1962 Opel Kapitän – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

The Opel Kapitän nameplate had been part of Opel’s portfolio since before the Second World War and evolved steadily into a core offering in the postwar decades. By the 1950s, the model had become a genuine sales success in the upper class, and the introduction of the P 2,6 in 1959 marked the high point of that development.

Technical Details:

The Opel Kapitän P 2,6 sold in 1962 belonged to the “P” generation produced from 1959 to 1963 and was defined by solid, conservative engineering aimed at comfort and long-distance cruising. Power came from a front-mounted inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,605 cc. This Sechszylinder-Reihenmotor produced 90 PS at 4,100 rpm, delivering smooth torque rather than aggressive acceleration. Power was sent to the rear wheels, maintaining the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout expected in the executive-class segment of the period. With a top speed of around 150 km/h, the Kapitän was well suited to sustained Autobahn travel rather than sporting use.

The body was of self-supporting steel construction, in line with Opel’s established unibody practice. One of the most relevant technical updates for the 1962 model year was the availability of power steering, introduced that year and significantly improving low-speed maneuverability for such a large sedan. Transmission options also reflected Opel’s early embrace of driving comfort: alongside the standard manual gearbox, a three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission had been available as an extra since summer 1960. Period documentation confirms that 1962 cars were fully supported in this regard, with German-language owner’s manuals dated January 1962 and dedicated Hydramatic workshop manuals issued in early 1962. This places the 1962 Kapitän firmly within a mature technical ecosystem that balanced traditional mechanical layouts with comfort-oriented innovations.

• Manufacturer: Opel
• Model name: Kapitän P 2,6
• Year of manufacturing: 1959-1963

Design:

The Opel Kapitän was Opel’s long-running large saloon, positioned in the upper-middle or executive class, and by the late 1950s it had clearly adopted a strongly US-influenced design language. The Kapitän P 2,6 is closely associated with the panoramic windscreen, or “Panoramascheibe,” which wrapped around the front corners and became a visual signature of the P generation. Chrome detailing, broad body surfaces, and subtly suggested tailfins gave the car a transatlantic appearance that aligned with contemporary American trends.

As a four-door sedan built from steel sheet metal, the Kapitän projected size and presence rather than delicacy. Large windows contributed to a bright interior and reinforced the feeling of space, while the overall proportions emphasized length and width over height. Inside, the focus was on comfort for long journeys, with wide seating and a calm, uncluttered layout. By the early 1960s, however, this design language was beginning to feel dated in Europe, where tastes were slowly shifting toward cleaner, more restrained forms. In 1962, the Kapitän still embodied Opel’s idea of prestige, but it also stood at the edge of a stylistic turning point.

Historical Significance:

The Opel Kapitän nameplate had been part of Opel’s portfolio since before the Second World War and evolved steadily into a core offering in the postwar decades. By the 1950s, the model had become a genuine sales success in the upper class, and the introduction of the P 2,6 in 1959 marked the high point of that development. With its panoramic windscreen, hints of tailfins, and proven six-cylinder engine now delivering 90 PS, the car offered a combination of size, power, and price that few competitors could match. Priced just under 10,000 Deutsche Mark, it was widely described as offering exceptional value.

The Kapitän P 2,6 went on to become the most-produced Kapitän variant overall, with a total production of approximately 145,618 units between 1959 and 1963. For 1962 specifically, production reached 32,848 cars, split between the standard version and the more luxurious “L” trim. At the same time, this period also marked the beginning of declining sales, as the model’s US-oriented styling increasingly clashed with changing European tastes. As such, the 1962 Kapitän represents a moment when the formula was still intact and well-developed, even as the market began to move on.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Opel Kapitän of the early 1960s is consistently described as a comfort-focused cruiser rather than a sporty sedan. Its long gear ratios and smooth six-cylinder engine encouraged relaxed driving, with many owners noting that it felt almost “shift-lazy” by design. The emphasis was on effortless progress, quiet cruising, and a soft ride, qualities that suited its target audience.

Beyond its mechanical character, the Kapitän became a socio-economic symbol during the Wirtschaftswunder years. In German and French automotive commentary, it is often portrayed as a car for those who had “made it”: successful professionals and families who wanted to display upward mobility without venturing into more exclusive premium brands. Among Opel enthusiasts and in classic car press, the Kapitän P 2,6 is affectionately labeled “Einfach Kult,” reflecting its status as a cult car that captures the spirit of its era rather than outstanding performance figures.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.

Conclusion:

The 1962 Opel Kapitän P 2,6 stands as a well-developed expression of Opel’s executive-class ambitions at the start of the 1960s. With its smooth 2.6-liter inline-six engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, optional Hydramatic automatic transmission, and newly available power steering, it offered a refined and comfort-oriented driving experience. Its panoramic-windscreen design and American-influenced styling defined the P generation, even as market tastes began to change. As the most-produced Kapitän variant and a recognized symbol of postwar prosperity, the Kapitän P 2,6 remains an important reference point in Opel’s history and in the broader story of German large saloons of the Wirtschaftswunder era.