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Touring car, quiet car - Opel Diplomat V8 in (historic) test

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Created on September 3, 1965

Reading time 21min

Written by:

Jürgen Stockmar

Photos:

GM Corporation / Opel

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Archiv Reinhard / Max Pichler

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Archiv

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GM Corporation / Opel

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Archiv Reinhard / Max Pichler

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Archiv

12

Opel Diplomat V8 (1965) – in der Farbe "Nocturnoblau" mit schwarzem Vinyldach

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Opel Diplomat (1964) - auf Präsentationstour

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Opel Diplomat V-8 (1964) - mit kräftigem V8 von Chevrolet, 190 PS aus 4,6 Litern Hubraum

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Opel Kapitän (1964) - eindruckheischende Front

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Opel Admiral (1964) – sehr amerikanisches Heck

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Opel Diplomat (1967) - Luxuswagen deutsch-amerikanischer Prägung - Genfer Autosalon 1967

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Opel Diplomat Coupé (1965) - mit Chevrolet-5,4-Liter-V8-Motor - Genfer Automobilsalon 1965

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Opel Diplomat V8 Coupé (1965) – Werksfoto mit Dame

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Opel Diplomat (1964) - Getriebeautomatik mit Drehmomentwandler und Wählhebel in der Mitte - am Genfer Autosalon 1964

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Opel Admiral (1964) – Schnittzeichnung des Sechszylinder-Modells

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Opel Diplomat V8 (1965) – Der Testwagen der "Automobil-Illustrierte"

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Opel Diplomat V8 (1965) – Liegesitze serienmässig

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Opel Diplomat V8 (1965) - gut zugänglicher Motor von Chevrolet

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Opel Diplomat V8 (1965) - riesiger Kofferraum

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Summary

With the Chevrolet V8 under the hood, the drive system of the top model also matched the American look of Opel's new three-seater. But unlike the conventional US models, it also had a chassis that could cope with the power, as well as decent brakes. In addition, the automatic transmission raised ride comfort to a completely new level by European standards. This historical test report identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the Opel Diplomat V8.

This article contains the following chapters

Comfortable and dignified
The highlight of the whole thing
Good driving characteristics despite low expenditure
An ideal touring car
Technical data & measurements

Estimated reading time: 21min

Preview (beginning of the article)

American cars are usually viewed with undisguised suspicion by continental experts. This certain skepticism towards products whose cradle was on the other side of the pond can perhaps be explained by years of overemphasis on fashionable attributes while at the same time neglecting technical development. Mixed in with the mistrust is certainly a degree of envy that should not be underestimated, which grips anyone who compares the possibilities of car manufacturers here and there. But regardless of all the possibilities - supposedly they are even unlimited - most American cars had appalling road holding, hopelessly undersized brakes and engines that were not capable of full throttle.

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