Opel Kadett B Coupe
Three years after the introduction of the Kadett A, its successor followed. Such a short run is somewhat unusual, but Opel understood that they had a success story on their hands with the Kadett B, and that paid off handsomely. The B-Type remained in production until July 1973 and achieved a total production of 2,6 million units. At its core, the B was a further development of its predecessor. The standard engine was enlarged from 1000cc to 1100cc and now delivered 45 (N) or 50 (S) hp. The bodywork had become considerably more spacious and the range was expanded. In addition to the two-door coach and the four-door sedan, a two- or four-door coupé, the Kadett LS, and a three- or five-door station wagon, the Caravan, also became available. With such great diversity, it was clear that Opel had launched an attack on its biggest domestic competitor, Ford. In 1968, Opel implemented several important changes. The rear axle received coil springs instead of leaf springs, the dashboard was fitted with safer upholstery, the ventilation was improved, and larger taillights were added.
Three years after the introduction of the Kadett A, its successor followed. Such a short lifespan is somewhat unusual, but Opel understood that they had a success story on their hands with the Kadett B, and that paid off handsomely. The B-Type remained in production until July 1973 and achieved a total production of 2,6 million units.
At its core, the B was a further development of its predecessor. The standard engine was enlarged from 1000cc to 1100cc and now delivered 45 (N) or 50 (S) hp. The bodywork had become considerably more spacious and the range was expanded. In addition to the two-door coach and the four-door sedan, a two- or four-door coupé, the Kadett LS, and a three- or five-door station wagon, the Caravan, also became available. With such great diversity, it was clear that Opel had launched an attack on its biggest domestic competitor, Ford.
In 1968, Opel made some important changes. The rear axle was given coil springs instead of leaf springs, the dashboard was given safer upholstery, the ventilation was improved and larger taillights were added. Later, several other versions followed. For example, the successes in the Monte Carlo rally were the reason for a rally version with 60 hp (1100 SR engine) or 90 hp (1900S engine) on board. For the customer who wanted more luxury, an Olympia version could be supplied from 1967. In addition, there was even an F-coupé.
In 1968, GM opened its transmission factory in Strasbourg, so that from that year onwards a version with a three-speed automatic transmission could be ordered.
In 1971, the Kadett B was modified for the last time. The entire interior was painted matt black (at the time it was believed that this improved safety), carbon monoxide emissions were reduced, the DC dynamo was replaced by an AC dynamo, the oil bath air filter was replaced by a paper filter element and a version with a 1200S engine of 55 hp was introduced, the "Kadett 1.2". The Opel 1500, 1700 and 1900 CIH engines were available in the B Kadett, but these were ordered in small numbers and are now rare.
Our Opel Kadett is still a very nice example that is completely rust-free. It is a white coupe with red faux leather upholstery. It drives, shifts, steers, and brakes well. Under the hood, you can see a dry engine. A beautiful 70s coupe.