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Photo of a Opel GT

Opel GT

Opel's 1968 coupe: Kadett bones, French coachwork and rotating headlights in Buick showrooms.1

Researched November 1, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • Mini-VetteA Corvette comparison for the original coupe, whose nose closely resembled the Chevrolet sports car.2
  • Baby-CorvetteThe original coupe was likened to a small Corvette and linked to the same design team.3
  • teeny-bopper CorvetteCar and Driver's label for the original coupe's close frontal resemblance to the Chevrolet Corvette.2

At a glance

0150300
59.16–260 hpPower
01020
5.7–16.5 s0–100 km/h
0125250
155–229 km/hTop speed
0200400
85–353 N·mTorque
07501,500
845–1,406 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1313

Engine
Coupe: 1.1/1.9 L inline-4; roadster: 2.0 L direct-injection turbo-41
Layout
Both generations: front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive1
Gearbox
Coupe: 4-speed manual, 1.9 L 3-speed auto; roadster: 5-speed manual114
Units built
Coupe: 103,463; roadster: 7,519314

The story

Built as a halo for Opel's range, the original GT combined Kadett mechanicals, French bodywork and Buick showrooms. The name returned in 2007 as a 260-hp turbo roadster related to the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice.14

1965: Experimental GT breaks cover19651968: Production coupe: Kadett underneath19681971: GT/J arrives; US 1.9 loses power · Elektro-GT: six world records19711972: Diesel GT rewrites endurance records19721973: Bumpers and a body contract end the GT19732007: The GT returns with 260 hp20072009: Wilmington shuts: 7,519 roadsters20092016: A 1.0-liter turbo coupe proposal2016 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT (XP-797): 1962 conceptXP-797Opel Experimental GT (Projekt 1484): 1965 conceptProjekt 1484Opel GT coupe: 1968–1973Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220: 2000–2005Vauxhall VX Lightning: 2003 conceptVauxhall VX LightningOpel GT roadster (K/R): 2007–2009Opel GT Concept: 2016 concept 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1456713182021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1962 conceptChevrolet Corvair Monza GT (XP-797)
1965 conceptOpel Experimental GT (Projekt 1484)
1968–1973Opel GT coupe
2000–2005Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220
2003 conceptVauxhall VX Lightning
2007–2009Opel GT roadster (K/R)
2016 conceptOpel GT Concept
1965Experimental GT breaks cover
1968Production coupe: Kadett underneath
1971GT/J arrives; US 1.9 loses power
1971Elektro-GT: six world records
1972Diesel GT rewrites endurance records
1973Bumpers and a body contract end the GT
2007The GT returns with 260 hp
2009Wilmington shuts: 7,519 roadsters
2016A 1.0-liter turbo coupe proposal
  1. 1965

    Experimental GT breaks cover

    The Experimental GT debuts at Frankfurt; showgoers' enthusiasm leads to series production in 1968.56

  2. 1968

    Production coupe: Kadett underneath

    French bodies go to Bochum for Kadett mechanicals; the coupe pairs a transverse front leaf spring and live rear axle with disc/drum brakes.17

  3. 1971

    GT/J arrives; US 1.9 loses power

    Cheaper GT/J drops chrome and simplifies instruments: 185 km/h, 0–100 km/h in 11.5 s. US emissions rules cut 1.9-liter compression and output to 83 hp SAE.189

  4. 1971

    Elektro-GT: six world records

    Built by Ernst Rapp, the Elektro-GT lets Georg von Opel set six electric world records at Hockenheim, including 188.86 km/h over the flying kilometer.10

  5. 1972

    Diesel GT rewrites endurance records

    The Diesel GT takes two world and 18 international records at Dudenhofen, including 10,000 km in 52 hours.11

  6. 1973

    Bumpers and a body contract end the GT

    Tougher US impact rules make a redesign hard to justify. The Brissonneau & Lotz body contract also ends, closing the coupe's run.812

  7. 2007

    The GT returns with 260 hp

    The Wilmington roadster shares Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice roots: a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo and claimed 5.7-second 0–100 km/h.113

  8. 2009

    Wilmington shuts: 7,519 roadsters

    The factory closes on July 31. GT output totals 7,519, including two 2010-model-year cars assembled in 2009.114

  9. 2016

    A 1.0-liter turbo coupe proposal

    The lightweight GT Concept reaches Geneva with a 1.0-liter turbo triple, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed semi-automatic; production is canceled.1

Every generation

  • Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT
    XP-7971962 concept
  • Opel Experimental GT
    Projekt 14841965 concept
  • Opel GT coupe
    Opel GT coupe1968–1973
  • Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220
    Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX2202000–2005
  • Vauxhall VX Lightning
    Vauxhall VX Lightning2003 concept
  • Opel GT roadster
    K/R2007–2009
  • Opel GT Concept
    Opel GT Concept2016 concept

Power over the years

From 59 hp to 260 hp in 39 years.

0100200300 19701975198019851990199520002005 hp 1968 · 59 hp · GT 1100 (60 PS DIN)1968 · 67 hp · GT 1100 (SAE gross)1968 · 89 hp · GT 1900 (90 PS)1968 · 102 hp · GT 1900 (SAE gross)1971 · 83 hp · US 1.9 L (SAE; emissions cut)1971 · 89 hp · GT/J (90 PS)2007 · 260 hp · Roadster 2.0 Turbo (264 PS) 260 hp Roadster 2.0 Turbo (264 PS) 59 hp GT 1100 (60 PS DIN)
13479
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
196859GT 1100 (60 PS DIN)
196867GT 1100 (SAE gross)
196889GT 1900 (90 PS)
1968102GT 1900 (SAE gross)
197183US 1.9 L (SAE; emissions cut)
197189GT/J (90 PS)
2007260Roadster 2.0 Turbo (264 PS)

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • GT 1900

    Standard

    GT 1900

    1968–1973

    89 hp

    89,130 built

  • GT/J

    Standard

    GT/J

    1971–1973

    89 hp

    10,760 built

  • GT 2.0 Turbo Roadster

    Standard

    GT 2.0 Turbo Roadster

    2007–2009

    260 hp

    7,519 built

  • Standard

    GT Roadster Premium package

    2007–2009

    260 hp
  • GT 1100

    Standard

    GT 1100

    1968–1970

    59 hp

    3,573 built

  • Racing

    GT Conrero competition conversion

    205 hp

    4 built

  • Racing

    GT Irmscher competition conversion

    228 hp

  • Racing

    GT Gerent competition conversion

    1971

    278 hp

  • Special

    Experimental GT prototype

    1965

  • Aero GT targa prototypes

    Special

    Aero GT targa prototypes

    1969

    2 built

  • Special

    GT Concept

    2016

    145 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original coupe: oval headlight lids roll over to expose raised, frog-eye pods.2
  • Original coupe: nose nostrils and a hood bulge offset to one side.2
  • Original coupe: rounded fastback roof, ducktail lip and four round taillights.24
  • Roadster: decorative side vents and a hood hinged at the front.14
  • Roadster: a hard, twin-hump rear deck covers the folded soft top.18

Year by year

  1. 1971 coupe

    Revised wheels appeared; the new GT/J stood out with black trim and a black side stripe.289

  2. 1973 coupe

    Another wheel design marked the final coupe year.2

  3. 2008 roadster

    Metallgrau metallic paint disappeared; Granitgrau joined the palette for 2008–2009.15

  4. 2009 roadster

    Nachtblau and Eifelblau metallic paints disappeared after being offered in 2007–2008.15

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Opel GT
    GT
    Photo of a Chevrolet Corvette C3
    Chevrolet Corvette C3

    Chevrolet Corvette C3

    The coupe has oval headlight lids, an offset hood bulge and a rounded fastback; the Corvette has rectangular lids and a tunnel-back rear window.1219

  • Photo of a Opel GT
    GT
    Photo of a Pontiac Solstice
    Pontiac Solstice

    Pontiac Solstice

    The Solstice is rounder, with its own front and rear styling.315

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $6.0K–$30.0K2627

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $6,000–$30,000 1969 · $3,395 · US coupe1971 · $3,409 · US GT 1900 1969 · $3395 · US original price, 1969 model year 2025 · $22,503 · 1969 1.9L 5-speed, 29k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2025 · $29,000 · 1973 GT 3-speed auto, 22k miles shown, BaT2025 · $7,200 · 1973 GT 4-speed, 47k miles shown, BaT2025 · $18,500 · 1972 GT Getrag 5-speed, 9k miles shown (TMU), BaT2025 · $6,000 · 1971 GT 2.0 4-speed, 6k miles shown (rolled), BaT2026 · $24,000 · 1973 4-speed, 38k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $9,500 · 1970 GT 1.9 4-speed, 80k miles shown, BaT $29.0K BaT, 2025
242627293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1969Launch price$3,395US original price, 1969 model year
1969Price when new$3,395US coupe
1971Price when new$3,409US GT 1900
2025Auction sale$22,5031969 1.9L 5-speed, 29k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$29,0001973 GT 3-speed auto, 22k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,2001973 GT 4-speed, 47k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,5001972 GT Getrag 5-speed, 9k miles shown (TMU), BaT
2025Auction sale$6,0001971 GT 2.0 4-speed, 6k miles shown (rolled), BaT
2026Auction sale$24,0001973 4-speed, 38k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$9,5001970 GT 1.9 4-speed, 80k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$6,000–$30,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “6 electric records at Hockenheim”
    • “10,000 km in 52 hours”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Opel GT - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 1970 Opel GT 1.9: Mini-Vette? | Remember Road rememberroad.com
  3. Opel GT – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  4. 1968-1973 Opel GT - Opel GT Collectible Classic Car - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  5. Eternally attracted by the pencil - Opel POST opelpost.com
  6. Like a Rolling Stone - Opel POST opelpost.com
  7. Son of Stingray: The 1969-1973 Opel GT < Ate Up With Motor ateupwithmotor.com
  8. Opel GT: Buying guide and review (1968-1973) | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Opel GT/J 1971 traumautoarchiv.de
  10. Back in The Spotlight - Opel POST opelpost.com
  11. Opel GT Diesel Rekordwagen (1972) - l'Automobile Ancienne lautomobileancienne.com
  12. 1969-73 Opel GT: GM's International Sports Car - Old Motors oldmotors.net
  13. Opel GT 2.0 Turbo (03/07 - 08/09): Technische Daten, Bilder, Preise | ADAC adac.de
  14. Opel GT (Roadster) – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  15. Ascona C Info Seite - Opel GT 2007 ascona-info.de
  16. Encounters With a Legend - Opel POST opelpost.com
  17. Topless Temptation - Opel POST opelpost.com
  18. Opel GT | evo evo.co.uk
  19. Opel GT For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  20. Clare MacKichan - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Opel Speedster - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Test Opel GT gegen BMW Z4 - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  23. Smart's Sunbeam: A behind-the-scenes look at the iconic car that stars in the new "Get Smart" movie - Auto News - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  24. March Meguiar’s Car Pack is a Forza 6 History Lesson – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  25. Car and Driver's Opel GT: The Right Project Car for the Times caranddriver.com
  26. Opel GT For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  27. 1973 Opel GT 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #234,020) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. Kaufberatung Opel GT (aus dZ 229) - ALT-OPEL Interessengemeinschaft von 1972 e.V. alt-opel.eu
  29. 1969 Opel GT 1.9L 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,503 on November 6, 2025 (Lot #218,552) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1971 Opel GT 1.9 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,000 on May 20, 2025 (Lot #192,385) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. One-Family-Owned 1973 Opel GT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $29,000 on August 3, 2025 (Lot #203,476) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1970 Opel GT 1.9 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,500 on June 10, 2026 (Lot #246,864) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1973 Opel GT 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,200 on July 4, 2025 (Lot #199,060) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1972 Opel GT 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,500 on June 30, 2025 (Lot #198,369) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • rememberroad.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • opelpost.com
  • ateupwithmotor.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • traumautoarchiv.de
  • lautomobileancienne.com
  • oldmotors.net
  • adac.de
  • ascona-info.de
  • evo.co.uk
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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