Cars

Opel Kadett C Celebrates 50 Years: a Car with a Lot of Talents

Recently, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric debuted at the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich. The event is a reason to take an excursion into the history of the successful model and remember its outstanding predecessor – the Opel Kadett.

The 3rd-generation Kadett C was launched 50 years ago as a global model, and it was the most technologically advanced and versatile Kadett up to that time. It featured a new double-wishbone suspension, rear-wheel drive, a flat grille, and a hood with a signature crease; it was easy to maintain and economical to operate.

Between 1973 and 1979, Opel made the Kadett C (Vauxhall Chevette in the UK) in several body styles: 2- and 4-door sedans, 3- or 5-door wagons, a coupe, both regular and luxury versions.

The C-generation model became the first production Kadett with three-point seat belts. The manufacturer also thoroughly worked on the ergonomics of the interior: all buttons and switches were easily accessible and read.

A stabilizer bar came as standard; the width of the track increased by 20 mm to improve handling and stability on the road. The improved rear axle contributed to neutral handling and a high level of active safety.

The original Opel Kadett C offered efficient 1.2-liter engines with 38 kW/52 hp and 44 kW/60 hp. In 1975, a 1.0-liter 40-hp gasoline engine joined.

Opel Kadett C
Opel Kadett Gen 3

A sporty GT/E version arrived with a 1.9-liter 77 kW/105 hp engine and Bosch’s new generation K-Jetronic fuel feed system in 1975. The car could reach a maximum speed of 184 km/h – good for those years and had a distinctive color – a combination of bright yellow and black.

Opel Kadett GT/E
Opel Kadett GT/E

Besides, Opel continued its sports traditions with a Rallye Kadett racing variant.

Opel used the Kadett C as the basis for its OSV 40 Concept released in 1974 to show that passive safety can be achieved not only in large and heavy vehicles but in compact lightweight models too. The OSV 40 weighed only 960 kg and was designed to withstand a head-on collision with a hard obstacle at 40 mph – hence, the ’40’ on the nameplate.

And now the newest Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric continues the best traditions of the brand.

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