Opel Kadett C was the last Kadett with rear-wheel drive. A simple car and a grateful object to turn on. A car many have chosen as restomod objects and built up with reinforced chassis and engines.
Model history
The Opel Kadett C was produced from the second half of 1973 as a 1974 model. The external dimensions were about the same as the predecessor Kadett B, but wrapped in a nice 70's design. The model range consisted of 2- and 4-door sedans, 3-door coupés, 3-door station wagons (Caravan). From 1975 came the Opel City, a 3-door hatchback which was a German version of the Chevrolet and Vauxhall Chevette. From 1977, the Kadett C received a simple facelift. In keeping with the times, the cars got square headlights with the turn signals placed outside.
Engines
The most popular engine option was a 1,2 liter engine which came in two versions, "S" 60hp and "N" 52/54hp. There were also a few models with 1,0 liter engines which were considered quite underpowered. You could also get the Kadett C with the 1,6S engine that was in the Ascona. One particularly nice equipment variant from 1978 was the Opel Kadett Berlina with the 1,6S engine, aluminum rims and chrome strips around the side windows. Like the Kadett B, the 1,9 engine was also available in the Kadett Coupé GT/E with petrol injection – later replaced by the 2,0E engine. This is today a sought-after and expensive variant.
Alternative to the Ford Escort
The Opel Kadett C is a good alternative to the Ford Escort mk1 and mk2, which have become very popular - and fairly light restomod objects where you build up the cars with reinforced chassis and engines. Kadetts with little rust are sought after all over Europe.
About the pictures
The main image is a montage based on a computer manipulated image by Pixellio/Depositphotos copied onto a background image. The car is a Kadett Coupé. the red project car on a trailer is photographed at Ekeberg, Oslo. The gray car with 2 doors is photographed in Øyer municipality in 2022 - probably a project as well. The brown 3-door Kadett City is photographed at Revetal, Tønsberg on the occasion of a vintage car parade on National Day.
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Copyright notice
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