Opel Rekord (1971 – 1977) Review

The Opel Rekord D went on sale in the early months of 1972, bringing its maker into the '70s, and abandoning the Coke bottle looks of its predecessor. The new styling, penned by Chuck Jordan, set Opel's design language for the coming decade, introducung a larger glass area and airier interior as a consequence. The big news for Brits was that the Rekord D shared many of its underpinnings with the Vauxhall Victor FE, although no external panels, or drivetrains were shared.

But this closer work between Vauxhall and Opel, paved the way of much closer links between the German and British arms of General Motors. Under the skin, much was carried over from the Rekord C, such as its slightly modified suspension set-up and cam-in-head engine line-up. A new 2.1-litre diesel version was launched months later, and was the first time a compression ignition engine found its way under the bonnet of a Rekord. It was offered in two- and four-door saloon form, a five-door estate, called the CarAVan, and the two-door Coupe - which would go on to greater things in Commodore form.