It’s not often we see a one-owner Opel GT pop up for sale, but that’s exactly what’s listed on eBay. The Opel has been in barn storage since 1986 and accumulated some rust and dents in that time, but it does still run. Obviously, there’s usually no shortage of these oddball coupes for sale, but the colors set this one apart for me. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $2,500 and no takers yet.
Many of the GTs we see are red or white, but I love this period-correct moss green color. The Opel is missing its radiator and door panels, but the engine will still fire up with hooked to a battery with gas in the carb. The seller notes “…some rust in typical areas,” along with a dent in the passenger door. The engine runs well with no funny sounds or knocks, and the muffler is noted as being loud.
Inside, the dash is cracked and things generally look tired. The seller notes the seats are present but will require a visit to the upholstery shop. The lower dash pad is described as “charred” due to an interior fire sparked by a cigarette, so yes – this Opel has plenty of areas of concern for someone brave enough to tackle its restoration. But it is a runner with a known good motor, so it has that going for it.
The question is, with GTs fairly easy to find, do you start with this one or find a better example? I like knowing the ownership history of my vehicles, so buying a project from the original owner is a plus. However, there’s plenty of work here, from some rust in the pan to the aforementioned fire and still needing to source a radiator and new muffler. Is the period paint and one-owner history worth the cost of admission?
Being a Corvette fan I’ve always liked the Opel GT. This one, however, raises a lot of questions. The rust looks suspicious, the panel fit is a bit off on the driver’s door which also looks like the color is different from the fender, there’s rust on the steering column, the front suspension is up despite the fact that the engine is still in it, the chrome is flaking on the bumpers, and once again, we can’t close the hood to take a picture?
It could well be solid and the parts look to be all there for the most part in which case it’s a good starting point. But it’s going to take a complete strip-down and reassembly to make it into a decent driver.
I count at least 2 other GTs in the barn. Why is just this one for sale?
Good observations! While never a Corvette enthusiast, I wound up owning a 69 convertible thanks to Barn Finds and I now get the attraction. Having said that, I always liked this style; maybe I was a closeted Corvette guy after all!
An enduring memory of my youth is my 250 lb law school classmate pulling up to my house and getting out of a yellow GT..I was astounded he could fit in the car much less get out.
ccrtt and Jeff thank you. It’s true that there are better ones out there. They are really great little cars with handling, style and so on. If you are a good wrench or body man I would try this at $1500.00 and see what happens. If you don’t do your own work then you are North of $3000.00 or more for a decent driver.
If you look, you will find (a better) one.
still kinda neat to be a 1 owner….
Sweet looking Opel GT. I had a neighbour when I was a boy who owned one. This would make an awesome restoration project assuming parts are available to do the restoration work.