OPEL Monza Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Introduced in 1978 as a coupe version for the Rekord sedan, the Monza received an important update five years later.

There was a time when Opel tried to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz and beat them at their own game. Opel was riding high tides and dared to produce a comfortable, big, fastback such as the Monza. It was a true, daily driver GT vehicle. In 1983 Opel introduced a facelift for the Monza and gave it more power.

The new model featured a new front fascia. Its squared headlights were flush with the grille and the hood. Its clear-lens corner-mounted turn signals replaced the orange ones from the non-facelifted version. The Monza featured a lower apron under the plastic bumper with integrated fog lights depending on the trim level. From its sides, the fastback-shaped vehicle featured a wide side rear window. The liftgate was adorned with a lip spoiler, and the carmaker installed a set of smoked taillights.

Inside, Opel didn't cut corners and offered an interior fit for a premium GT car. Its Sparco bucket seats with high bolstering offered excellent side support. As an option, the carmaker installed a digital dashboard with an LCD for data such as speed, tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature. The BMW 6-Series or the Mercedes-Benz SL didn't have that option.

Opel improved the engine range offer and installed a 2.5-liter for the base version and a 3.0-liter inline-six for the GSE. The latter was available with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. It also featured a standard limited-slip differential.