Experimental GT, 1965
This car appeared on Opel's display at the IAA (Internationale
Automobil Ausstellung) in Frankfurt in 1965. They wanted to test
whether there is market for an Opel like this. The response lead
to Opels only post war two seater sportscar.
Opel GT, 1968
In 1968 the GT was ready to go. The body shape had changed compared
to the Experimental GT, but the basic appearance of the car was
the same.
Later the GT/J with less options appeared which was supposed to
appeal to younger customers. It's lack of chrome is the reason why
the GT/J more than the normal GT still looked like a contemporary
car in the early 80s.
Aero GT, 1969
Many people would have liked to see the Aero GT go into production.
Unfortunately it didn't. According to my sources the two prototypes
are fully restored in private hands today.
Elektro GT 1971 / Diesel GT, 1972
The GT also served as a test vehicle for several record attempts.
One was the Elektro GT, which was fitted with batteries that
gave the car the same weight as a Diplomat A with the 4.7 V8. The range was only
44 km (27 miles) but it's top speed of 188 km/h (117 mph) was
enough for setting a record.
The Diesel GT was fitted with a turbo charged prototype of the
2.1 liter Diesel that later became available in the Rekord.
The car raked up a total of 2 world- and 18 international endurance
records within 3 days. It's top speed was 197 km/h (122 mph).
Opel Speedster, 2000
Based on the Lotus Elise the Speedster promises to combine
Opel reliability with true sports car performance. Let's hope
it lives up to the standards set by the GT and that it will
have a successor some day.