In August 1966, the Opel Rekord C was a completely new model. While the Rekord B was basically just a visually modified Rekord A, the C generation was the long-awaited new development.
Bigger and more comfortable
The car grew in all dimensions, with the leaf-sprung rear axle giving way to a five-link axle with inclined shock absorbers. Although it was still a rigid axle in principle, the coil springs and the more precise guidance provided by four trailing arms and the famous Panhard rod as a wishbone ensured a much more precise and comfortable ride.
In terms of concept, this rear axle was to remain practically unchanged until 1986.
With modified engines
The output of the 1.5-liter engine was reduced to 58 hp. A 1.7-liter engine with 60 hp was new to the range. The 75 hp 1.7 S was the basic engine for the L models until 1969 and the 1.7 N thereafter. The Caravan was available for the first time as a five-door model in L trim and as a six-cylinder model with a displacement of 2.2 liters and 95 hp.
As an elegant fastback coupé ...
Opel finally hit the big time with the coupé at the beginning of 1967: as a state-of-the-art fastback coupé without a functional B-pillar - i.e. with a fully retractable side window front - the Opel Rekord C Coupé was a real eye-catcher. In the second half of the 1960s, the fastback rear was the defining sporty attribute of a coupé in the USA - the famous muscle cars send their regards.
... and as a rare convertible
From 1967, there was also a convertible conversion based on the two-door Rekord sedan by "Karl Deutsch Karosseriebau" in Cologne for an additional 4,000 marks, but these are extremely rare - an example from the Opel Classic collection will start at the Sachsen Classic on August 18.
Opel sets off on record-breaking drive
From August 18 to 20, the 14th Sachsen Classic will once again lead from Zwickau through the Ore Mountains and Vogtland, over the Sachsenring and along the famous Steep Wall of Meerane. The approximately 600-kilometer classic car rally through the automotive state of Saxony is known for its many enthusiastic spectators. Just the right setting for Opel to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Rekord C. The new mid-size generation came onto the market in 1966 in the then absolutely hip Coke bottle design, with a wasp waist and powerful rear end, following the example of the US muscle cars and the Opel Experimental GT, which was still presented as a study in 1965. At the Sachsen Classic, the public can look forward to an Opel Rekord C Sedan (starting number 99), a three-door Caravan (no. 101) and a rare convertible (no. 100) converted by specialist Deutsch. The jubilarians will be driven by actors Tim Wilde, Katharina and her granddaughter Nellie Thalbach as well as Opel brand ambassador Jockel Winkelhock.
It all kicks off on August 18 in Zwickau with the introductory lap and the first six special stages. On the second day, the 180 classic cars will roll through the Ore Mountains with a short trip to the Czech Republic and on to the beautiful Vogtland region, finishing in the cultural and festival town of Bad Elster in Saxony. From there, the route leads to the classic stages at the Steil Wand in Meerane and on the Sachsenring on the third day. On Saturday, August 20, the rally will visit the Saxon Road Safety Day at the Sachsenring, where the classic car stages will take place in front of a large crowd. The finale will take place in Chemnitz - directly in front of the town hall.
