Not just a car – the Opel Rekord is such an important symbol in the story of the German `automobilkultur’ that the model received no less than eight generations which served from 1953 until well into the 1980s.
The typical selection of practical, reliable and well-built family saloons, the Rekord was a mainstay of the continental automotive landscape. Its various iterations drew in families and professionals, mixing practicality, performance and comfort at a decent price tag.
The Rekord made many transformations throughout its production, from its post-war economy-car roots to a more composite mid-size sedan.
Every new generation brought improvements and development to design, technology and performance, keeping it relevant over many decades.
The external shape of the Rekord, available with powerful but frugal engines, subverted the idea of paired classics and is often remembered by fans and collectors as one of Opel’s classic models that left a mark in automobile history. Below is a breakdown of each Opel Rekord generation and how it progressed.
Opel Rekord A (1953–1957)
It was first introduced back in 1953. It was Opel’s initial stint in the boom in mid-sized car production, providing a no-frills, reliable car for countless families across post-war Europe.
Key Specs:
Production Years: 1953–1957
Engine Options:
1.5L (1488 cc), 44 hp (33 kW)
1.7L (1715 cc), 52 hp (39 kW)
Performance:
Top Speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 20+ sec
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,480 mm (97.6 in)
Length: 4,340 mm (170.8 in)
Width: 1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height: 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Kerb Weight: 950–1,100 kg (2,094–2,425 lbs)
Features:
Body Style: Sedan
More Interior: Basic interior, vinyl seats.
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Opel Rekord B (1965–1969)
The Rekord B had a more comprehensive engine range and more up-to-date styling. The combination of style and performance in a popular package.
Key Specs:
Production Years: 1965–1969
Engine Options:
1.5L (1488 cc), 60 hp (45 kW)
1.7L (1698 cc), 75 hp (56 kW)
2.0L (1975 cc), 90 hp (67 kW)
Performance:
Top Speed: 140 km/h (87 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 14 to 18 seconds
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2721 mm (107.1 in)
Length: 4,440 mm (174.8 in)
Width: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height: 1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Kerb Weight: 1,100–1,250 kg (2,425–2,755 lb)
Features:
Body Styles: Sedan, Estate
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic optional
Front bumper optional, suspension, rear end: Independent front suspension, rear end live.
Opel Rekord C (1969–1977)
Nicer to behold and also drive, the Rekord C was packed filled with modern technology. This generation did its fair share in making Opel a serious player in Europe.
Key Specs:
Production Years: 1969–1977
Engine Options:
1.7L (1680 cc), 60 hp (45 kW)
1.9L (1900 cc), 75 hp (56 kW)
2.0L (1998 cc), 90 hp (67 kW)
2.2L (2279 cc), 115 hp (85 kW)
Performance:
Top Speed: 155 km/h (96 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 12–16 secs
Dimensions:
Read More On DCN WHEELBASE: 2,625 mm (103.3 in)
Length: 4,490 mm (176.7 in)
Width: 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height: 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Kerb Weight: 1,100 to 1,400 kg (2,425 to 3,085 lbs)
Features:
Body Styles: Sedan, Estate, Coupé
Transmission: 4-speed manual, optional 3-speed automatic
Front suspension: Independent | Rear suspension: Live rear axle
Opel Rekord D (1977–1982)
The Opel Rekord D was a more of a modern redesign with hard edges, boxiness and improved comforts. It did stack a bit more advanced tech around the suspension and interiors.
Key Specs:
Production Years: 1977–1982
Engine Options:
1.6L (1598 cc), 75 hp (55 kW)
1.9L (1900 cc), 90 hp (67 kW)
100 kW (2.0L; 1998 cc) 2.0L
2.2Л (2279 см3), 115 к.с. (85 кВт)
Diesel engines available
Performance:
Top Speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 11–14 seconds
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Length: 4,620 mm (181.9 in)
Width: 1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height: 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Kerb Weight: 1,100 – 1,400 kg (2,425 – 3,085 lbs)
Features:
Available body styles: Sedan, estate (wagon), coupé
Transmission: 4 Speed Manual · 5 Speed Manual · 3 Speed Automatic
Suspension: Independent front suspension; live rear axle
Opel Rekord E (1977–1986)
The Opel Rekord E was the tenth and final generation of the Opel Rekord line that had been in production since 1953. Launched in 1977, the Rekord Eallowed for a more modern design than its predecessor and even more comfort and technological advancements. It was offered as a sedan, an estate, and a coupé, with different engine options depending on the market.
Key Specs:
Production Years: 1977–1986
Engine Options:
1.6L (1598 cc), 75 hp (55 kW)
1.9L (1900 cc), 90 hp (66 kW)
2.0L (1998 cc)115 hp (85 kW)
2.2L (2261 cc), 115 hp (85 kW)
1357 2.4L (2383 cc), 115 hp (85 kW)
2499 cc (2.5 L):130 HP (96 kW)
Diesel engines: 2.0L, 2.3L and 2.5L options
Performance:
Performance: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds depending on engine.
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 9.0–11.5 seconds depending on engine choice
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length: 4,585 mm (180.5 in)
Width: 1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height: 1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Weigh the Kerb: 1,050–1,300 kg (2,315–2,866 lbs) body style and depending on the engine.
Notable Features:
Body Styles: Sedan, Estate (Caravan) and Coupé
Interior: More sophisticated with better materials than in the previous generations.
Safety Features: The Rekord E brought advancements in crash safety with optional airbags.
Suspension: Independent front suspension, live rear axle qualifying for sedan/estate models.
Transmission : 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Production Numbers:
Over 2 million units sold.
It has been a long read about a unique European car, but the Opel Rekord generations have paved the way for many automotive designs, especially in Europe. Although perhaps not always the glamorous head-turner its segment often sought out, the Rekord built a name for itself on reliability, lack of frills, and practicality. The Rekord B and C models, in particular, schooled the sedan market on the importance of clean lines and functional appeal, showing that a car could be as good looking as it was sensible.
What’s of particular interest here is how the smoother riding, higher-end feature-stuffed Rekord E was ultimately dubbed “affordable luxury.” This gave drivers a taste of comfort without the shotgun-wedding price tag, which is something you don’t always see today in the same class. And even now, decades after the last one rolled off the production line, Rekord models continue to end up in the affections of classic car collectors. The Rekord’s influence lives on, whether you’re restoring a Rekord C because of its historical value or just because you like how it doesn’t mess around. Beyond automotive more, it’s a statement of persistence and common sense, one a 40-year-established, biased brand note of the flyer we all sometimes forget
