Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue: Early OMC/Opel Nationals Event News

Buick/Opel 2010, Opel Insignia OPC Insignia OPC Testing on the Nürburgring Ring

Opels In My Yard, Manta ‘Banned’ by the SCCA Art Bryant’s ‘73 GT, Concept Cars, Affordable Classic

New Years Party, Election & Survey Results & More

Volume 30, Issue 1 January/February 2010

Fight The Future

30 YEARS OMC 3

0th

Annive

rsary

Welcome to the Opel Motorsport Club THE OPEL MOTORSPORT CLUB IS CELEBRATING ITS 30TH YEAR OF DEDICATION TO THE PRESERVATION AND APPRECIATION OF ALL GERMAN OPELS , WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON MODELS IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES. WE ARE HEADQUARTERED IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA, AND HAVE CHAPTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, IN EUROPE, AS WELL AS MEMBERS IN CANADA AND MEXICO. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE SUBSCRIPTION TO OUR NEWSLET-TER, THE BLITZ, LISTINGS FOR PARTS AND SERVICE SUPPLIERS, BLITZ INDEX & TECH TIP INDEX (1985-DATE), FREE CLASSIFIED ADS (3 PER YEAR), CLUB ITEMS, MEMBER ROSTER, OWNER SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES , INCLUDING MEETINGS AND OUR ANNUAL PICNIC & CAR SHOW

ON THE COVER:

Face: Opel Insignia OPC

Upper Right: Steinmetz GT art

ADVERTISING IN THE BLITZ CLASSIFIEDS (CARS & PARTS FOR SALE OR WANTED): Up to 50 words, plus name & phone, and a single photo: 1 Month $6.00 3 Months $15.00 6 Months $23.00 12 Months $39.00

(3 Free Ads per year for members)

BUSINESS ADS : (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Half Page $35 for 1 month, Full Page (Temporarily Unavailable) Insert $120 for 1 month, Business Card $60 for 1year Color Back Cover (Temporarily Unavailable) Send Ad Copy and payment (payable to Opel Motorsport Club) to Blitz Editor.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:: To minimize delays, please provide the OMC Treasurer with address changes at least one month in advance.

OMC is on the Internet. The site features Club News, Event Coverage, Tech Tips, OMC & Opel History, features and much more.

Visit us at: www.opelclub.com

Other Good Opel Sites: www.opelgt.com Website of the NEOC Includes a Tech help Bulletin Board

Classicopels@yahoogroups.com Subscribe to this useful e-mail posting site

http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=oana The OANA Website

The Club The Blitz Regional Chapters

Online Opel Sites

TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP CONTACT: OMC TREASURER, c/o Dick Counsil 3824 Franklin Street La Crescenta, CA 91214-1607

MEMBERSHIP DUES: Regular: $45 Annually via Checks and Money Orders (US funds only, made payable to Opel Motorsport Club) or $47 annually via PayPal.

Online: $20 annually or $21 via PayPal

Send PayPal funds to:

JoinOMC@opelclub.com Include your name and address information.

MEETINGS: The OMC meetings are as announced, at varying locations. Please consult the OMC Blitz calendar or OMC website to find out who is hosting the next meeting or event.

2010 OPEL MOTORSPORT CLUB OFFICERS & STAFF

PRESIDENT DIETER STENGER VICE PRESIDENT MATT NEWMAN ACTIVITIES GIL WESSON TREASURER DICK COUNSIL 818-248-5504 BLITZ EDITOR DENNIS GARDINER WEBMASTER RICHARD KAVADAS

SEND EVENT INFORMATION, TECH TIPS, PARTS INFORMATION, LETTERS , CHAPTER ACTIVITY ANNOUNCEMENTS, ADVERTISEMENTS AND ALL OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST TO:

Opel BLITZ Editor P.O Box 4004 Sonora, CA 95370-4004 USA

Deadline: (At Discretion of OMC Editor)

Submissions will be accepted either typewritten, on Microsoft Word, Publisher or Works compatible disk or e-mailed to the Editor.

manta16v@yahoo.com

Drawings or Photos accepted and encouraged. Contributions to the Blitz will be published on a space-available basis.

The Blitz is the official publication of the Opel Motorsport Club (OMC). Published bi-monthly. Circulation is limited to club members and prospective club members. All submissions become the property of the OMC and will not be returned. Articles, photographs, drawings, technical tips, and other materials appearing in the Blitz may not be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of the OMC. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the officers or members of the OMC.

European Chapter (Netherlands) Contact Louis van Steen: (011 31) 297 340 536 (please take note of the time zone before calling), fast60gt (at) yahoo.com

Florida Chapter (Coral Gables, FL) Contact John Malone: 305-443-8513

Michigan Chapter Contact John Brooks: 616-233-9050 ext 12 Johncinquo (at) hotmail.com.

Mid Atlantic Opel Club (Richmond, VA) Contact Charles Goin: 804-379-9737 cgoin (at) mindspring.com

New England Opel Club (Swansea, MA) Contact Gary Farias: 508-679-2740 Gary (at) opelgt.com

North American Opel GT Chapter (Chicago, IL) Contact Jim Toler: 630-964-9797

Northern California Chapter (Sonora, CA) Contact Gil Wesson: 209-928-1110 Opelgts (at) opelgtsource.com

Ohio Chapter (Columbus, OH) Contact Larry Shal: 614-861-1565

Pacific Northwest Chapter (Shelton, WA) Contact Paul Kaman: 360-426-9267

Rocky Mountain Opels (Security, CO) Contact Branston DiBrell Jr 719-391-9421 dibrellb (at) rmi.net

Southern California Chapter (Rialto, CA) Contact Todd Martin: 909-355-6735

Texas Opel Club (Leonard, TX) Contact Rodney Killingsworth, 903-587-9640 Tyrodk (at) fanninelectric.com

Carolina Opel Club Contact Roy Bell: 704-782-1866 E-mail: CarolinaOpelClub (at) aol.com We chose to use (at) in place of @ for spam

CLUB OFFICER’S E-MAIL ADDRESS

JoinOMC@opelclub.com

Dennis G.

Letter From The Historian

Obsession: excessive preoccupation with an idea, or delusion.

What will 2010 bring?

2009 certainly was an interesting year. As I write the weather has already changed from hot summer days, for the shorter cooler days of winter. The New Year has past and the snow (as I write) is falling hard and heavy. The GT is packed safely way for the winter and the Manta’s sheet metal has gone under the chopping block, awaiting the welder to fasten its new/donor metal into place.

As I said, 2009 was an interesting year, and as an ancient Chinese saying goes, “May you live in Interesting times.” It’s actually meant to be a curse and not a blessing. 2009 delivered continued uncertainty in the housing and job markets, as well as major shifts in the automotive markets. GM and Opel did not escape unscathed but it appears now to look as both will survive to see better days.

This months column, of course, is not all doom and gloom. Actually, I really try to do my best to be as uplifting as possible every month. And in that vein, I do see more stable days ahead in 2010. In Europe the GT clubs are planning their 18th annual GT meet which will be held in Opel’s birth place Rüsselsheim, Germany. Plus OMC is in the early planning stages for the 30th anniversary Picnic event, to be held during the Monterey Historic Weekend in August near Monterey Bay, CA at Laguna Sega & the Concorso Italiano.

The 30th OMC Picnic (& 6th annual Opel Nationals) will mark a major mile stone for the club. It also happens to be the 20th anniversary since the OMC last visited Laguna Sega. I believe Laguna Sega was the first OMC Picnic held outside of southern California, so returning in 2010 is fitting.

Laguna Sega also happens to mark my 20th anniversary as an OMC club member. It is hard to believe that two decades have gone by so quickly. Back then OMC had just finished printing its last Yellow cover issue (April 1990) as I received my first copy of the Blitz in the mail.

Reflecting back on the early Picnics and Blitzes I can see OMC has come a long way. The Picnics have gotten nicer, the cars have gotten prettier and the Blitz has transformed from a center-folded 4-page flyer to a modern club newsletter. As a mater of fact the first two club news letter were not called the Blitz but were simply called the ‘Opel Motorsport Club News’. The title “Blitz” first appeared with the third issue in January of 1982. Today’s Blitz has grown substantially and can even be downloaded as a PDF in color.

So, here’s to a wonderful 2010 and I hope to see all of you at the Picnic.

2010 OMC Event Calendar

May 18th. International GT Meet

Where: Rüsselsheim, Germany Opel - Russelsheim

Date: May 22nd. - 24th.

May Carlisle Import & Kit Car

Where: Carlisle, PA Date: May 21-23

July 29th. International Manta Meeting

40th Anniversary of the Manta Where: Maschen, Germany

Date: July 29th. - August 1st. go to: www.manta-a-online.de

or mail: Manta-A Norddeutshland

c/o Thorsten Hack Fachenfelder Winkel 9

21220 Seevetal, Germany

August OMC 30th. Anniversary Weekend

and Opel Nationals Where: Monterey, CA

Date 13th. - 15th. see page 12 - 13 for additional details

November 1981

April 1990

It seems that in the automotive world trends always come full-circle. Back in 1976 when the US Dollar was falling in value against the German Mark. GM decided to stop selling the more expensive German built Opels in favor of lower cost, Japanese produced, Buick/Opel’s by Isuzu. Unfortunately, what is often done in the corporate world (as taught in business school) may not always be the best solution. And as such the Japanese Yen gained more in value, thus pricing the Isuzu-built Opel out of the market by 1980. Ironically if GM had continued to sell Opels as Opels in the US market when the Mark dropped to 1/3 the value of the Dollar, (Buick), i.e. GM would have made a killing.

As we skip forward to 2010 the Dollar has once again plummeted against foreign currencies, and the automotive market has seen galactic upheaval in both sales and market shifts. Oldsmobile is dead, Pontiac is gone, Saturn’s fate was sealed when Penske Group declined its purchase, even invincible Toyota has seen massive drops in sales volumes and for the first time in their history… lay-offs. Spared through all this was Opel and Buick. Many were predicted that the stodgy old Buick division would be closed but, Buick is the #1 GM sold in China. Surprised? There are even plans to sell the Opel Insignia as a Buick Regal, reviving that name plate.

Buick / Opel for 2010? by Dennis G.

In recent years Opel and Saturn have had a close affinity, with a number of popular models like the Sky and Astra sold under both labels with barely any changes except for the badge located on the grille. However, with the future of Saturn pretty much relegated to the ash heap of history, Buick is set to become the gateway for Opel’s hot im-ports. The upside to this is that Buick has always been viewed as a luxury brand, second only to Cadillac, which matches perfectly to the upscale technically-advanced products Opel is currently selling.

The first of these will be the replacement for the Aura sedan. GM had originally planned to sell the new Opel Insignia sedan as the 2010 Saturn Aura, but a new plan may see it launch in the U.S. later this year as the 2010 Buick Regal. This information was first revealed by an inside source at GM who revealed to “Automotive News” that most of Saturn’s models will go to Buick. When contacted, the president of the Buick-GMC line, Susan Docherty, confirmed that the Opel brand is one that GM will look at for future sourcing.

Docherty also pointed out that even with GM’s restructuring plans for Opel, which has seen majority control sold to another party, GM would still be able to utilize all of its global architectural platforms. Buick’s short term brand strategy, mean-while, is resting with the upcom-ing 2010 LaCrosse sedan. GM is hoping that the new LaCrosse will allow the brand to be competitive in the highly competitive mid-luxury sedan segment against heavy hitters like the Acura TL and Lexus ES 350.

Truly, we have come full-circle, and it appears that we may once again be purchasing (rebadged) Opels at Buick dealerships. Only this time luxury and technically advanced engineering will be greet you on the show room floor.

2010 Opel Insignia OPC, to compete against the Audi S4

GM’s European divisions finally have an answer to that pesky AWD hot-rod Audi S4. Say hello to the new turbo, AWD, 325 HP 2010 Opel Insignia OPC. We’re absolutely pleased to see this newest performance sedan from Opel’s OPC division. Aiming, with no excuses, directly at the Audi S4, is a 2.8L V6 turbo ECOTEC engine. That engine’s a derivative of the top of the line Insignia model, producing a stout 325 HP and 295 lb. feet of torque thanks to such features as a micro-alloy forged steel crank, die -cast alloy oil sump, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control. Enthusiasts will get to row through a six speed manual gearbox helping the new performance Insignia reach 60 MPH in just 5.8 seconds with an electronically limited 155 MPH top speed.

The Insignia OPC receives a performance tuned chassis as well as a 10 mm lower and stiffer suspension (lower than the stan-dard sport Insignia) featuring new high performance struts, all-wheel-drive and a new electronic limited slip differential called (eLSD). Helping to stop the new sport sedan is a set of color matched Brembo calipers and vented/cross-drilled discs that sit behind either 19 inch or optional 20 inch lightweight, forged alloy wheels wrapped with some serious rubber.

To Quote UK’s Marketing Director, Andy Gilson: The Insignia OPC is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance & chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as the new Audi S4. In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance sedan that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the cars metal.

Audi S4

Info from: The Auto Insider

The heart of the Opel Insignia OPC is its 2.8L V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, with an output 239 kW or 325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development by reworking the exhaust and significantly reducing the counter pressure. Also because sound is so impor-tant in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.

The Opel Insignia OPC is available with a six speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Opel Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 155 mph (computer restricted) and sprints from 0 to 62 mph in under six seconds.

The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been re-duced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Opel Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Opel Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver's preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adap-tive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

The Award Winning

Opel Insignia

Introducing the Insignia’s Adaptive 4x4 system with electronic rear limited slip differential, four wheel drive management system and 3-way driver selectable settings.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4x4 system & its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive’s computer has been re-calibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher per-formances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connois-seurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the cross drilled 14 inch rotors up front.

Development & Testing

“I was personally involved in the development of the Opel Insignia OPC and I very much enjoyed extensive testing on the most demanding race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Our target was to rival the ‘best of the best’.” Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

Distinctive looks make a Dramatic and Clear statement supporting the OPC’s dynamic ambitions.

The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia's design philosophy of sculptural art-istry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19 inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20 inch lightweight forged wheels with 255/35 tires are available upon request.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impres-sive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.

A New Era

“The Opel Insignia OPC marks the beginning of a new era for our OPC portfolio; still bold, but also more mature and refined, and more ambitious than ever. The OPC epitomizes the Insignia experience: dynamic & refined.”

Alain Visser, GM Europe Vice President Opel.

With a design inspired by the Opel GTC, many of the Insignia OPC’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, hatch and saloon models gain a rear spoiler.

This sporting theme continues in the Insignia OPC’ss cabin. Recaro front seats, a new OPC steering wheel and gear knob plus unique trim appointments are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics.

All OPC’s are available with a color palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Car-bon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

2010 Insignia OPC Specs:

2.8L 24 valve V6 Turbo (2792 cc) - 325 HP and 435 NM @ 5250 rpm - 9.5:1 compression - 74.8 mm Bore / 89 mm Stroke

0-62 (100kph) 6.0 seconds - Top Speed 156 mph (computer regulated) - 80-120 KPH 7.1 seconds in top gear

8.4 L used per 100 miles highway - 11.4L combined

Adaptive All-Wheel-Drive system w/ electronic rear limited slip differential - Electric Parking Brake - Hill Assent Assist

OPC Recaro Sport seats - Rear 60/40 folding seats - A/C Automatic Climate control with zone Infotainment

7 speakers stereo with integrated navigational system with 7” Display - Roof Antenna

19” wheels standard w/ 245/40/19 - Brembo calipers with 355 mm vented and cross drilled rotors

Driver/Passenger Front, Side and Head Air Bags - Rear side Air Bags.

OMC NOMC NEWEW Y YEARSEARS B BASHASH January 16th. 2010

This years Opel Motorsport Club New Years party was held at John & Marjorie’s home in Laguna Niguel. Attending were seventeen OMC members, including children. The festivities began shortly after 7:30 pm and continued closed to mid-night. It was wonderful seeing all of our friends and catching up on the goings on in our lives. The 4-5 hours just went by way too fast. One comment we will follow is to begin this yearly event at 6 p.m., as 7 p.m. leaves us so little time. So, on to the

OMC Election Results

Your New Officers for 2010

President - Dieter Stenger 100% VP/Secretary - Matt Newman 100% Activities - Gil Wesson 67% Treasurer - Dick Counsil 100% Blitz Editor - Dennis Gardiner 100% Jim Marchitto 33%

OMC Member Survey Results

OMC 30th Anniversary Event: I plan to attend 40% I plan to stay in a local room 20% I plan to bring an Opel 13% I plan to camp in General Camp 13% I plan to camp with OMC 13% I'd like OMC to rent a RV/trailer 6% Others: ‘Don’t Know Yet’, ‘50% probability at this time’, ‘Sorry can’t attend but, can’t wait to see pictures of show in the Blitz’

OMC Website: I support reviving the OMC ‘Ad Board’ 60% I support adding a ‘PayPal’ button for donations 60% I support creating a Trust (for funding website in future) 40% I support OMC facebook/twitter 20%

What Blitz subjects were you most interested in: - Tech Tips/Owner’s Articles - Engine Swaps, perhaps a Rotary engine swap. { Editor: Perhaps someone OMC member can help with this article??? } - Tech Tips and articles about the Manta - Anything electrical related, Ignition System stuff, including Hall effect devices. Testing of ignition system and coil - Keep up the great work. I love tech tips. How about an issue on simple custom modification to body, interior and exterior (not engine). Article on types of tires best for Opel, effect of air pressure on handling, mpg, ride. - Continue GT maintenance/repair/restoration help articles - Is there an article on removal and replacement of the dash panels - More of the same, preservation and common repairs - Aero GT History

Any other (constructive) comments regarding OMC? - Keep up all the good work, especially the publishing of The Blitz - Please say ‘Thanks’ to all who serve or who have served the club - Doing as best as possible - Maintain Club independence - Great work

THE OMC

2009 Treasurer Recap Blitz Expenses, including Printing & Postage: $3,512.22 ( Includes $302.70 in “Rebates & Discounts” from our printer ). Web Expenses: $ 127.80

In 2010 the treasury will be used for placing reservation deposits on the sites where the 30th Anniversary OMC Event will be held, including the Laguna Seca racetrack and the Concorso Italiano.

2009 Blitz Editor Report Generally received positive feedback for Blitz issues published in 2009. Other: “Outside-Source” Digital Scanning Efforts (results will be available to Editor, for article reprints in the future). 1996 thru Current issues are already scanned. Older issues are pending to be scanned (1986 to 1995). Some even older OMC issues are being complied

OMC President’s Message

Hello OMC members,

As the newly elected OMC president, I would like to thank you for your votes. Let me use this opportunity to introduce myself.

I was born and raised in Germany. One of my first jobs was at an Opel dealership in Germany, even have a car salesman license. I do accounting for a living. In 2002 I moved to Northern California with my family - wife and 2 girls - when I had the chance to transfer from my employer’s Munich office to Sacramento. I grew up in a true Opel family. My Dad bought his first Opel, a Rekord A 1500, when I was about 5. Then followed a Rekord C 1.9, a Commodore B 2.5S, a Commodore C 2.5S, Monza 2.2i, Omega A 2.0i, Omega B 2.0i, and just last year he downsized and bought a new Opel Astra 1.6. My first car was a brand new Kadett D 1.3SR in 1981, followed by an Ascona C 1.3. Always liked the GT, so I got one around 1986, a 72 GT/J which I took to many European GT meets with other club members. Number 2 followed in 1994, a 69 GT re-imported from San Bernardino, CA. Still have the blue license plate that came with the car. At the same time I had a 1995 Tigra. Traded both cars for an Astra F Caravan 1.8 16V, when our first daughter arrived, then an Omega A Caravan, which I sold when we left Germany. After 5 Opel-free years (having not even seen one on the Californian roads during that time), I decided it was time again to look for this special GT. Purchased a rust free 71 automatic with tired but original paint. With a few exceptions, I have restored the entire car in the last few years, including engine, 4-speed swap, interior and paint. Now, 2010 is a very special year for the OMC, the 30th anniversary. As Gil announced in the last Blitz, we will have a fantastic gathering in Monterey in August. We both attended the 2009 Concorso event, where I showed my GT. This is car enthusiasts’ heaven. The show is geared towards European sports cars, and we will fit right in with our Opels. Laguna Seca is always a highlight of the Monterey week. You will have access to the Paddock area, can’t get any closer to the action. Please check this Blitz issue for registration details.

That’s it for now. Hope you get all your projects done over the Winter, to be ready for some cruising in Spring.

Take care. Your new OMC President, Dieter Stenger.

OMC 30th Anniversary Celebration: August 13th. 14th. & 15th. 2010

Come join OMC as we celebrate our 30th. anniversary of maintaining the Opel Marque.

This year OMC is returning to Laguna Seca, which also marks 20 years since we had our Picnic at the Laguna Seca race track in 1990.

This also coincides with the Monterey Historic Races, the Concorso Italiano and the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

It’s all happening in Northern California, just 1 hour south of San Francisco, in the Monterey Bay.

OMC has reserved 3 oversized track-side campsites (turn 9/10) at Laguna Seca Raceway. The camp site is between the paddocks and ‘Corkscrew’ corner.

Oversized tents will be available for those who wish to camp with us track-side. Please sign up with us in advance for space. OMC will have the BBQ, food, drinks etc. available.

EVENTS SCHEDULE:

Friday, Aug. 13th - Concorso Italiano, Laguna Seca Golf Course, Monterey, CA

Saturday, Aug. 14th - Monterey Historic Races, Laguna Seca Raceway, OMC BBQ

Sunday, August 15th - Choose your venue; Trackside with us & the Historic Races, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Drive your Opel on 17-Mile Drive, Historic downtown Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey Bay Aquarium? It’s your choice.

DETAILS:

Concorso Italiano: A premier world-class car event exclusively focused on all European cars, emphasizing Italian cars. In 2009 our lone Opel GT (owned by Dieter Stenger) drew considerable attention. Visitors walked past rows of Porsches and Mercedes to admire the GT.

Ever wished you could go to a car show where there is no Hot-Rod parked next to you? Then... you ‘do not’ want to miss out on this high-class all European-Car event. Period! Imagine parking your Opel on a manicured golf course, just down the fairway from millions of dollars worth of exotic Porsches, Mercedes, BMWs and Ferraris? Can you see it in your minds-eye?

The entry-fee covers the Opel, you and your passenger for ‘one’ price. (Which is less expensive then general admission for two people.) So, make your reservations early and save $$.

Monterey Historic Races: Where can you go and see beloved famous race cars and classic vintage garage queens take to the track and show off what they are made of! Watch then come screaming down the front straight into the challenging double left hander, run under the Michelin bridge, race up the back ridge, crest the top of the hill and drop down into the world-famous corkscrew. This is where its all going to happen, and we’ll be there too!

Stay with us trackside, hang out, BBQ, watch the races, and camp overnight (if you’re adventurous). It can’t get much better than that!

Planning Your Visit (2010 Picnic Weekend Details)

“Monterey in August” has earned a reputation as the premier destination for automotive enthusiasts, with some 40,000 attending celebratory events here each year.

In 2010, to mark our thirtieth anniversary as a club, OMC will join them. The same team behind our highly-successful 25th Anniversary Picnic weekend in 2005,

will once again be coordinating this world-class schedule of events for OMC.

We encourage OMC members to review our itinerary, to select from area lodging options, and to lock in their reservations as soon as is possible (to obtain the best rates available).

Friday, August 13th:

‘Concorso Italiano’ at the Laguna Seca Golf Course (9AM-5PM)

OMC will participate in this car show, and members are encouraged to attend (as either a “Spectator” or with a vehicle to show). Purchase of your ticket in advance is encouraged, as fees rise steadily until the day of the show.

For more information: www.concorso.com (ph. 425-742-0632)

Thursday Night through Sunday, August 12th to 15th:

“Monterey Historic Automobile Races” at Laguna Seca Raceway

OMC has reserved 3 track-side lots, as our “base camp” for the weekend. Our plans are to “tailgate” meals there (with BBQ, a hot griddle, iced drinks, etc.) and to set up a “dude ranch/crash pad” tent enclosure (as low-cost alternative to motels). The racetrack also offers reserved or general camping spaces (tent or RV) at extra cost.

For more information: http://www.mazdaraceway.com (ph. 800-327-7322)

Sunday August 15th:

The ”Concours d’ Elegance” which is held on the Pebble Beach Golf Course.

An attendance option, this is the most premier classic car show held in North America. Events include Pebble Beach awards, auction & exhibitions by the Automobile Fine Arts Society.

For more information see: www.pebblebeachconcours.net (ph. 831-622-1700)

Area Lodging: Most rooms in the immediate Monterey/Carmel area have been greatly marked up (starting at over $200 to $300-$400 per night) or are already sold out for this weekend in 2010.

The closest rooms we could find (below $200/night) were the Super 8 motel in Gilroy (ph. 408-848-4108) (about 30 or more miles from event sites). Service here varies, so book room(s) directly with this motel, then call again before arrival & carry a confirmation number or other proof of your reservation to check-in. Another alternative for fliers (75 miles away), is the DoubleTree Hotel in San Jose (408-453-4000).

Area Services: Gas, groceries and restaurants are readily available in Salinas. You can also shop in Monterey (though you may encounter more traffic, higher prices and slower service there due to the large number of travelers).

Area Airports: San Jose International (SJC) is the closest airport, recommended for interstate & international flights. San Francisco Airport (SFO) is recommended for most cross-country and international flights. Oakland (OAK) is located in a relatively unsafe area, and should not be considered for hotel/motels. These Airports are within a 2-hour drive (although traffic can cause delays between 3PM -8PM).

Additional Event Announcements and details will also appear in

future issues of the 2010 OMC Blitz.

Have any additional Questions? Please contact Gil Wesson at 209-928-1110 Monday-Friday 8-5 California time.

Participant Action Guide

(1) Tickets

Decide which venues you will attend. To obtain best rates, purchase in advance.

(2) Travel

Decide if you will participate with your Opel, or consider flying-in (plus a rental car)

(3) Accommodations

Decide if you want to reserve a local room (at “high-season” rates), or camp trackside with us, (or camp by yourself near the track, at extra cost)

Note: These events start in the $100 range (each) and prices rise (closer to event dates). Thousands of other car enthusiasts will also compete for limited tickets and local lodging. To guarantee your attendance, make your reservations as soon as is possible!

The history of captive imports is a tale of ill-starred orphans. If you recall the Plymouth Cricket (aka Hillman Avenger), Plymouth Fire Arrow, (aka Mitsubishi Lancer), or the Ford Sierra sold here as the Merkur XR4ti, you need to get out more.

Captive imports were usually marketed in the US until a competing domestic product came along, demand slackened, or the US dollar exchange rate shifted. Then they disappeared, along with parts and dealer support.

The GT started out in a promising enough fashion with renowned designers such as Clare Mc Kichan (think ‘55 Chevy) and Chuck Jordan involved. Like most sports cars of the day, it was based on a prosaic sedan, in this case, the Opel Kadett. Utterly conventional, with a live rear axle located by trailing arms and a Pan hard rod, sprung by coils, and sporting adequate disc/drum brakes, with decent rack and pinion steering and a relatively modern ‘cam-in-head’ 1.9L making a modest 90 hp. A much smaller displacement 1.1L version was available, but sold in low numbers in the USA.

Many observers liken the Opel GT to a 3/4 scale C3 Corvette. There are a lot of common cues, the four round tail lamps, hidden headlights, and swooping fender lines. But its resemblance to the 1964 Pontiac Banshee concept car is even more pronounced, down to the ovoid headlamp covers. Unfortunately, unlike the ‘Vette, the Opel was offered only as a hard-top only. The Corvette resemblance carried over into the interior with generally a similar dash layout (with its gauges) although the Opel sported a cool row of rocker switches flanking the cigarette lighter that the ‘Vette did not.

Side Note: An Opel GT was se-lected as Maxwell Smart’s ride during the final season of the classic sitcom “Get Smart”.

With around a 2,100 pound curb weight and modest power, one doesn’t expect much from the GT. Performance, however, is a cut above the MGB GT level. Many attribute this to the fact that Mc Kichan and crew had access to the University of Stuttgart wind tunnel. The GT was reputed to be the most

Affordable Classic: 1968-73 Opel GT

aerodynamic GM car of the era, boasting a 0 - 60 in under eleven seconds. Handling was decent though had a tendency to go straight if the driver entered a corner too exuberantly.

Over 70,000 GTs were sold in the US from 1968 to 1973. Which is no small achievement given the fact that GM chose its Buick division to be the official Opel outlet. Sales of the GT were brisk, with long waiting lines in ‘69 and ‘70. However, sales trailed off markedly after 1970, with the introduction of the Datsun 240Z.

After some 30 plus years examples can still be found on the road. Aside from rust and the usual ‘deferred maintenance’ that 30-plus-year-old cars always suffer from, there are few inherent problems. One exception, (according to GT owners online), is the stock Solex 32/32 DIDTA which is best replaced with a Weber DGV 32/36. An electronic ignition conver-sion is also advisable for trouble free

driving. Finally, check to see that the headlight wiring has been replaced as this has been known to cause serious electrical failures.

I am continually amazed at how many orphans cars seem to have at least one patron saint in the parts department. With the GT , that happens to be the aptly named Opel GT Source of Sonora, CA (http://www.opelgtsource.com). They can supply most mechanical parts as well as some unusual trim items that they reproduce, such as the unique lenses found on the car.

If you have wondered about the potential of the Opel GT, check out Virgilio Conrero’s record with racing GTs in Europe.

His 1,300-cc and 1,600-cc Alfas had dominated their classes when GM asked him to tackle the Opel GT. Conrero punched out the engine to just under two liters, bumped the compression ratio to 11:1, and added twin 45 DCOE Weber carburetors. With a bigger free flowing exhaust the power jumped to 190 hp in 1970. Astonishingly, in 1972 with the addition of a Kugel-fischer fuel injection system the power output topped out at a whopping 214 hp! Consequently the GT’s 0 - 60 time dropped to six seconds, and the quarter mile time dropped from 17.3 seconds at 75 mph to a phenomenal 15 seconds at 150 mph. By the time Conrerro finished with the chassis and suspension, the GT had beaten all its ‘class’ contenders in the 1971 Targa Florio, and finished ninth place overall.

Editors note: The last year the Targa Florio was held was May of 1973.

As a collectible, the GT will probably never rise to the stratospheric levels some muscle-cars of the era posses, but the rise in old car values has not missed the Opel GT. Nice cars trade on eBay in the $5,000-$8,000 range. Reportedly a couple rare, ‘documented ‘ under 500 mile examples sold recently for $18K, with a couple more heavily resto-mod GTs selling in the low $20K range. However, given the GT’s relative modest stock performance and general obscurity, don’t expect a huge return on your investment at resale. Do however expect a fun to drive automobile with the usual thumbs-up salutes from other drivers.

On our test drive, the owner and I spent quite a few extra minutes doing small things like, being accosted at the gas station with numerous questions about the Opel, and the usual, “who makes Opel” questions. We even had a couple of ‘obviously’ foreign tourist begin taking pictures of our little yellow Opel.

So, if the idea of a mini-Corvette appeals to you and you can handle some of the witless “Honey, I shrunk the Corvette” jokes, you could do far worse for your dollar.

Price Guide Values

Year Make/Model Low Average High 1968 - 7 3 Opel GT $3,500 $7,000 $12,000

Years Produced: 1968 to 1973 Number Produced: 103,463 Original List Price: $3,306 (1971) Tune-up Parts Cost: $110 (2009) Chassis # Location: Plate on passenger cowl Engine # Location: Stamped on flange, driver’s side of engine block Club Info. USA: Opel Motorsports Club (OMC) 3824 Franklin St. La Crescenta, CA 91214 OMC club Web Site: http://www.opelclub.com her USA Web sites: http://www.opelgt.com

by Rob Sass

It’s no secret that most automakers hone and further develop their sportiest models on Germany’s famous Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. The Nürburgring is considered the toughest and most demanding race track in the world. The “Ring” is used commonly by most automotive manufactures to do chassis and suspension testing.

Editor: GM’s Corvette division recently honed the suspension on its latest (and most powerful) Corvette on this same track.

Germany’s Opel division is no exception to this rule and has done extensive tested of the OPC Insignia on the ‘Ring’. The German automaker said that all vehicles in its OPC lineup complete a painstaking 10,000km (6,219 mile) testing around the 20.8km (12.9 miles) Nordschleife of the Nürburgring before they go on sale. While the German spokesperson for Opel did not disclose any lap times, the company said that a few days ago, the Insignia OPC sedan completed its final 10,000km ‘Ring-Challenge’ with no problems.

“The Insignia OPC sedan raced 487 laps for 12 days at some top speeds flawlessly. This kind of performance and quality is what we expect from all our Opel cars,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director of Opel.

Over the next few days, the Insignia Sports Touring OPC will also complete its final 10,000km testing around the track. Both versions of the Insignia OPC boast a 325HP, 2.8-liter V6 Turbo engine as well as Opel's Adaptive 4x4 transmission with an electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) and purpose-built Brembo brakes. The new 2010 OPC Insignia models are cur-rently on sale in Europe this year.

Info from: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/05/opel-insignia-opc-completes-10000km.html

Opel Insignia OPC completes 10K Testing Around the “Ring”

VEGA vs. OPEL: 1973 Car & Driver Vega Wins, while the Manta is Banned from SCCA racing.

http://h -body.org/library/vegabob/vega-car-and-driver -1973.html by Robert Spinello (vegabob)

In the 1970’s, Car & Driver magazine held a series of races against their readers for several years called the, “Car & Driver Showroom Stock Challenge.”

For Challenge III, in 1975, Car & Driver magazine entered a bronze 1973 Vega GT 4-speed coupe, they had purchased used for $1800. Entries up to two years old were allowed in this series. The only Vega entered it was driven by the magazine’s editor Patrick Bedard.

An Opel was also entered by C&D in this event. Up until 1975, the Opel Manta coupe dominated the showroom stock class. Although not the most powerful, it was fastest on track and after dominating its class, it was banned from SCCA showroom stock racing. The Opel 1900 Sedan (Ascona), however, was still allowed entry.

At the same time, Vega GT was now allowed to enter, including its 10 extra horsepower, 2 barrel carburetor, firm suspension and sway bars. Optional 4 speed and 2:92.1 final drive axle were also (now) legal.

Previously, showroom stock sedan class allowed no options. Only the base Vega sedan was allowed, which had 1 barrel carburetor, 3 -speed manual, 2.53:1 axle and std. (softly sprung) suspension. The base Vega was no match on the track for most of the others. Car & Driver had said of the base Vega (when it was the only model allowed) “If you’re looking to have fun, there will always be a few cars behind you at the finish, but if you’re a known born loser, look for another ride.” In 1975, when Car & Driver published their annual test of qualifying entries in the magazine, the ‘75 Vega GT was clocked fastest around Lime Rock road course by quite a margin.

SCCA Showroom Stocks: -Opel 1900 Sedan -Pinto 2000 -Dodge Colt -Toyota Corolla & Corona -Datsun 610 -Fiat 124 -VW Super Beetle -Vega/Vega GT - and others.....

The fact that now the Vega with GT equipment had the fastest lap time didn’t seem to phase any readers. Past races had shown the odds with the Opel, and again, many were entered.

The lone Vega GT entered by Car & Driver, beat every Opel, Pinto, Colt, Toyota and WON THE RACE. But an Opel was right on the Vega’s rear bumper until the finish like a heat seeking missile, according to Bedard.

Regardless of the problems the Vega had given Bedard during the race... -fuel starvation on left turns -wheel hop from 4-link rear suspension -295 degree engine temp by last lap (a temperature that the aluminum block could self destruct at) ...he held ‘em all off for the win. This was surely the Vega’s finest moment.

In victory lane, observing its battle-scared flanks, Bedard said he was starting to feel some warmth towards it. Bedard wrote, in his editorial column of issue covering event- “You have to admire a car like that. It must be the best; never mind all the horror stories you hear...some of them from me.” Editors Note: Having driven (and worked) all of these automobiles back in the 1980’s, as a full time mechanic. The clear

winner for me in longevity, handling, reliability and shear pleasure to drive was the Opel. Be it the 1900 or the Manta.

THE WINNER OPEL ASCONA

Sears, Roebuck & Company (Allstate) "Tag-a-long" Trailer

Sears, Roebuck and Company sold many products under the Allstate name, one of which was the 1-wheel trailer. So far at least 4 different models of the Sears (Allstate) trailers have been discovered.

The most popular model is affectionately known as the “Tag-a-Long” single wheel trailer. Sears also sold a less popular trailer with a wood box and a metal frame using what appears to be the same frame and wheel assembly.

The frame, body and wheel assembly of the third trailer are completely different from the other two Sears models.

The “Tag-a-Long” and the wood box trailers were sold as having a 500 pound hauling capacity along with many other features outlined on the vintage catalog pages. The dates of manufacturing are fairly unclear and an exact date may never really be known, but I have heard of a late ‘40s frame and know they were sold through the ‘60s. There is also a bit of controversy that these trailers may have been manufactured by a company in Canada and sold by Sears and Dunbar Kapple. This is one of the most popular single wheel trailers, yet I still have very limited information and would love to know more.

Such a trailer would be wonderful to have on a club outing. The other very neat feature is that you need no spe-cial instructions or maneuvers to back-up this trailer. The trailer follows the exact line the car does, as the rear wheel pivots 360 degrees.

If any of our members have more information, or perhaps you or a neighbor has owned one in the past, please drop me a line at: manta16v@yahoo.com I’d like to know more.

Found this on Ebay. One-wheel trailer, late 1950s, excellent condition. No damage. Will fit all VW bugs or busses, and with some custom brackets can be made to fit any vehicle. Dimensions: 42 inches wide, 70 inches long, 34 inches high. Approx. 175 lbs.

Above: Underside frame work of the Tag-a-Long trailer.

Right: The lesser know frame work trailer.

No need to bring the SUV the next time you go down to the garden center. Just bring you tag-a-long and your vintage car and you will be the envy of every person in the parking lot.

This photo was take at the Opel GT meet in southern Germany in May 2008.

Are you ready for your next Tail-Gate party?

Not all hobbyists are content with being a regular Joe. But standing out from the crowd does require diligence, a good eye for aesthetics, and a health dose of fabrication skills. The owner of this P1 Opel had both the skills and follow through that such a challenging build involves. Besides some obvious rust repair on the lower left quarter the body was extended another 18 inches to create the proper proportions. Also the use of a domed pop-up trailer cover was also ingenious. I am sure the outlay of cash was also substantial, but the end results can not be denied. A true work of art.

Opel - Concept & Design Study Cars

On the following pages are just some of Opel’s design study, concept & show circuit cars. Most were only shown on the show circuit to whet the appetites of journalists, others have rarely seen the light of day outside of Opel’s to management, while a

select few have gone on to become full production car success stories, like the Opel GT.

In Geneva Switzerland in 1975, Opel revealed a beautifully streamlined two-seater concept car called the ‘Genève’. Engineered to accept a rotary engine, its original name was the GT/W or ‘W’ for Wankel.

Unfortunately, GM dropped its rotary engine development program before the car was completed. Opel Design hastily renamed the car and exhibited its fiberglass mock-up as an eye-catcher at the show.

Editor’s Note: This would have been a perfect successor to the ‘73 Opel GT.

1982 – Opel Corsa Spider The spectacular fiberglass ‘Corsa Spider’ concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982. A fiberglass cover was designed to give the Corsa its Spyder look, transforming this four seater into a two seater. In the same way, covering the front passenger seat gave the Spider the look of a single-seat race car. Much to the dismay of many fans, Opel did not put the Corsa Spider into production.

1992 - Opel Twin Highlights of the Twin concept car included interchangeable drive units, with the engine, transmission, rear axle and energy accumulator housed inside. This allowed the vehicle to run on whichever drive assembly made the most environmental and economical sense. For highway driving for instance, there was a three cylinder gasoline engine with a 0.8 liter displacement and 34 hp, and for city or short distance driving, an electric unit with two wheel-hub motors, each producing 14 hp. Arranging all the drive assemblies in the rear allowed for a variation to the usual seating layout. Instead of sitting front left, the driver had a central single seat position, while three more passengers were able to sit in the back.

1975 - Opel GT/W Genève

1995 - Opel Maxx Instead of a conventional steel body, the Opel Maxx had a stable light alloy structure made of extruded aluminum profiles like a cage, which was visible from the outside. The form and dimensions of the profiles were variable, ensuring exceptional flexibility. The idea behind it was that instead of the two door and two seat basic version, Opel was also able to build a four door extended version with four or even six seats. Editor’s Note: The now popular OPC ‘Blue’ interior color is first seen in this concept car.

1997 - Opel Signum Concept The Signum was a concept for an elegant sedan with a long wheelbase and very spacious passenger compartment, featuring an interior arrangement with unprecedented flexibility in a car of this kind. The new idea became reality in 2003, when Opel launched a Signum that reflected the principle and innovation of the initial concept: maximum interior size and flexibility.

1999 - Opel Concept A Distinguishing features of the “Concept A” microvan study were exceptional design, high levels of functionality and ultra-modern, environmentally compatible propulsion technology. Its striking look was just as impressive as its high variability, which allowed the compact five door microvan to be transformed from a four seater into a spacious load carrier. Raised seat positions made getting into and out of the vehicle easier and made traveling more relaxing. The smart Opel fun car was powered by a particularly low-emission “bivalent” engine and, at the touch of a button, ran on gasoline or compressed natural gas.

Editor’s Note: The Concept A served as the forerunner to the Opel Agila. Of note is the, then ultra modern, hide- away in dash navigation system.

2002 - Opel Concept M The “Concept M” was a sporty and environmentally-friendly concept van from Opel. With a height of 64 inches, the dynamically styled, compact body had plenty of space for four passengers. The 1.6 L, 150 hp natural gas turbo engine, combined with the automated “Easytronic” manual transmission familiar from the Corsa, formed a very promising drive train concept. The high quality cabin was also ultra-modern and boasted great potential for a variety of innovative and flexible interior solutions.

Editor’s Note: The Concept M became a great market success as the Opel Meriva. The OPC blue returned, along with many cues found on present day Opels.

2003 - Opel GTC Genève With the GTC Genève, Opel unveiled a sporty three door concept car that inspired many elements of the Astra GTC and showcased both world class styling combined with comfortable seating for four people. The champagne silver concept car featured a tinted, transparent roof that stretched from the windshield to the rear window, and the design team took the GTC’s proportions (L/W/H)to the extreme. 14’-3” long, 5’-9.75” wide and 4’-5.25” tall.

Editor’s Note: The glass roof Astra debuted in Palm Springs, CA in 2007.

2004 - Opel Trixx The Opel TRIXX was a true multi-talent. There was either room for up to three adults and one child, or plenty of load capacity converted into a one seater. Three electrically powered pantograph doors enabled very easy access for passengers and cargo loading. Other ingenious ideas included an inflat-able rear seat, a foldaway front passen-ger’s seat and a rear pull out luggage rack. This clever feature, which is today known as “Flex-Fix”, is now in series production and optionally available for the new Corsa and Antara.

Opel GT2

Opel Design & Concept Car Showing Opel rarely shows design cars to the outside public, even their current display of museum cars at the end of the factory-tour in Russelsheim, does not house most of these cars, however in May of the previous year Opel held a galley -style exposition at Opel Live on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring 2, in Russelsheim.

Most of these cars, spanning four decades, have rarely or never been seen by the general public. Garnering a few success story exceptions, such as the GT prototype from the Frankfurt IAA in 1965 which became the fabled 1968-73 Opel GT. Most other concepts have never been seen outside of Opels hallowed walls. These include vehicles such as the G100 concept car from 1999 and the Aluminum-Roadster. Other concept cars like the Concept M and the Opel GTC Genève present styling cues which later were translated onto production cars like the Opel Zafira and Vectra.

Below are a few more interesting concepts that never made it into production.

Opel Expierimental, Frankfurt International Auto Show

Opel G90

Opel CD concept 1

Early Manta B Concept

Opel GT2: The GT2 design study (which was supposed to be a successor for the classic GT, served as an idea’s donor for the third generation Pontiac Firebird in the early 80s.

Opel GT2

Answer from Page 27: 12 Volt Generator Kadett 1966-1972 1.1L Note I: Generators are very rare past 1970 Note II: 1965 & older Kadett 1.0L engines used 6 Volt generators.

This metallic green 1973 Opel GT is owned by Mr. Art Bryant of Forney, TX which is located 20 miles east of Dallas. To quote Mr. Bryant, “At least 99% of all the modifications and restoration was done with parts and help from Opel GT Source. Although all work was done by myself, I could not have done it without OGTS.”

“Well, for the last 2 years (retired so now I have the time) I have finally finished the resto-ration. She went on her ‘Phoenix’ voyage in the middle of November 2005, after being off the road since 1980.”

“Tech Tips from OGTS in rewir-ing headlights, installing a relay (from Radio Shack) in the starter circuit, adding a third brake light, replacing the gas tank vent lines and other tips were extremely helpful.”

“I rebuilt the 1.9 liter engine (bearings, rings, oil pump, tim-ing chain, etc.) and added a mild street cam (Isky) and in-stalled a Bosch 2.0L LE fuel injection system.”

“The interior received new carpet, headliner, and seat covers. The seats were stripped down to the frame, cleaned and re-painted prior to installing new covers. The rest of the interior was cleaned and some parts painted with special vinyl paint. A new radio with a CD/MP3 player along with 4 new speakers (4” speakers installed into the lower fresh air vents and installed 6” speakers into the rear window tray). Tinted windows were installed to aid A/C efficiency (the tinting does comply with Texas state law. The GM A/C system was also retrofitted to run on modern 134a Freon verses the old R12.”

“The chassis was upgraded with a 1” front and 3/4” rear anti-sway bars. The stock front brake calipers were rebuilt while the rears received new wheel cylinders. The old master cylinder was also discarded in favor of a new master cylinder.”

“The body work consisted of replacing the belly pan with a new fiberglass unit and repainting the body in a light metallic platinum green. The under chassis also received a new coat of undercoating. The stock 73 4 spoke wheels were restored, repainted and shod with new rubber.”

“I had never done anything like this before, just minor ‘shade tree’ repairs on vehicles I have owned in the past.”

“The end result is the dream of many 61 year old men; ‘A sleek, sexy, fast, fun, 33 year old… Opel GT.’

“Thanks to OGTS for their quality parts both new and used and all the technical advice you gave me.”

Sincerely, Art Bryant

Art Bryant’s 1973 GT

“I had never done anything like this before, just minor ‘shade tree’ repairs on vehicles I have owned in the past.”

Above: GM Frigidaire Dealer installed A/C system

Opels in My Yard, Colfax, IN by Paul Tipton

Just a little story of the meet I put on once a year. It is just a small outing for Opel enthusiasts with or without a car. I have hosted this for four years now and it seems to get better every year. Although last year we had more rain than anyone should have, but we still have a great turnout.

Colfax is located in the north central part of Indiana and is easy to find. It’s about 40 miles north of Indianapolis just off of Interstate 65. There is no charge and no trophies, just good food and Opel-talk. This year we had 11 Opel GTs, one 1963 Porsche Super 60 and a Dodge Avenger. The guy came out just to check-out the Opels.

The get together starts whenever everyone get here and ends the same way. I have a pretty good sized yard and would like to see it full of Opels someday. For a town of 750 people, that would surely be something!

Colfax doesn’t really have any motels, but Tom from Cinnci has a bed in his trailer that keeps Ms. Opel in and that worked out well. We got to drink a couple of brews Friday night and got to get to know each other better. I try to hold this get together on about the first weekend of June. Trying to miss some of the other big events.

I have had people from as far away as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri and a lot of people from Indiana. Talk about a lot of people stopping by just to look. Most say they thought they might see one or two Opels together,… but this many, WOW!

So, you might want to mark your calendar and check the opelgt.com site next year (2010) for a post on this event.

Paul Tipton, Colfax, IN

Opel Trivia: 1. Can you identify this Opel item?

and

2. Which Opel model/s sold in the USA were they used on. Submit your answers to: manta16v@yahoo.com Hint: It’s approximately 13 inches long. Answer page 23.

OPEL GT SOURCE Open Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Pacific 9am - 6pm Mountain 10am - 7pm Central 11am - 8pm Eastern

Catalog: $4.00

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4004, Sonora, CA 95370 USA UPS Shipping Address: 18211 Zeni Lane, Tuolumne, CA 95379 USA

New, Reproduction, Used & High Performance parts for: Opel GT, Manta A, 1900 Sedan, Wagon & Kadett B

Direct Importer. Same Day Shipping policy. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover. Serving the Opel Community Since 1987

Orders: 1-800-673-5487 Info: 1-209-928-1110 Fax: 1-209-928-3298 Web: www.opelgtsource.com Email: OpelGTS@OpelGTSource.com

Sales Brochures

OPEL ORIGINAL sales brochures showing all Opel models, interiors, features for the year. Great for Restorations or Gifts! ALL PRICES PER YEAR: 1947-49, $40; 1950-54, $35; 1955-64, $25; 1965-69, $18; 1970-present, $15. Add $4.95 shipping. Specify year & model. Visa/MC. Also have literature, manuals, all cars, trucks, motorcycles, world-wide. Visit our website: http://www.autolit.com E-mail: info@autolit.com Walter Miller, 6710 Brooklawn, Syracuse NY 13211 Tele: (315) 432-8282 Fax: 315-432-8256

Opels For Sale, by Private Parties

1968 Opel Commodore $4000. Ask for Tobie 757-255-0925 (VA)

1970 GT California Car, no rust, bought from original owner. Black exterior, 2.2L engine, 5 speed GETRAG transmission, Big Brakes, HRE 15-inch wheels, Lenk Tuning body kit, additional features & parts. Signed by original GT designers. $12,000. or best offer Call Jerry (805) 526-3765 (CA)

1970 Opel GT Straight, needs restoration $1500. Call 469-682-3646 Mark (TX)

1970 Kadett Wagon 4 speed, needs some work $1200. Call 727-657-1980 (FL)

1974 Manta White/red, auto, a/c $2995 Call 719-205-4820 (CO)

1967 Kadett Rallye Rust free, motor apart, comes with extra parts, original wheels, grille, round front lights, can be made into original period race car, lost title $1250 Call 562-691-1109 (CA)

Classified Ads

The Opel Motorsport Club offers Advertising as a service to its members and does not endorse or bear responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. OMC strongly suggests exercising caution in any transactions for items, including: Checking out Vendor reputation on Internet discussion boards such as at: www.opelgt.com

YOUR ONE STOP OPEL SHOP

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.OPELSUNL.COM

COMPLETE PARTS & SERVICES

FOR ALL OPELS FROM

1960 TO 1980 “If You Bought It Somewhere Else,

You Paid Too Much”

1310 N. TAMARIND AVE. RIALTO, CA 92376 PHONE: 909-355-OPEL FAX: 909-355-6557

Opel GT Batmobile - Sold, for $9000

An astonishing 93% of online voters felt paying $200,000 for a 1981 Buick Regal with a Gale Banks prototype turbo V6 engine would require a trip to the psychiatrist. Today’s feature car sold for considerably less, and I can see how driving this Opel GT would be pretty fun. However, once the novelty of owning such a unique vehicle wore -off,… ? Nine thousand is what the winning bidder paid for this highly modified 1973 Opel GT.

We wish the new owner many enjoyable miles, and we also hope they like extreme amounts of attention!