Opel

The Opel Ampera is the first electric family saloon that is designed to convince anyone that’s wary of electric cars. After its introduction at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the mid-range car is now available for sale. Plus: Blacktrail, a 20-kilogramm electric bike with an output of 14 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. It’s the fastest and lightest e-bike in the world.

The 1960s and 1970s were the golden years of Opel. With the introduction of colorful, modern and exicting models like the Opel Ascona (1900 in the US), Manta, Rekord and GT, the traditional brand from Rüsselsheim in Germany rose to peak form. Opel was considered as more than a car, it was an attitude to life. Car History introduces you classic cars from Opel that reached cult status by now.

Whether it was the rocket car, the Ascona or Calibra: racing has been the motor of Opel for more than 100 years. Just two years after the production commenced, a car with the lightning badge wins a race. Thousands of victories follow and Opel writes history in racing. Carl Jörns wins almost 300 races with Opel, while Walter Röhrl wins the Monte Carlo Rally and the Rally World Championship.

1964 marks Opel’s foray into the upper class market and its attack on Mercedes-Benz. That year, Opel presented its KAD series with Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat. While these cars offered an American design, they were equipped with solid German technology. Classic Ride presents three representative cars from the series, including an ultra-rare and extra elegant Diplomat Coupe.

The crew at BSG Racing is familiar with spectacular conversions. Dirk Hattenhauer and his boys have already refined a lot of cars. Now they perform a special project. They want to refurbish an old Opel Kadett C Coupe. But it’s not meant to be an ordinary job for them. Dirk wants to create the most spectacular custom car of the entire European tuning scene.

A lot of work, attention to detail and passion is packed into a tuned show car. But it might take some time until a car like this is ready to stand on its own four wheels. Dirk Hattenhauer and his crew still work on creating the most spectacular custom car of the entire European tuning scene. This time it’s all about the wedding, which is held under difficult conditions.