I recently bought a 1981 Opel Rekord estate (2l) for a song, as there was some surface rust, a broken exhaust and nobody could be bothered to re-spray it or save it. It has 65k miles on the clock, a near perfect orange(!) interior, and is a joy to drive. I sprayed it cream instead of the original white, and use it as an everyday family car. I had a 1984 model some years ago, and this one reminded me of the comfort to be had from older cars, particularly Opels. ( I have owned an Omega and a Senator in my time)They are built to last, and even the brake cylinders are cheap and easy to source. A great and sadly overlooked car with the comfort performance and reliability to cope with any demands thrust upon it on todays roads. The whole project, including the re-spray, brakes and general sevicing, cost me about 1000 Euros (including the derisory 200 paid for the actual car to a pathetically grateful owner who was certain he would have to scrap it) I imagine the body parts would be hard to come by, particularly in Ireland where I live, as most of these cars have been put through the crusher by now, and very few people are willing to save them, as there is no obvious profit to be made from ownership of such an unfashionable car. The truth is that the profit is to be made in owning and using the car rather than in looking to its projected value in the future, which at present looks bleak. It may not have the style of a Jaguar or the speed of a lotus, but then again it doesn't cost as much as a side panel of either of them would, if you are lucky enough to find one and brave enough to buy it! Bravery had little part to play in my decision, which was primarily financial. It is cheap and reliable, and can be driven on clasic insurance thus freeing up my main insurance for my wife, whose tastes are less eccentric than my own. I also own a 1983 Mercedes 230E, likewise driven on classic insurance since it passed its 20th birthday, and with which I could never bear to part. But that's another story!
Owned for 1 year.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed February 2003.
Performance
Reliability
Parts Availability
Overall Value for Money
I had an 1979 Opel Rekord estate auto for eight years. In that time I nearly re-built the whole car adding larger tyres chrome roof bars and body kit. It cost me a fortune but was a stunning unique vehicle, in a1 condition. People would stop me and comment on the car. Sadly I sold the car at a give away ten years ago. I may have a picture if anyone is [Log in to view email]
Owned for more than 5 years.
Showing reviews 1
to 2
of
2.
Important Note
All ratings and reviews are submitted by visitors to this web site, and represent their own personal opinion. They do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Preloved.
You use this information at your own risk. Preloved can not be held responsible for any damages or loss resulting from the use of this site. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
