Classic Collectible But Not Cliché: 1972 Opel GT
Driving a classic Opel GT will have the vast majority of people scratching their heads, and a few Opel (and Buick!) enthusiasts rapt with glee. The little GT doesn’t just put a smile on the faces of the lunatic fringe, but it also proves to people out there that a classic German car doesn’t need to you don’t need a V8 to have a good time. Find this 1972 Opel GT offered for $6,500 in Maplewood, MN via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
From the seller:
1972 Opel GT
condition: good
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 78000
paint color: red
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: coupe
Here’s a great car that was originally purchased in Florida. Always been garaged and stored inside every winter. These GT’s are appreciating in value.
This one needs a little work but looks great. One repaint to red imron, was originally blue. A couple dime to nickel size dents but see no rust on it. Needs tires but has nice orig. GT wheels and center caps. Has an upgraded Weber carb and exhaust system. Orig. radio hasn’t worked for a while and needs an antenna. Washer needs to be replumed. Nice interior as shown. Seats have lampswool covers. Nice dash and gauges. Headliner has a tear in it but workable. New radiator 3 yrs. ago. New complete Opel differential(orig. was noisy). New ft. bumpers 5 yrs. ago. A couple little oil drips, not sure where yet. Lights all work. Good chrome. A great little vintage German sports car. Starts, drives great. Come take a look.
See a better way to drive a classic? tips@dailyturismo.com
But can you stand to have it called a "baby 'vette" the whole time you own it? Cool design but known as a sheep in wolf's clothing to everyone but the baby vette people.
And interesting bit of Opel Gt trivia is that the bodies were built by the French railroad locomotive manufacturer Brissonneau and Lotz much like the original two seat Ford Thunderbird was built by American railway car manufacturer Budd.
That shift knob!
That shift knob appears to be from a later Model (1974-1975) Manta Luxus. They were more than a little ridiculous.
My experience with an Opel is this. Once many years ago when this car was about ten years old, up to my house pulled a friend of mine. He weighed easily close to 3 bills. He got out of a yellow GT………I couldn't believe it. I like 'em red better.
This one is probably worth close to the ask. Most of the ones I see on the list of Craig are totally roached out and are missing more pieces than a yard sale jigsaw puzzle.