"Opel Record" is the name of the West German car, which was produced for a very long time, namely in the period from 1957 to 1986. In those days, customers could purchase both a mid-size and a full-size version of this machine. Today, too, you can find this car, only with great difficulty. This is the legend of the world famous German concern.
A bit of history
It should be said that in the model range "Opel Record" occupied an intermediate position. It was a cross between the Kapitän and Kadett models. Moreover, both in characteristics and in size. By the way, it is worth noting that before the release of this model there was a car called Olympia Rekord. Something from this car was borrowed in the process of developing a newer car "Opel Record".
Many generations of this car have been released. For a more convenient presentation, they even decided to use in-plant indices (A, PII, PI, and so on). Today, these designations are generally accepted.
And in 1953 the production of the Opel Record car began. Over the entire production period, it was possible to sell about five hundred and eighty thousand cars. At that time, it was a solid indicator, and, I must say, Opel really lived up to its expectations.
First generation
What about the very first generation of Opel Rekord? Perhaps the first thing worth noting is that it was a product of a very thorough processing and modernization of the notorious Olympia. What changes have occurred? Firstly, the body has changed - it has become larger. Panoramic windows appeared, plus the whole car was endowed with brilliant decorative elements. All this was somewhat reminiscent of the GM model, produced at that time by the American concern Chevrolet. Interestingly, in many markets, the first-generation car was sold under the Buick brand. And he just belonged to the aforementioned Chevrolet.
Until 1959, this car was produced in two trim levels. The first is basic, the second with improved design. Well, in terms of technical characteristics, they were exactly the same cars.
Further production
After the first generation of Opel Rekord, the production of a new model began with an improved 1.2-liter engine with forty horsepower (now, of course, this figure is very small, but at that time it was a good engine). Such a car was worth about six thousand German marks. Soon, this model was modernized, and manufacturers provided the car with electric wipers (before that, conventional pneumatic wipers were installed on the car), and the dashboard received a brand new soft upholstery. It was made for security reasons. Also moved the ignition switch. This is done for the safety of the knee motorist. And in the same period began to produce a four-door sedan.
It is interesting that in the early 1960s, the Autenrieth concern began to produce versions of convertibles, as well as coupes, which were most popular the most on the basis of the P1 Record.
Other generations
After that, other models appeared. For example, Rekord P2. It became larger, unlike its predecessor, in addition, manufacturers added a pickup truck to the lineup. Also, work was carried out on the design of the car "Opel Record". The photos show a rather stylish car from the 1960s. The model has significantly changed, and, what pleases, everything that resembled American models of that time disappeared from its image. From what can be noted by attention is a flat roof and increased dimensions. Due to this, by the way, it turned out to make the car more comfortable. The model not only externally became larger - inside is also more spacious.
Then two-door sedans began to appear, and then manufacturers released the luxury version of L, which was equipped with an engine for 1680 cubic meters. The motor was endowed with sixty horsepower. And subsequently, a four-speed manual gearbox began to be installed in these cars.
1970s issue
After more than ten years of continuous production, the new generation of Opel Record cars was released, the technical characteristics became even better than previous cars. A new body appeared, and it was a four-door station wagon. A fairly extensive range of engines was offered to potential buyers - both 1500, and 1700, as well as 1700S, 1900 and S2200.
It is worth noting that this generation (i.e. the fifth) was the most popular, bought and commercially successful in the entire history of this brand. It was possible to sell about 1,300,000 copies! And all because these cars were reliable, stylish and, importantly, had a spacious lounge, which comfortably accommodated both the driver and passengers. Plus, at that time there was a sports modification with an exclusive engine installed for as much as 106 horsepower! Due to this motor, the car, produced under the name Record Sprint, could accelerate to a speed of 174 km / h. For the 1970s, it was just an unrealistic indicator.
Rekord II - the generation that completed the production
"Opel Record", the tuning of which was very popular, continued to be released, only in other versions. The Record II line became popular - the cars were endowed with fairly powerful engines. They all had four cylinders. There was also a version with a 2.1-liter diesel engine. Subsequently, modifications began to appear with six cylinders, only now they were soon carried out with a separate model.
Well, the car, produced under the label E., completed the production of a large series of "Record". Many copies were sold - about one million. This car even today looks quite modern, and the characteristics are not so bad. There are even versions with an automatic transmission. In general, over the years, manufacturers have been producing ever more modern machines. And no wonder, because with the improvement of technology, the world of the automotive industry has become better.
After the publication of this generation, production was closed. But even now, with great luck, you can find a used Opel Record of the 1980s. On average, its price today is about 80 thousand rubles. And if you carry out some work and make tuning, it will turn out to bring the car in a great view.