Opel Kapitän / Admiral

It is the ultimate attempt to advance in the upper class. One has undertaken a lot, as the almost exclusively developed by GM design studios vehicle shows. It has become significantly straighter and larger. Past the possible criticism due to small rear doors. The design of the 50's passe, too big and too squiggly. What is presented here, despite the size is the line of rationality.

After the air resistance should not be asked of course. However, it may not be quite so bad, if a car with this enormous cross-section surface is fast at 103 kW (140 hp) 180 km/h. You have to compare the body with the then competitors, e.g. Mercedes brings a similarly modern form first 1968. Although BMW is offering modern styled cars, but these are at least one class smaller.

The Admiral differs from the Kapitän only by the equipment. Thus are here contrary to the bench in a single piece of the Kapitän bucket seats in front, which one can fold easily to reclining seats because of the not yet usual head restraints. There are also less important details such as the rear center armrest, the carpet and a few additional lighting and control lamps.

In 1969 it is the last attempt, still to achieve respectable sales figures. The body has lost a bit length and a bit more width. There is now an engine with fuel injection, highly praised by the testers. He is regarded as quiet and proves itself by the nature of his performance more than worthy the upper class, of course, including the three-speed automatic transmission.

The undercarriage is upgraded significantly. Click on the button above and you will see the new rear axle, which significantly differ from the old. Unfortunately, the possibilities of this construction are not fully utilized through too hard configuration. A pity that Opel obviously has not developed to an end a top class model with very good constructive conditions. Maybe there is thus no direct successor. 10/09