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Outstanding Opel GT

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by rdefabri, Apr 20, 2015.

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  1. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
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    Rich
    #1 rdefabri, Apr 20, 2015
    Always loved the Opel GT, even though it was eclipsed by the Datsun 240Z (for good reason). I nearly bought one 30 years ago, but passed on it as it was a project and even then, I wasn't sure I could get parts.

    I'm also a big fan of the Pro Touring movement - taking an older classic and marrying modern underpinnings to it. This Opel GT is one of the best executed Opel's I've ever seen, and I would love to do something similar. Kudos to the owner, the craftsmanship is outstanding:

    1969 Opel GT - Under Water - Popular Hot Rodding Magazine

    Any other Opel fans?
     
  2. Tcar

    Tcar F1 Rookie

    Jan 2, 2010
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    Denver, Albuquerque
    #2 Tcar, Apr 20, 2015
    Remember the Opel GT very well (Buick-Opel dealer near my house).

    It was made in France under contract to Opel by a company that built Renault bodies.

    Fun to drive with the 'big' 4 cylinder.

    Motor Trend did a test comparison with it and the bigger Opel Manta 4 seat coupe. The Manta beat the GT in everything, cornering, acceleration, stopping, etc. etc.

    Surprise.

    The 'underwater' GT in your link is very cool.
     
  3. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    #3 Smiles, Apr 20, 2015
    I'd be curious if you'd have the same opinion had you actually bought that car 30 years ago.

    ;)

    Matt
     
  4. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #4 rdefabri, Apr 20, 2015
    I actually ended up buying a Z, so yes! :D

    I've owned 3 Datsuns, and plan on owning a few more - they are absolutely a blast, and I learned most of my automotive repair capability (limited of course) from tinkering on the Datsun's 2.4 / 2.8L six.

    Back then, we didn't have the internet (although I'm in tech and hardly "old", I do span the time pre-Internet :D:D:D), all our mods were "word of mouth". I did have the Datsun race prep book, which taught me some things.

    Had 3 other buddies - all 4 of us had Datsuns. One friend dumped a SBC, we custom made motor mounts, it was a beast. Mine was a hopped up 2.8L - pulled sub-16 1/4 miles (which was pretty good for that car) - all mods by us.

    The Opel was "prettier" but didn't perform anywhere close to the Z. My next Z will be done somewhat "pro-touring" too, but with a modded engine, likely by me. I know enough to get these cars to do high-13's with some mixing / matching of parts and shaving the head.

    I would, however, like to have an Opel like the one in the link. They look fantastic, and this guy's mods are spot on. The dimensions are perfect, I do have a soft spot for them.

    Too many desires, not enough cash!!! :D
     
  5. ForzaV12

    ForzaV12 Formula 3

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    #5 ForzaV12, Apr 20, 2015
    I owned a couple Opel GTs-lowered it, installed Konis, and exhaust,etc. It was a fun little car. Not as fast as the 240Z I owned, nor as sophisticated-but still a neat little car.
     
  6. Isobel

    Isobel F1 World Champ

    Jun 30, 2007
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    #6 Isobel, Apr 20, 2015
    Had one and thought the body was made in Belgium by Brissoneau et Lotz iirc. I received tons of looks driving around town but the car itself was far more show than go. Not a bad ride but nothing inspiring, I've never had a desire to buy another. Anyone remember J. Edgar ? ;)
     
  7. Tcar

    Tcar F1 Rookie

    Jan 2, 2010
    4,739
    Denver, Albuquerque
    #7 Tcar, Apr 20, 2015
    Did a search.

    Couldn't find anything about B&L in Belgium... had a number of plants in several locations in France.

    Also built locomotives and subway cars.
     
  8. kevfla

    kevfla Formula 3

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    gone 4 good
    #8 kevfla, Apr 20, 2015
    ....contains a two-page article on the Opel Nationals meet at the Charlotte Motor Speedway last September.
    Nice pictures.
     
  9. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 rdefabri, Apr 21, 2015
    Definitely built by B&L:

    Opel GT - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
     

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