Lot 015: 1969 OPEL GT

With a design team that included Clare MacKicahan and Chuck Jordan (of '57 Chevy Bel Air, Corvair Monza Spyder, Camaro and Opel Manta fame) work on the Opel GT project began in 1962. Carefully honed in the wind tunnel, it entered production some six years later. Based on a modified Kadett platform equipped with independent front suspension, a 'live' rear axle, disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering, its exotic fastback coupe body was specially fabricated in France. Powered by a choice of 1,100cc or 1,900cc four-cylinder powerplants mated to four-speed manual transmission, it was available in left-hand drive only. A great success in America which accounted for about 70\% of production, GM nonetheless insisted that the larger-engined GT be restricted to 88bhp and 110lbft of torque lest its sales interfere with the Corvette. Finished in red with black upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, paintwork, wheels / tyres), "very good" (paintwork, gearbox) or "excellent" (engine) condition. According to a letter on file, 'CAU 400H' had already been treated to a "reconditioned engine" (including capacity increase to 2000cc), "overhauled Weber 32 DGAS carburettor" and Getrag five-speed gearbox conversion by the time it left California in Autumn 2000. Further benefiting from a respray, new window / door seals and some suspension fettling (nylon bushes, thicker anti-roll bars etc) at the hands of its previous keeper, the coupe has been in the current Irish ownership since 2004. Riding on alloy wheels, this rare and sympathetically upgraded Opel GT is offered for sale with "extensive history file including factory service manual, owner's manual and other service / model books". While, we are also informed that 'CAU 400H' will be driven to the sale.