Opel Rekord (1963 – 1966) Review

After what seemed like years of building smaller versions of American cars, Opel had a change of heart with the Rekord A and B. When it appeared in 1963, the Rekord A had a much more European look to it, with squared-off, boxy lines. The upside of this new look was the spacious passenger compartment and rectangular headlights – and that meant the Opel looked clean and modern, if a little dull. As well as the standard saloon, an interesting-looking coupé was launched in 1964, which was followed by the Rekord B the following year.

The Rekord B’s engines were all new, replacing the original overhead valve engines that could trace their roots to the pre-war Olympia. The modern overhead camshaft engines were offered in 1.5-, 1.7- and 1.9-litre forms. With a monocoque body shell and front disc brakes (from 1965), the Rekord had been brought up to date – especially compared to Opels of old. Rear suspension was still by live rear axle and leaf springs though. The Rekord was a big success for Opel, with over a million sold in a relatively short production life. It was replaced by the similar-looking, but much more modern, Rekord C/Commodore in 1966.