Opel Rekord D, which is very important for Opel as well as for automobile history, is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The model, which has different body types, also stands out as Opel's first diesel passenger car with its 2.1 liter diesel engine producing 60 HP power, apart from the gasoline engine. The model, which was introduced to the market in 1972 and produced for 5 years, had a sales performance of over 1 million units. After this success, Rekord D entered the millionaire league and said goodbye to production with a limited edition Millionaire version. Along with the Rekord D, the Commodore model was also introduced to the market, and both models achieved various successes in races.
German automobile giant Opel is preparing to celebrate the 2022th birthday of the Rekord D model in January 50. Continuing the success it achieved in the Rekord C model as well in the Rekord D model, the model achieved a sales success of over 1,2 million. Many communication campaigns were carried out for this number of sales, which corresponds to one-eighth of all cars produced by Opel in its 70-year automobile production history up to that time. Therefore, Opel Rekord assumed an important role for the automotive industry and this role was transferred to the new generation, which entered production in December 1971.
Modern design diversified with different bodies
The Rekord D followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Rekord C, and adopted the European design language. Rekord D's clear and functional lines, smooth surfaces, wide glass areas and low shoulder line drew attention as successful exterior design features of that period. Rekord D, as in the previous generation, was offered for sale with different body types such as two-door sedan, four-door sedan, coupe, three-door and five-door station wagon options. Opel also launched the Rekord van, the legendary “Fast delivery vehicle” in the 1950s and 60s. This commercial version had a three-door station wagon body structure without rear side windows.
Opel Rekord D, also known as Rekord II not to be confused with "D" meaning diesel, has also set new standards in the field of passive safety. While the support points on the sides and on the roof provide protection in case of side collisions and rollovers, the front deformation zones have been developed to protect the passengers in frontal collisions.
Opel Rekord D is the first diesel passenger car
Opel introduced the Rekord D model to the market as the first diesel passenger car. In the diesel version of Rekord, there was a mass-produced version of the 1972 HP turbocharged engine that broke the world record with the Opel GT Diesel in September 95. The Opel GT Diesel with its aerodynamically optimized body set 18 international and two world records at the Opel test track in Dudenhofen. The new compression-ignition engine, which produces 60 HP, consumed an average of 100 liters of fuel per 8,7 kilometers in Rekord, allowing a maximum speed of 135 km/h. The Opel Rekord 2100 D model, which can be distinguished from the projection on the engine hood, had a longer appearance than the gasoline engine due to the overhead camshaft structure and modified cylinder head.
Rekord D's 6-cylinder: Touring class powerhouse Opel Commodore
Opel included the Commodore B model in its product range in March 1972. Positioned in a higher class than the Rekord model, the Commodore B filled the gap in the class called Admiral and Diplomat. Although the Commodore B, with its six-cylinder engines, shared its body design with Rekord, it had more luxurious equipment than Rekord. The 115-liter Commodore S with 2,5 HP was followed by the GS with 130 HP and the 142-liter GS with 2,8 HP with twin carburetors. Finally, in September 1972, the Commodore GS/E emerged as the pinnacle of the product line. Commodore GS/E impresses with its impressive performance with its 160-liter engine producing 2,8 HP and electronic injection. While the coupe version reached a speed of 200 km / h, the four-door sedan version reached a maximum speed of 195 km / h. Opel explained this powerful version: “GS/E appeals to those who like to travel long distances at high speeds and prefer powerful touring cars”.
Success from racetracks to millionaire class!
The Commodore GS/E has also proven to be a strong competitor in racing and rallying. In 1973, young driver Walter Röhrl successfully raced an Opel for the first time in the Monte Carlo Rally. The Commodore GS/E Coupe by Irmscher competed in the Group 2 class for modified vehicles due to homologation.
The Opel Commodore and Rekord achieved their greatest victories away from the racetrack and special stages. The success of the car was proven in September 1976 with the production of the millionth Rekord model in gold. To celebrate this success, Opel launched a special “Millionaire” version with a 100 HP 2.0-liter S engine and “Berlina” equipment in limited production. When the last Rekord generation was launched in September 1977, 1.128.196 Rekord Ds and 140.827 Commodore Bs were produced from the production line in Rüsselsheim.
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