Opel Kadett Wagon, 1968
Opel Kadett B
Opel Kadett B•
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Chassis No.: 391383662
Auction: Monterey 2022
Auction date: August 20, 2022
Lot No.: F1
$15,400 | Sold
- Body: Wagon
- Original 1047cc engine
- 4-speed transmission
- Odometer reads 86,000 miles
- Winner of 10 trophies including one National show
- Roof rack
The history of the Opel automobile company spans back to 1899, when it produced its first Patent Motorcars, of which 65 were sold between 1899 and 1901. But the car company grew from Adam Opel’s high-wheeled bicycle company, which branched off from his sewing machine company initially founded in 1862. Opel was the first German car maker to use a mass-production assembly line, thus reducing manufacturing costs and allowing the general public an opportunity to more easily own a car. Opel also led the charge in experimenting with rocket-powered cars and built a few opulent models in the Cadillac realm.
Going public allowed for General Motors to purchase 80% of the company, with GM taking full control in 1931, thus ending the era of the family-run Opel business. Under GM’s stewardship, however, the company continued to flourish and remained one of Europe’s leading car makers. While the 1950s and ’60s proved exceptionally competitive, Opel fared well throughout with inexpensive and midrange offerings such as the Kadett. A familiar name in Opel history, the first generation of Kadett was seen between 1936 and 1940, with the company reintroducing the model in 1962 and selling them through 1991.
The second generation of Kadett sustained production through 1991 and was known simply as the Kadett A (1962-65), Kadett B (1965-1973) and so on. This Kadett B Wagon is the winner of 10 trophies, including one National. Finished in red with a black interior, this Kadette B two-door wagon is powered by its original 1047cc 4-cylinder engine, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Having covered just 86,000 miles from new, it is equipped with a roof rack, radio, bucket seats, full-size polished wheel covers, whitewall tires and under-bumper reverse lights, among other features that make it a truly efficient and useful automobile.
