This is the first new development by Opel after the war. This was the first new development by Opel after the war. It was called as the successor of the Olympia from 1948, but the was only slightly changed compared to the Olympia from 1936. It was the first Rekord and there were many more to come, for it belonged relatively quickly to the three most frequently vehicles registered in Germany. And that was quite remarkable for a more middle class car in a period of reconstruction. This was also due to the price which was only slightly above DM 1,000 of the VW Beetle. Consequently, it effected also price cuts of its competitors. Almost inexplicable how such a modification of its predecessor was economically possible. Whereby also significant changes under the sheet metal would be to mention. The conversion to the shape of a pontoon has been the quantum leap for many manufacturers (e.g. Ford and Mercedes) of that time. The front axle was simplified and refined to the steering knuckles. There were already ball joints at least at the upper wishbones, which were introduced by other manufacturers only much later. The axle drive was changed and the steering with worm and roller was now also better. Duplex drum brakes front with a larger braking surface rounded out the picture. Well, it was an conservative car. But at times very tight budgets, even for the middle class one was glad for every piece of reliability. And presumably the Opel Olympia has particularly scored here. People gathered probably more common in the pre-television time and thus had more opportunity to exchange information. And if you can not afford a flop, one is glad for every tip. Of course, the American influence on the design of the car was unmistakable, will even increase. But In this regard, particularly stood out three things. First there was the passion for deep-sea fishing attributed to the American chief designer. The, the car owed the shark-mouth. Rear remained only a little of the rocket mode. And finally, the whole car was "clothed" in pastel shades. After all, the Olympia Rekord stood out pleasing from the gray mass of also new cars of those years. Once again, you have to mention the unwanted annual model change by German customers as undisputed American way of thinking. Woe betide, if you had bought in spring, then you had an outdated car after half a year. Even worse: In the U.S., was also deliberately changed the front, what the Model change made even more obvious. 02/14