1973 Opel GT 1900 A-L – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
It was marketed in the United States with the slogan “Only flying is more fun.” By 1973, the Opel GT 1900 A-L had already established itself as one of the most distinctive compact sports cars of its era, combining European styling with transatlantic ambition. Its proportions, hidden headlamps, and 1.9-liter engine made it instantly recognizable in a segment that was rapidly evolving.
Technical Details
The 1973 Opel GT 1900 A-L was powered by a front-mounted inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,897 cc. This CIH (cam-in-head) engine produced approximately 90 PS (SAE gross figures were commonly quoted higher in earlier years), delivering power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. A three-speed automatic transmission was also available in certain markets, particularly in North America. The GT followed a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, consistent with its platform origins.
The chassis was derived from the Opel Kadett B, though shortened and adapted for sports car proportions. Suspension consisted of independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, while the rear used a live axle located by trailing arms and a Panhard rod. Braking was handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, in line with contemporary compact sports car standards. Top speed was typically cited at around 185 km/h, depending on specification and market configuration. The A-L designation indicated a higher trim level with improved interior fittings and comfort features compared to earlier base variants.
- Manufacturer: Opel (Adam Opel AG)
- Model name: Opel GT 1900 A-L
- Year of manufacturing: 1973
Design
The Opel GT’s design remains its defining characteristic. Styled under the direction of Opel’s design chief Charles “Chuck” Jordan, the car reflected strong American influence despite being engineered and built in Europe. Its long hood, short rear deck, and flowing fastback roofline created proportions rarely seen in European compact cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
A key visual feature was the manually operated pop-up headlamp system. Unlike later electrically actuated systems, the GT’s headlamps were rotated into position by a mechanical lever inside the cabin. When closed, the headlights lay flush with the bodywork, contributing to the car’s clean nose profile. At the rear, round taillights reinforced the GT’s sports car identity.
The body was constructed from steel sheet metal and built largely by Brissonneau & Lotz in France before final assembly in Germany. The cabin was compact and driver-focused, with a low seating position and a full-width dashboard housing round instruments. The A-L trim level included upgraded upholstery and additional detailing, enhancing comfort while maintaining the car’s minimalist sports car atmosphere.
Historical Significance
The Opel GT was first presented as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965 and entered production in 1968. By 1973, it had become Opel’s image-defining sports car. The GT 1900 played a crucial role in strengthening Opel’s export strategy, particularly in the United States, where it was sold through Buick dealers.
Total production of the Opel GT between 1968 and 1973 reached approximately 103,463 units. The majority were equipped with the 1.9-liter engine rather than the smaller 1.1-liter variant. The GT demonstrated that Opel, traditionally associated with practical family cars, could also produce a compact sports car with international appeal. Its development reflected close cooperation within General Motors, blending European engineering with American design sensibilities.
By 1973, tightening emissions regulations—especially in the United States—and changing market conditions brought production to an end. Nevertheless, the Opel GT’s five-year production run established it as one of the most recognizable German sports coupes of its era.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The Opel GT is often nicknamed the “baby Corvette,” a comparison drawn from its curving fenders and fastback silhouette. While mechanically unrelated to Chevrolet’s sports car, the visual similarity was reinforced by its GM connection and American marketing strategy.
Its advertising campaign in the United States, built around the slogan “Only flying is more fun,” became closely associated with the model’s identity. The manually operated rotating headlights remain one of its most discussed quirks, requiring a physical twist of a central lever rather than an electric switch.
Today, the Opel GT enjoys a dedicated following among classic car enthusiasts in both Europe and North America. Its compact dimensions, relatively simple mechanical layout, and distinctive styling have ensured its continued visibility at historic car events.
Display and preservation
The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.
Conclusion
The 1973 Opel GT 1900 A-L represents the final phase of Opel’s first dedicated postwar sports coupe. Technically straightforward but carefully engineered, it combined a 1.9-liter inline four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive and a compact, balanced chassis. Its design, characterized by hidden headlights and flowing lines, gave it a lasting visual identity. Historically, the model played a central role in Opel’s international ambitions, particularly in the United States. More than five decades later, the Opel GT 1900 A-L remains a concise expression of early-1970s European sports car design shaped by global influences.
