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OPEL GT Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1968
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
OPEL GT photo gallery

Based on the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept unveiled in 2003, the Opel GT was a 2-seat sports car that turned many heads.

Developed in the US, the Opel GT shared its platform with the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky. Quite unexpected, the 2-seater was equipped with a longitudinally-mounted-not-so-American 2.0-liter turbo engine that cranked out around 260 hp.

The classic rear-wheel-drive Opel GT featured a wide stance, a sleek silhouette and a long hood, as well as short overhangs, the typical proportions of a roadster.

Aesthetically, the dynamic look was achieved with the sharp lines coupled with taut surfaces. The front fascia was dominated by the fender’s sweep along with chrome bordered vents and bold 3D headlamps.

The sporty characteristics of the Opel GT were easily noticeable with the long air vents, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints.

Safety-wise, the roadster was equipped with ABS, traction control and an electronic stability program. Both the ESP and the TC could be completely deactivated, while pressing the ESP button meant deactivating TC while the ESP would intervene if certain limits were exceeded.

Besides the great performance and style the Opel GT offered, it was not a practical car. And for sure, whoever decided to get one, didn’t buy it for its cargo area.

However, going on a longer journey with the roadster mostly meant enjoying a ride with the top up, as luggages wouldn’t fit in the trunk with the top down.

Headroom was limited and the seats didn’t slide far enough back.

full description and technical specifications
OPEL GT photo gallery

Dubbed the "European Corvette," the Opel GT was a bold move made by GM's European arm, which tried to combine a sports car with an economical one.

Opel was trying to raise its market share and introduced the GT in 1968 as an alternative to affordable sports cars. Moreover, its fuel efficiency was excellent since it was powered by small engines. As a result, even though it lasted only five years on the market, it managed to sell more than 100,000 units worldwide, including in the U.S.

The car's design was definitely influenced by the Mako Shark concept car imagined by Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda in 1961. The GT featured a unique opening system for the headlights, which revolved and hid inside the bodywork so it could offer a more aerodynamic look. In addition, the short cabin was good just for two passengers, while the sloped rear end hosted the trunk.

Inside, the car featured a revolutionary dashboard with an instrument cluster continued by the center stack. In those times, most cars didn't even feature a center stack, but this little Opel did. The bucket seats offered an average bolstering on the sides, reminding its customers that the car was built for handling more than just straight lines, which was quite slow even by those times' standards.

Under the hood, Opel installed a small, 1.1-liter engine that provided a mere 59 ponies (60 PS). As an option, customers could have opted for the larger 1.9-liter unit that had about 30 ponies more. Both versions were paired to a four-speed manual gearbox. The more powerful version was available with a three-speed auto.

full description and technical specifications