Let’s shine the spotlight on the Opel Rekord P 2. Why the Opel Rekord, and why the P 2? The reason is personal. This was the first relatively large car I got to ride in as a kid. I never forgot the experience, and thus the Opel Rekord P 2 remains special for me. But first, a quick history of Opel automobiles.
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Quick History of Opel Cars
Opel goes back to 1862 when Adam Opel starts manufacturing sewing machines. By the late 1880s Opel is making bicycles and, after the death of Adam Opel, evolves to more complex products.
Fritz von Opel, Adam’s grandson, takes Opel to greater heights developing a rocket program which also includes aircraft. In fact, Opel develops the first rockets in 1928-29. At this time, Opel is taken over by General Motors. It remains part of GM through 2017. Opel manufactures a range of models in the early 30s, but it’s in the mid-30s, the more familiar Olympia, Admiral, Kapitan, and the wartime Blitz are developed.
The last model gives Opel the symbol it is identified by today – the lightning bolt. Opel Rekord makes it appearance much later, after the War.
The Earliest Opel Models
Opel Kadett
With an 1100cc engine, this was the smallest Opel in the lineup in 1939.
Opel Olympia
Next in size, with a 1500cc engine displacement, the Olympia is the model above the Kadett. This is the model that transitions to the Rekord later.
Opel Kapitan
At 2500cc, the Kapitan is the next in line of Opels in size.
Opel Admiral
This is the largest Opel available in 1939, coming in at 3600cc. However, the name disappears after WW II.
All these four models are available with various configurations including cabriolet. Only the Olympia survives the War, and was joined by the Kapitan. It is in the early 50s that a new Olympia Rekord model is available as the P 1. My favorite, the Rekord P 2 is a stand-alone model in 1960. So why is the P 2 so cool?
The Opel Rekord P 2 (1960-63)
External
For me, the Opel Rekord P 2 from 1960 through 1963 is the best looking of the lot. The Rekord and the Kapitan, which appears to be Opel’s flagship at this point, have similar lines. But, as a bigger model, the Kapitan is a little on the ostentatious side. You might say that the Rekord is the “average man’s luxury” model.
With an obviously American look, the Rekord P 2 sports the forward-looking design we see with the demise of the old curved “chunky” 50s look with the subtle tail fin. There’s a definite transition from the artistic to a more streamlined, simplified look. With a clean, horizontally lined fascia, well placed lights, and straight side profile, the Rekord P2 reflects the changing trends of auto design.
Internals
While the Rekord P 2 external appearance won me with its clean lines and relatively large size, sitting inside further confirmed my love for it. Comfortable seats with ample room for likely six passengers (bench seat in front) give it a large car feel. Definitely the closest to an American vehicle I had sat in at the time. A beautifully laid out instrument panel, with horizontal speedometer, is finished off with a steering wheel that invites one to hold it. It is the first time I have seen such a speedometer and, as a kid, I am fascinated with how it functions.
Performance wise it isn’t sporty by a long shot, but that is not its purpose. The Rekord P 2’s aim is to transport one comfortably to your destination. And it does so while giving you perfect all round visibility.
Some Rekord P2 Specs
The Rekord is fairly large with a 100-inch wheelbase, 177-inch length, 65-inch width, and standing almost 5 feet high. When we look at the performance stats for the Opel Rekord P 2, it sounds underpowered for the size. The engine size ranges from roughly 1500 to 1700 cc, turning out 49 to 59 HP, and top speed of 77 MPH. But it’s not numbers I’m interested in. At that time these are impressive for the purpose this car was made – a comfortable ride in a car with a modern appearance.
The Rekord P 2 was available in both 2 and 4 door formats with a two-seater coupe and station wagon versions available too.
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Final Words on the Rekord P 2
I think the Opel Rekord P 2 from the early 1960s still looks good today. Coming at a time when cars were transitioning from the 50s look, the Rekord P2 showcases a blueprint for cars to come.
Both GM and Ford were competing in Germany with competing models. Ford’s closest rival to the Rekord is the Ford Taunus. The Taunus sometimes beats the Rekord in sales, but the latter holds the second spot in German sales numbers after the Beetle.
The Opel Rekord P 2 is also assembled in South Africa, and my neighbor’s Rekord came from a plant in Port Elizabeth.
Opel came out with more stylish Rekords until 1986, when it was replaced by the Opel Omega. GM sold off its European assets in Opel and Vauxhall in 2017.
The Opel Rekord P 2 Holds A Special Place for Me
While “better looking” Opel Rekords were sold, the P 2 holds a special place for me. Where I lived, the Rekord P 2 eventually disappeared, and haven’t seen one since. But my love for that original never faded. I still consider it one of the most beautiful cars from that time.
Your comments are welcome below.
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