}} The Opel GT was equipped with a base 1.1 L
OHV inline-four engine, which produced 67 hp (SAE) at 6,000 rpm. However, most buyers chose an optional 1.9 L
camshaft in head engine, which produced 102 hp (SAE) at 5200 to 5400 rpm. Some of the early 1968 models also came with a slightly higher compression "H" code cylinder head. In 1971, due to emissions regulations, Opel reduced the
compression ratio of the 1.9 L engine used in the US and output fell to 83 hp (SAE). There was also a GT/J model, which was a less expensive version of the 1.9 L GT that lacked nearly all chrome parts and offered fewer standard features, sold only in Europe. The base transmission was a four-speed
manual. A three-speed automatic was available with the 1.9 L engine. The model run of the Opel GT was from 1968 to 1973. The Opel GT has a steel
unibody chassis and a
front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout. The engine is mounted far back in the chassis to improve weight distribution. Front
suspension consists of upper
A-arms and a lower transverse leaf spring. A
live axle and coil springs are used in the rear. The power-assisted braking system uses discs in the front, drums in the rear. Steering is unassisted. One unusual feature of the Opel GT is the operation of the
hidden headlamps. They are manually operated, by way of a large lever along the center console next to the shifter. Unlike pop-up headlights, they both rotate in the same direction (counterclockwise from inside the car) about a longitudinal axis. Designed by Opel stylist Erhard Schnell, the GT is a
fastback, that has neither an externally accessible trunk nor a conventional
hatchback. There is a parcel shelf behind the seats that can only be accessed through the main doors. Behind the parcel shelf is a fold-up panel that conceals a spare tire and jack. During 1968 to 1973, a total of 103,463 were sold — including the first few hundred cars hand-assembled in 1968 and the 1968–1970 models with the 1.1 L engine, which totaled 3,573 cars. Of the later GTs, 10,760 were the cheaper model GT/J model. In some markets, items like a
limited slip differential, front and rear anti-sway bars, heated rear window, and engine bay light were standard, although most cars were shipped without them. In North America, the GT was marketed at Buick dealerships. There was, unusually, no
Vauxhall counterpart to the GT for the United Kingdom. Reasons for ending production were the need to redesign the car to remain competitive with up-and-coming sports models, such as the Datsun 240Z, as well as the termination of
Brissonneau and Lotz's bodybuilding contract. The Opel GT was also used by Italian coachbuilder
Sergio Coggiola to create the
Opel Sylvia GT, an angular design of the folded-paper school. The 1973 Sylvia was also designed with an eye to safety. Automotive magazine
Road & Track reviewed the GT in their June 1969 issue, recording 0–96 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 182 km/h.
Road & Track also found the car to have strong understeer, suggesting the 165x13 tires to be too small, although the ride was comfortable. ==GT (roadster) (2007–2010)==