Outstanding Opel GT

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?

 

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.

 

I'd be curious if you'd have the same opinion had you actually bought that car 30 years ago.



Matt

 

I actually ended up buying a Z, so yes!

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 ), 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!!!

 

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.

 

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 ?

 

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.

 

....contains a two-page article on the Opel Nationals meet at the Charlotte Motor Speedway last September.
Nice pictures.

 

Definitely built by B&L:

Opel GT - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia