A Couple of Opels

[HarleyEarl]

I found these photos of two Opels and for some reason I like them. Does anyone know the years?

I had never seen these before.

[Robert Hall]

50s, it looks like.

[Robert Hall]

I like this Opel Diplomat 5.4 coupe..only 347 built between '65 and '67.

Apparently about the size of an A-body of that era.

Edited August 8, 2008 by moltar

[HarleyEarl]

I like this Opel Diplomat 5.4 coupe..only 347 built between '65 and '67.

Apparently about the size of an A-body of that era.

Never saw that before either....I may have to study up on Opel I think.

That one has a hint of Chevy in the profile?

[Robert Hall]

Never saw that before either....I may have to study up on Opel I think.

That one has a hint of Chevy in the profile?

Yes...it reminds me of a '65 Malibu (the front end shape) w/ a '63-67 Grand Prix-like roofline. The dash has a very mid '60s Buick look.

I was vaguely aware of this car, saw a magazine article on a white one a few years ago. Here's the article I got the pics from. Has a Chevy 327.

Opel Diplomat coupe

[Robert Hall]

As far as the pics HE posted, the blue & white car is a '58 Opel Kapitan. The white car is apparently a '59-63 Kapitan. The front of the white one reminds me of a '50s Buick..

Opel Kapitan

[Blake Noble]

I've always been a big fan of the Manta, even to the point where I would buy one to restore. I think the qualities it presents as a classic car are compelling:

Of course, I like the GT as well, but so does everyone else.

[HarleyEarl]

I've always been a big fan of the Manta, even to the point where I would buy one to restore. I think the qualities it presents as a classic car are compelling:

Of course, I like the GT as well, but so does everyone else.

I like those as well. Very clean design. Nice little coupe.

[ocnblu]

Very clear U.S. influence in design on those Opels.

[LosAngeles]

Very clear U.S. influence in design on those Opels.

Not so much with the Manta however, IMO.

But while we're at it, was Manta a Capri rival?

[Blake Noble]

But while we're at it, was Manta a Capri rival?

Yes it was.

I wonder, if you can consider the Capri as the European Mustang, could you also consider the Manta as the European Camaro?

Edited August 10, 2008 by YellowJacket894

[LosAngeles]

The way Mantas were styled, I wouldn't go that far.

[Blake Noble]

The way Mantas were styled, I wouldn't go that far.

No, perhaps not in styling, but I don't think that it's too far fetched to say that they were similar in basic concept.

[HarleyEarl]

Very clear U.S. influence in design on those Opels.

It shows that there used to be a distinct American design esthetic.

It's not always easy to describe, but when I see it I know it. There was a certain horizontal and linear look to it.

[ocnblu]

Except the Capri had an optional V6, which the Manta lacked. With Mercury turning into the American "Ford of Europe", I'd love to see a modern Capri here in the U.S., based on the Focus platform with a snappy EcoBoost motor.

[Robert Hall]

If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the Manta a T-body? I see some Chevette in the windshield shape.. the Manta was like a European Vega GT, IMHO.

There was a sharp 2nd gen Manta that had a front kind of like the US Monza 2+2, but it was never sold in the US.

Edited August 11, 2008 by moltar

[ocnblu]

I believe you're right, moltie. The Manta was a T-body, based on their Kadett, IIRC. Which brings to mind an American T-body that almost made it to production: the Chevette SS, with 2.8L V6 power, cowl induction hood, stripe package, the whole nine yards. It was featured in Motor Trend, but sadly never made it to dealer lots.

[HarleyEarl]

Very clear U.S. influence in design on those Opels.

It shows that there used to be a distinct American design esthetic.

It's not always easy to describe, but when I see it I know it. There was a certain horizontal and linear look to it.

[mightymouse]

It shows that there used to be a distinct American design esthetic.

It's not always easy to describe, but when I see it I know it. There was a certain horizontal and linear look to it.

Looks like54 then 56 then maybe 67 like a Chevy II love it !! My brother an opel GT manta like in the 80s

I think they were selling them here thru GM dealers super light and revved high fun. bright yellow wblack stripeage..

Edited August 11, 2008 by mightymouse

[LosAngeles]

The Manta was a T-body, based on their Kadett, IIRC.

Manta came before the T-car's time and was always Ascona-based. Kadett was a segment below.