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American comfort in European perfection - Opel Diplomat E in the (historic) test

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Created on June 1, 1969

Text:

José Rosinski

Photos:

Archiv Opel / General Motors

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Opel / PSA

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Archiv

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Archiv Opel / General Motors

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Opel / PSA

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Archiv

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - vertical instead of horizontal headlights, windshield wipers are concealed

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - also available with 5.4-liter V8 engine

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Opel Diplomat (1972) - taken near Bad Homburg

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Opel Diplomat (1971) - with imposing dimensions

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Opel Diplomat 2.8 E (1969) - newly designed body, De-Dion rear axle - Geneva Motor Show 1969

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Opel Diplomat at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show - the interior of the Admiral and Diplomat models shows minor retouches

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - Cockpit with three round instruments

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Opel Diplomat (1971) - interior with corduroy seat covers, the headrests are available on request and are multi-adjustable

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Opel Diplomat 2.8 E (1969) - The 2.8-liter six-cylinder with fuel injection and 165 hp

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - De Dion rear axle - Geneva Motor Show 1969

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - with De Dion rear axle

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - stately sedan with American influences

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - with a beautiful color scheme

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Opel Diplomat (1969) - with the popular vinyl roof

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Opel Admiral (1969) - the lower-ranking model with horizontal headlights

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Summary

Opel's top model was often accused of being too American. Yet the Diplomat offered what we appreciate so much about US models without adopting their weaknesses. It combined the American strengths of smooth running, power, space and comfort with the European virtues of clean workmanship and good road holding. This historical test explains why the Opel Diplomat E was not a luxury car, but nevertheless a very good car.

This article contains the following chapters

Technical
At the wheel
On the road
Performance
Summary
Technical data

Estimated reading time: 12min

Preview (beginning of the article)

It is difficult to claim that Opel has always spoiled us with technical delicacies, because the German subsidiary of General Motors is probably not predestined for such wishes. Certainly, good engines come from Rüsselsheim, the bodies are appealing and modern without unnecessary frippery; but to this day, independent suspension on all four wheels has not caught on at Opel. Of course, we understand this company policy, especially when it comes to the large models: Kapitän, Admiral, Diplomat. Isn't that why we expect cars with an American design? Namely: easy to steer, because precise steering is not required. Namely: large and quiet-running engines, because no value is placed on refinement. A purist might reject all this, but the average consumer will definitely get their money's worth. And if you calculate realistically, you get a lot for the price, because with mass production you can't expect a rare work of art.

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