over to this side of the pond” which I have yet to see a copy of on line was the Opel Manta, with probably the same mechanicals but, unlike the GT enough height and dimensional sheet metal to help you survive a fender-bender – here’s a link to an image of the Manta GT https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.298U4j2apK1s013ZipA45QHaCi%26pid%3DApi&f=1 Perhaps called the “Rallye” because of the stripe – but it’s interesting (to me) how the wheels evoke the Buick (Skylark, etc.) wheels of 1972, in miniature. Anyway, this is an Opel version I could see driving w/o fearing for my life at every intersection – especially with all the mega SUVs and trucks on the roads now, because with that GT, one blink and you miss it – two thumps and you drove over it (said like the oldster I now am).
Likewise, the Opel 1900 was a very capable-handling car. Only thing lacking in the Manta was a five-speed IMO.
Wella Wella, First53resorter – your reply got me noodling around, and what should I find in the on-line Barn (finds)?
https://barnfinds.com/20k-mile-survivor-1975-opel-manta/
from July 2021, it talks about a 4-speed manual option, but the pics aren’t clear in the ‘standard/auto’ regard, but the other original Manta reviews I saw on-line gave it good handling/’sportif’ marks, anyway, I can’t see a stat that tells how many Mantas were U.S.-imported from 1970-1975 (the Manta ‘A’ version), but the Rallye version had some beefier components, and did well in competition, anyway, I just wonder why you don’t see as many as you do the GT.
I would take issue with the claim of “…no Bondo.” Quite certain to the upper right of the OPEL GT emblem you’ll see not only the original color, but a thin skim of filler. The pic of the rear storage shelf has two circular cutouts which an owner installed speakers. The sheet metal color seen inside the cutouts is the original color, Aztec Blue possibly, it’s been too many years and my memory for all things Opel has diminished. My father has a ’70 of the same blue and ivory interior tucked in a barn.
“Stratos Blue” was the paint color I was searching for. Drove one in this exterior/interior combinations back in the mid-70s during high school. The young ladies loved it and the extremely limited space inside kept their parents happy.
Spoke with the owner today. The car had a standard tranny. Was afraid it was an automatic. Said he had one interested buyer coming to see it tomorrow. If it falls through, he said he would contact me. This Opel GT may soon find itself coming to West Texas. I’ve owned two before, back in the 70’s and have always wanted another one. I’m awaiting more pictures before committing. I’ll keep you posted.
First of all, not to step on this sale in any way, but, Rick, whether or not this one ends up in your garage out Longview-way, if you want a second parts car with what looks like most of the engine intact – but an automatic trans specified – sorry – you’ve got ~7 hours before the live/online auction in Caseyville, IL starts, and you’ll have to beat the current bid of…(wait for it) Seventy-Five dollars (I wrote it out so you wouldn’t think I slipped a digit) – here she is, in all her lovelorn glory – https://sca.auction/en/31456116-1969-opel-gt – listed as ‘clean title’ and she’s got “Convertible-conversion-ready” written all OVER her! Good Luck, Pardner.
Or, for an entirely different jackalope hunt, look in the background of this Opel Kadet pic I was seeing earlier –
http://davidsclassiccars.com/opel/491853-1971-opel-kadett-sedan-with-factory-sunroof.html
There – up on the lift – d’you see that there? Looks like a GT to me – probably long gone by now…or?
Definitely has the look of a chrome bumper C3. You’d have to be”design” blind to miss it.
Dave That’s what I said – thanks! You can use it though as if it were your own! Or maybe it was a Vauxhall? AIYEEE!
I think most Opel fans, all 3 of us, have had enough of the “mini Corvette” schtick. It was similar, but the only thing it had in common with a 2 year old Corvette, was the price. The Corvette was clearly the better deal. Opel GT’s were absolutely miserable cars, the only thing it had going for it, was aside from a Z car, not much else like it in small cars. What, a Capri? A Corolla? While many 4 speed cars of this era could have benefited from a 5 speed, we must remember, this was during that awful 55 mph period, and 4 speeds were adequate. At 70+, they are a chore, trust me. I’ve had several Opels, friends with several more, no GT’s, but every one was a good car, and would buy another,,,just no GT.
@Howard- Brilliant! Great post!
@ Howard – I actually saw an article comparing the Opel (Manta, as I recall – it was yesterday), comparing the Opel to the Capri in different categories like handling, interior room, etc., and the only category they gave to the Capri was heat/venting, which reminds me, I don’t recall these buggies having a/c – am I wrong there?
But, no kin to the ‘Vette? Check THIS – >>> The Opel GT uses a steel unibody and a front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout. The engine is mounted far back in the chassis to improve weight distribution. Front suspension consists of upper A-arms and a lower transverse leaf spring — aside from the Opel’s styling, the unusual use of a transverse leaf-spring in the suspension was another remarkable commonality with Chevrolet’s Corvette. <<< Perhaps a 'chicken/egg' scenario – maybe Corvette picked it up from Opel? I'm getting dizzy here…but, this I do know – the GT4 height was nominally 48.2" – so roughly like riding a recumbent bicycle, guys – gotta go.
Howard, with all due respect, I beg to differ ever so slightly. I had a 1970 GT, a 1973 Manta Rallye, and a 1974 1900 2-door, all purchased new, and I would be happy to welcome any one of them back into my garage. Each was a highly satisfying car in its own way. All three were more than adequately powerful, and handled competently (the Manta and 1900 were better in this respect than the GT, which was built on the lesser Kadett platform).
Sold the (chartreuse) GT in a youthful fit of needing more room for my suddenly larger group of friends (bought a 1972 Vega GT, great looks and handling but a mechanical and build quality nightmare, BIG MISTAKE).
Loved my(orange/black) Manta but was rear-ended by a pickup truck which totaled the car but thankfully not me. I still think this generation of Manta had unique and beautiful styling.
Next was the bare-bones (burgundy) 1900 which served me faithfully for many years, then my father’s girlfriend for a while after that. Installed a junkyard Rallye tachometer, cassette stereo and good radial tires, and it became very BMW-esque. Before anyone howls, my cousin had a 1974 2002 that I spent a lot of time in, so I have a frame of reference. The BMW was definitely a more sophisticated car, but the Opel was surprisingly refined and sporting considering its price.
Yes, I love these Opels. But put my affliction in perspective: today I took delivery of a 1960 Morris Minor 1000 Panel Van. Go figure.
I had a 71 GT and a 73 manta rallye
Both 4 speeds.
My dad bought the manta new 3k out the door!
We lived in the mountains and that car handled well we beat the hell out of it.
I could stay with a 240z accept on the straights. Bmw 2002ti did not matter it was pretty dam capable, You could toss it, haha!
I think it handled better than the GT
I ended up totaling it and bought the GT for 750.00.
They were a blast to be honest!
“a kei vette” but from the Continent.
We gota 914, 850, karmen ghia, miata, Y not a w. german?
Stylish ecno box. I love em. Should have em now.
No, U cant make a bundle on an econo box (buy more SUVs, who cares the resources to build em big, the same for their waste products) BUT you CAN make it on a good looking inexpensive car when doing the volume 1/4 – 1/2 mil produced). Lets;s take the globe by doing so with-an EV !
Always liked these cars but would immediately swap in a 215″ aluminum V8 and 5 speed.
MNguy – yes, with a surplus airliner tow-vehicle and enough tarmac, you could probably reach take-off by the time you hit the autobahn! OK, maybe a supercharger from the later Buick Riviera to get things rolling, “AND He TAKES It!”
Ed Sel. It might take all of that but I am the guy that had a V8 Vega that ran with the 5.0 Mustangs. LOL
The dash has the rectangular indicator lamps that were 1969-only (70-up had round indicators)
The Opel GT started out as a concept car not in 1965 but in 1962 with the Opel Experimental GT. And the GT design came first, it was never based on the Corvette
I got ahold of the seller in California. He had an interested buyer coming the next day. He informed me that he would let me know if it did not sell. Did not hear back from him the next day, but the ad had been pulled from facebook. Missed another one.
Owned two of these and found them to be quite capable and would actually accommodate by 6’2″ frame. I’ll keep looking.
Well, Rick, if you don’t mind going all the way to…Brenham, Tx, there’s a red one for sale, https://cars.oodle.com/1960_1975-opel/for-sale/ – there are a few others on that site too. Adios.
@Ed Sel. Wow, thanks what a great resource! Checking them out now. Looks like several excellent buys.