Category Archives: Opel Collection

Eaglemoss Opel Collection 2

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

This posting has been adapted from articles originally published on mar.zeteo.com in order to preserve them after that site ceased to exist. Parts prior to #68 were reviewed in the printed Model Auto Review magazine, and parts 68 to 98 may be seen on this site at http://www.maronline.org.uk/eaglemoss-opel-collection-part-1. This collection finished in 2016.

All photographs taken by Hans-Georg Schmitt

98 Opel Blitz Panoramabus 1953-1956

In the early 1950s Opel Blitz trucks were superior to those of their competitors. Bodied for passenger service it had the highest sales of all German Buses in the 1950s. It had two main advantages. Firstly the widespread Opel service network and secondly its smooth running six-cylinder petrol engine.

A number of coachbuilders created buses on the Blitz chassis. The best known was Kässbohrer in Ulm, who also developed the classic “Setra”, buses with integral body and frame construction. This miniature is based upon a body built by Kässbohrer. An excellent restored example can be seen at the Opel Museum in Rüsselsheim.

Some collectors may be unhappy that this model is in 1:72 scale and not 1:43 scale like the rest of the collection. It is issued in green and ivory and not in blue and white as seen at the Opel Museum. This is probably because the bus has already been issued in blue and white in the Atlas Bus Collection. Given its small scale it is very well detailed. Interestingly both Atlas and Opel Collection models have the same German post-war registration plate from “American occupied Hessia”, 84 for the Offenbach area.


 

99 Opel Frontera A Feuerwehr 1991-1998

The Frontera was based on an Isuzu vehicle allowing Opel and Vauxhall to enter the SUV market with minimal investment. It was first shown to the public at the Geneva Motorshow in 1991 and went on sale at the end of that year. Its comparative cheapness, for a vehicle with four wheel drive, and the large chain of Opel dealers made it attractive to the public services. They were often bought by fire departments and this is the livery this model is finished in. The livery, and number plates, show this to represent a vehicle operated by the fire brigade of Offenbach, sister city to Frankfurt, both located on the river Main.

The authentically shaped body is painted in bright red, and has had the livery neatly printed. It is fitted with a blue light bar and antenna.


 

100 Opel Kadett C GT/E Coupe 1977-1979

The Kadett C-Type was introduced in the summer of 1973. With the emerging energy crisis this vehicle benefited from sales from motorists who looked to run medium sized vehicles to minimise fuel consumption. However, later in its life customers were less concerned with economy and were looking again for power and speed so the Kadett GT/E was created. The coupe was issued in a Rallye version and was available with two engines: 1.6 litre ‘S’ which developed 75 hp; and 2.0 litre ‘E’ engine which developed 110 hp with fuel injection. The model is accurately shaped and well detailed. A number of parts have been used fitted including the slightly oversized rear spoiler on the boot lid. The model is painted in signal-ochre and the interior is matt black. The wheel rims look authentic, and unusually for this range the baseplate is well detailed.


 

101 Opel Manta GT/E 1974-1975

This model was first shown at the Frankfurt motor show in September 1973. At this time this generation of the Manta was nearing the end of its run. To keep up interest and sales the Opel Manta GT/E was launched with a 1.9 litre fuel injection engine developing 105bhp. What made this model special was the matt black painted bonnet and rear panel together with a black stripe over the body. This is an excellent representation of this car painted in signal-yellow with matt black finish where authentic. The interior is also well detailed with the three additional instruments for the GT/E version seen on the dashboard.


 

102 Opel Senator A2 (Facelift) 1982 to 1986 “Notarzt”

This Senator was a top of the range Opel which was facelifted in December 1982 to made the car look lower and sleeker than before. In the United Kingdom this was sold as the Vauxhall Senator replacing the old Vauxhall Royale. Opel made the car available with special discounts to public bodies and it was commonly used in Germany by emergency doctors: ‘Notarz’. Today Notarz vehicles are more often vans because medics carry far more equipment than they did in 1982.

The miniature has an accurate shape and has many small parts added. It is painted in ivory. The interior looks very authentic. The model carries German registration plates “GG” , so the prototype modelled was a demonstrator owned by Opel.


 

103 Opel Commodore B GS/E Coupe 1972 to 1977

This casting has been seen before in this range. It is now released in metallic blue and without a vinyl covered roof. The interior appears again in matt black and the baseplate has little detail.


 

104 Opel Ascona C 1982 to 1988 “Feuerwehr”

The Ascona Type C was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1981. The Ascona was available asa Saloon and as a Hatchback. Both were used by public bodies, and appeared as both Police and Fire vehicles.

This model is of the Saloon in use as a fire chief´s car. The miniature captures the original shape well and is correctly presented in white and red. Unfortunately Ixo seem to have had printing problems and the red sections look a bit wavy. Addiitonal lights are well modelled as are the Alloy wheels whilst the baseplate is very plain. The model carries German registration plates from the “Märkischer Kreis”, in Sauerland.


 

105 Opel Kadett E Karavan 1984 to 1991

This type E was the last model to bear the name Kadett. The next generation was called an Astra whether it bore an Opel or Vauxhall badge. This estate replicates the original’s shape well and is neatly printed and finished. The body is painted in red and the interior is beige.


 

106 Opel Kapitan Saloon 1951-1953

The updated Kapitan appeared in March 1951 with a chromed radiator grille following the latest GM styling trends. The car was styled by the head of Opel design Charles “Chuck” M. Jordan. It was the most reasonably priced 6 cylinder engined saloon produced in the newly established Federal Republic of Germany.

The moulding has already been seen in this series and is now issued with the body painted in white. The shape is authentic and it has many parts added to give detail. The interior is well reproduced with the seats painted in red. The dashboard with instruments and switches moulded in is in body colour which is accurate to the original.


 

107 Chevrolet Opala saloon 1968-1969

The Opel Rekord C-Type was introduced in August 1966. Its design was to the taste of South American car buyers and in 1968 the Chevrolet “Opala” was launched in the Brazilian automobile market. It was successful and after the saloon was introduced the coupe and estate were also made in Brazil. The vehicle stayed in production in Brazil with some facelifts up until the 1990s.

This model is of the four-door saloon which has an accurate body in bright red. The interior is in white. Bumpers, radiator grille and hub caps are chrome plated, other mouldings are printed in silver.

This is an example of Ixo supplying the same casting to both German and Brazilian partwork markets.


 

108 Opel Kadett C-Type saloon 1973-1979

The Kadett was designed as a world car. It first appeared in April 1973 as Chevrolet Chevette in Brazil, then in August 1973 in Germany. It was produced in many versions up until 1979 in Germany, and as the Chevette in the UK with different front end styling. In Brazil the last version went out of production in 1994. This replica of the two door saloon is accurately shaped. The body is painted in yellow and the interior is in a typical light brown. The bumpers are chrome plated.


 

109 Chevrolet LUV 1988-2005

The Chevrolet LUV was a work horse. It first appeared in 1972 as the Isuzu KB Foster. The third generation which the model was based upon was launched in 1987. It was sold as Chevrolet LUV, and also as an Opel Campo in Germany and Vauxhall Brava in the United Kingdom.

The model is of the pickup with a single cab. The body is painted in white, and the cab interior is in light grey. The front bumper is chrome plated and the rear one is silver painted.


 

110 Opel Kapitan Saloon 1955-1958

The 1956 model year Kapitan was only in production for two and a half years. On 9th November 1957 one of them emerged from the assembly line as the two millionth Opel vehicle. This version of the Kapitan was fitted with a 2.5 litre 6 cylinder in-line engine. It had an integral body, independent front suspension, but retained a rigid rear axle on leaf springs.

The model is authentically shaped and painted in ruby red and black. There is a very well detailed interior in light beige. The grille, bumpers, and hub caps are chrome plated. Most mouldings are printed in silver.


 

111 Opel Omega A saloon 1986-1994

The Omega A was the first “cab forward” streamlined large Opel car. It was also sold in the UK as a Vauxhall Omega and in the US as a Cadillac Catera and formed the base of some Holdens too. The front and rear windscreen were bonded to the bodyshell and the side windows were flush fitted. With its low bonnet and raised rear end these aerodynamic features allowed it acheive a very low resistance value of 0.28 which was a world leading at the time.

The model is based upon the facelifted version introduced in 1991. The body is painted in mistral grey, with an interior in anthracite. The wheels are a replica of the alloy wheels some were fitted with.


 

112 Chevrolet Diplomata Caravan 1979-1992

This is another model which originally appeared in the DeAgostini Cars of Brazil series. The Opel Rekord C-Type had a second life in Brazil. In the 1950s to 1970s, it was usual for European automobile manufacturers to send manufacturing tools for outdated models to their overseas operations. Opel sent the Rekord to South America and it stayed in production for some time going through a series of facelifts. It was a best selling model in Brazil for many years.

This accurate miniature is painted metallic silver with a light grey interior. The black mouldings are printed. Bumpers, radiator grille, and roof rack are separately moulded components. There is minimal baseplate detail.


 

113 Opel Omega B saloon 1994-1998 “Feldjäger – Military Police”

The German Bundeswehr ordered a number of Omega B cars. They were used as staff cars for battalion and regimental commanders, and for the Feldjäger, the military police.

This well detailed miniature is painted in authentic RAL 6031 bronze-green. The interior is matt black. Military signs are neatly printed and the model is fitted with a light bar at the roof.


 

114 Chevrolet Corsa from 1993

Until the early 1990s the small car sector in Brazil was dominated by the Volkswagen Beetle. Then in 1993 General Motors started to produce the former Opel Corsa B in Brazil. Hideo Kodama’s design team from Russelheim’s work was a breathtaking success in the Brazilian market appearing practically unchnanged apart from the Chevrolet Cross replacing the Opel flash.

The model is of a three door version and is accurately shaped. The bodyshell is painted in bright red with an interior moulded in light grey. Mouldings and emblems are precisely printed and the wheels are authentic. Minimal baseplate detailing.


 

115 Daewoo Nexia 1994 to 1997

The Opel Kadett Model E was produced in Germany from 1984 to 1991. After that the tools were moved to Korea and Daewoo produced the Daewoo Nexia from them. In India, Eastern Europe, Iran and Australasia it was sold as the Cielo The cars were also imported to the USA under Buick and Pontiac brands. In summer 1996 the Nexia received a light facelift and was also offered in Europe. Daewoo experienced financial issues and GM bought a large share in the company and eventually rebaged Daewoo models as Chevrolets in many markets.

The model is authentic and represents the vehicle after the facelift of 1996. It is well detailed and finished. The body is painted in metallic silver and the interior is in two tone grey. Mouldings and emblems are neatly printed. Wheels are authentic. Again a minimal baseplate is provided.


 

116 Chevrolet Monza 1982 to 1990

The Brazilian GM plant is one of their oldest foreign plants. In 1925 the first Chevrolet cars were assembled there. In September 1981 Opel launched the Ascona Type C base of the GM J-car world car. This J-car also appeared also in Brazil as the Monza. In early 1983 the Monza notchback saloon was introduced with a design similar to the Ascona.

This model is the version made from 1983 as a four door saloon. The casting is very true to life. Painted bright red with a well detailed interior in light brown. Mouldings and emblems are well printed with authentic wheels. As usual the baseplate has minimal detail included.


 

117 Opel Omega B saloon 1994 to 1998 “Swiss Police”

The Omega B was introduced to the market in March 1994 as four door saloon and five door estate. The use of powerful Opel passenger cars for “Patrouillenwagen”, police patrol cars, has a long tradition in Switzerland and the Omega was widely used by Swiss police authorities. The model carries the emblems of the “Kantonspolizei Zurich”.

Already seen several times before in this range the body is an excellent replica of the original. It is painted in white with red stripes and emblems clearly printed. A detailed interior appears in light grey. The aluminium wheel rims are were not typically used for Police vehicles which tended to have plastic hub caps. Like other models in the range the baseplate is poorly detailed.


 

118 Chevrolet Chevette 1987-1993

The T-car platform was the first “world car” from General Motors. It appeared in Germany as Opel Kadett, in Brazil as the Chevrolet Chevette, in Japan as the Isuzu Gemini, and in Australia as Holden Gemini. The Brazilian T-car was in production the longest lasting until 1993 by which time more then 1.6 million cars had been built.

The model is of the Chevette notchback 4 door saloon from the 1980s. It is painted in metallic silver and fitted with a well detailed, light grey coloured interior. A number of smaller parts are moulded and inserted to add to realism. As is usual in this series the baseplate has only limited detail.


 

119 Opel Laubfrosch 4/12 HP 1924-1926

The Opel Laubfrosch “Treefrog” was the first Opel car manufactured on an assembly line. This production method saved money and boosted production so the car could sell at a competitive price. The Laubfrosch looked similar to the Citroen 5CV which was launched in 1921. This lead to lawsuits but these didn’t reach any firm conclusions. Initially all 4/12 cars were painted in green which is where the nickname Treefrog arose. By the end of production more body colours were offered.

This vehicle has already appeared in this series in the early green version with hood up. This release has the body painted in red and has the hood lowered. Lots of detailed parts are fitted and the radiator grille is chrome plated whilst other mouldings are printed in silver. Again the baseplate shows little detail.
The coverage of this series of models continues with further articles originally posted on this site after its launch. 


Eaglemoss Opel Collection Part 1

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

This posting has been adapted from articles originally published on mar.zeteo.com in order to preserve them once that site ceases to exist. Parts prior #68 were reviewed in the printed Model Auto Review magazine. This collection finished in 2016.

All photographs taken by Hans-Georg Schmitt
No. 68 Opel Corsa A three-door saloon 1982

The first Corsa, which fitted into the Opel range below the Kadett, was introduced in September 1982 as three-door hatchback and two-door saloon. In April 1985, a four-door saloon was added, and in September 1985, the Corsa was the first German small car to be fitted with a three-way catalytic converter and lambda-measuring head. In July 1993 it was replaced by the Corsa B.

The model is authentic, with an accurately shaped body painted in bright red, and an interior moulded in black. The wheels are good replicas. A number of separate parts are used but the baseplate has only limited detail.

No.69 Opel Vectra B four-door saloon 1995-2002

In October 1995 the Vectra A was replaced. Saloons, hatchbacks and an estate, called the Caravan as usual for Opel, were produced.

This model is of the saloon and is authentically shaped and painted in blue. The interior is moulded in black but the seats are also printed with a typical diamond-shaped pattern. A number of separate parts are used and the wheels are true to the originals. Again the baseplate has only basic detail.

No.70 Opel Kapitan saloon 1955-1958

A new Kapitan was introduced in July 1955. It was larger than its predecessor and a straight 6 cylinder engine which developed 75 hp at 3900 rpm. The front wheels had independant suspension and the rear ones were on a rigid axle with leaf springs. On November 9th 1956 the 2,000,000th Opel car left the assembly line, it was a Kapitan, which can still be seen today in Opel’s car collection. It was finished with gold metallic paint and instead of chrome many parts were gold-plated.

This miniature is of a normal production car and is well shaped, and features many separate parts. It is painted sahara-yellow and it has a light grey interior. Its appearance is enhanced by the wide white-walls on the tyres.

No.71 Opel Manta A GT/E “Black Magic” 1975

The hottest of all Manta A cars was named “Black Magic”. It was fitted with a four-cylinder 1.9 litre engine which produced 105 hp at 5400 rpm. It had a claimed top speed of 188 km/h.

This model is very authentic. The body is accurately reproduced and finished with a matt black bonnet and the characteristic red and yellow stripes. There are many separate parts and the interior was moulded in black with seats printed with the an authentic textile design. The wheels are not authentic and are based on the type of product available as an accessory from other suppliers at the time. As with all this range a basic baseplate is provided.

No. 72 Opel Manta B CC 1978-1988

The Manta B was launched in August 1975 as a saloon car. In September 1978 the CC hatchback version with a tailgate followed. In the 1980s the Manta became a the subject of jokes and in 1991 the movie “Manta, Manta” portayed the Manta as ‘prole’ car, which the Opel promotion department very much disliked. In spite of this all the Manta B was quite successful. Over the years, a number of Manta B models have been released, but all were of the coupe. Now we have a model of the CC in this collection.

The model is excellently detailed with the body painted in bright red. It is the GT/E-version of 1982, which can be determined by the position of the mirrors. The interior is also true to the original as are the wheel rims. The baseplate has only limited detail.

No. 73 Opel Ascona C 1982-1988

The Ascona Type C was introduced in three body-versions like its predecessors: two and four door saloons; and a five door hatchback. In January 1985, the Ascona 1.8 litre was the first Opel car fitted with a controlled three-way catalytic converter.

The model comes as a saloon with the 1987 modelyear facelift. The radiator grille is correctly painted in body colour. It is finished as the GT edition with the body painted in blue and fitted with black rubber spoiler on the boot lid. A very good detailed interior is finished in light grey and blue. Wheel rims are true to the originals. Again the baseplate has minimal detail.

No. 74 Opel Olympia Rekord 1956-1957

The two door Olympia Rekord was the last evolution step of the saloon which was originally introduced in 1953. Its design was similar to the 1956 version of the Kapitan. Painted in bright red, the model has an accurate shape. Radiator grille, bumpers and hub caps are chome-plated, the other mouldings are tampo printed in silver. An accurate interior is fitted and the overall appearance is complemented by neat whitewall tyres. Again the baseplate has minimal detail.

No. 75 Opel Monza A Coupe

The Monza has been revisited. In this case it is in the original version as it was launched in May 1978. The body is painted in light blue metallic with a faithfully executed interior in black. The excellent wheels are also worthy of comment. The baseplate has limited detail as usual.

No. 76 Opel Cadet Type B Caravan 1965-1973

The Cadet B Caravan was launched at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 1965. It appealed to workmen needing a cheap but spacious vehicle that had the space for both the family and the tools of the trade. It came in three and five door versions. The basic version was fitted with a 1100 cc engine, which developed 45 hp at 5.000 rpm.

The model is a realistic shape and is of a three-door version. It is painted in ochre, which is true to an original colour, and is fitted with black interior. Bumpers, hub caps and roof rack are plated and lights are separately fitted. The base plate has quite a bit of detail moulded in for this series.

No. 77 Opel Rekord Type E Caravan 1977-1982

Production of the Rekord E started in August 1977. The estate, again named Caravan, was available with three or five doors or as delivery van with closed side windows. The miniature is an excellent representation of the original vehicle which was designed by the American Henry Haga. The model is of the three-door version and is painted in yellow and fitted with a brown interior. Dashboard, steering wheel and centre console are authentic. The bumpers are plated, radiator grille is silver painted and the body side mouldings are in black. Baseplate has only basic details.

No. 78 Opel Bedford Blitz 1973-1980

The Bedford CF was launched in Britain in 1969. The contemporary Opel Blitz was rather out of date at the time and importing the Bedford and selling it as an Opel from 1973 was a makeshift solution. Quality problems affected sales so GM decided that Opel should concentrate their activities on passenger cars.

The Bedford Blitz is modelled as a delivery van. It is authentically shaped and painted in orange and light cream. Separate lights are used and bumpers and hub caps are plated. The emblems are neatly printed. Baseplate has moderate detail.

No. 79 Opel Super 6 four-door saloon 1937-1938

Production of the Opel 6 started in January 1934. It was fitted with a 6-cylinder engine, which developed 36 horsepower from 1932 cc. Then in 1937 the car was facelifted and the engine was developed to produce 55 horsepower from 2473 cc. It was named ‘Super 6’. In 1938, the Super 6 was succeeded by the newly introduced Kapitan.

This model is well shaped and detailed. It has a medium blue and a light grey interior. Lights are neatly done as separately inserted items. The radiator grille and bumpers are plated, and other mouldings printed in silver. The interior is realistic. The baseplate has a little more detail than usual for this series.

80 Opel Corsa B 1993 three-door hatchback

The second generation Opel Corsa was launched at Geneva Motor Show in March 1993. The first version to be seen was the three door version, as modelled here. Unusually for a small car the Corsa was equipped with ABS, even on the basic version, as well as side impact protection, and a driver airbag. The launch advertising in Germany featured a character double of Queen Elizabeth II.

The model is finished in star silver with a light grey interior. The plastic inserts in the bumpers and around the wheel arches are painted black. The steering wheel and interior are faithfully detailed.

81 Opel Manta B GSI Coupe 1984-88

The Manta Type B was produced from August 1975 to June 1988. Based on the Ascona it had the front axle from the Kadett C. In the UK it was offered with right-hand drive as the Vauxhall Cavalier Coupe.

The model is of the top of the range version of the Manta, which was powered by a 110bhp two litre four-cylinder in line engine.

This model captures the original well, and is finished in metallic black. The accurate detailed interior is finished in black and red. The ‘Manta GSI’ badges and the trim lines are printed in red, but some are not totally accurate. The wheels are authentic, however.

82 Opel Rekord P II 1960-63 two-door saloon

This casting has been seen before in the range. It is now finished in different colours; the body in ruby red, the roof in chamonix white, with a white interior. The radiator grille and bumpers are chrome plated, and mouldings are silver printed. The whitewall tyres look very good on this model.

83 Opel Frontera B 1999-2003 Polizei

The Opel Frontera was a popular vehicle with the Polizei, as it was reliable, roomy, and had four-wheel drive, so it could be used off and on road.

This casting has been seen before in the range in civilian finish, but now it is finished in classic white and green with Polizei markings, and a blue light bar. It has German registration plates from Hanover, the capital city of Lower Saxony. The wheels are accurately reproduced.

84 Opel Kadett D GTE 1983-1984

This version of the Kadett was the first with front-wheel drive. The success of the Volkswagen Golf GTI spurred Opel into launching their own hot hatch, the Kadett GTE. It had a 115hp 1796cc four-cylinder engine which enabled the car to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 9.5 seconds and gave it a top speed of 187kph.

The car was available as a three-door or five-door saloon, usually in white or black with the distinctive GTE livery. This model is in the popular white finish with an accurate grey interior. Lights and other features are well-made separate components.

85 Opel Rekord P1 1957-1960 two-door saloon Polizei

The Rekord was a spacious car for its price and consequently it was often bought by Polizei authorities. After hard use most were sold cheaply on the secondhand market, and few now survive. The model is said to be based on a car currently displayed at the Police Car Museum at Marburg, Germany.

The model is painted in realistic fir green with a blue beacon. The bumpers and radiator grille are chrome-plated and additional mouldings are printed in silver. Lights and other separate parts are well made and neatly fitted.

86 Opel Admiral 1937-1939

The Admiral was first revealed to the public at the Berlin Auto Show in February 1937. It was released in December 1937, and was only available for wealthy customers. Because it was manufactured by an American company (Opel was owned by General Motors), the Admiral was not purchased for official use by the Nazi government. Today this first generation of the Opel Admiral is very rare, as many of them were converted to ambulances during the war, and those that survived the war were often then converted to makeshift trucks.

This is the second issue in this series based on this casting. The initial release was finished in black, but this model is blue, the same colour as the car in the Opel Classic Collection. The interior is light grey, the bumpers and hub caps are chrome-plated, and the mouldings and badging are printed silver. The base is more detailed than many other models in this collection.

87 Opel Calibra Coupe 1990-1997 Notarzt

Production of the Calibra began in June 1990, in March 1992 a version was released with a two litre turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive, and in summer 1993 there was an option of the 2.5 litre V6 engine from the Omega saloon. A few Calibras were used as emergency vehicles for the NEF (Notarzt-Einsatz-Fahrzeug). Four-wheel drive and its large tailgate were advantages for the emergency services.

The model is finished in fire service red and with a blue beacon and an aerial. The interior is light grey, with separately moulded and fitted parts to the usual standard for this partwork.

88 Opel Olympia delivery van 1950-1953

The post war Olympia was identical to the model whose production stopped in October 1940, except for the front wheel assembly. In January 1950 it was upgraded with a distinctive new body. The chromed radiator grille was modelled on the American cars of the time. It was also available as a cabriolet-saloon and as a delivery van as modelled here. This was a useful workhorse for small shopkeepers and traders. This model is based upon a delivery van used by a Frankfurt coffee roaster and dealer who used the car as an advertisement for the business.

The model is fully detailed and lovingly finished. The radiator grille is “chromed” and looks very realistic. Through the windows you can see a well modelled dashboard and steering wheel. Only basic details are moulded into the base.

89 Opel Rekord D Type 1972-1977 four door saloon Polizei

Production of the D type Rekord started in December 1971 and ended in July 1977 after 1,128,196 cars had been manufactured. In September 1972, a 60bhp Diesel engine developed in-house by Opel was introduced which was very popular with Taxi drivers.

This model of the Diesel version has been issued as a German Police car in the accurate period green and white livery. It is fitted with a blue warning light and a loud speaker. Unfortunately the model is not accurate since the German Police would not have used such a low powered vehicle as a patrol car and the registration plate with a blue EU-insert shows LUP, Ludwigslust and Parching in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, one of the new Federal countries. At the time that the D type Rekord was in use this area was still behind the Iron Curtain. Only a few D type Rekord patrol cars survive today in collections, all equipped with petrol engines.

90 Opel Kapitan 1938-1940

In November 1937 Opel launched a new six-cylinder car called the Kapitan. Like the smaller Olympia it was of unitary construction. It was offered as four and two door saloon and as a cabriolet. Production ended in Autumn 1940 due to the Second World War.

The model has been seen before and has now been re-issued with the body painted in prototypical black and is fitted with elegant white wall tyres. The headlights are still innacurate as they were in the first issue. Apart from this, body is very accurate, and well detailed and finished. A well moulded red interior is fitted.

91 Opel Vectra B 1995-2002 saloon Polizei

The Vectra B was first shown to the public in October 1995. The German Police departments were early purchasers and they proved to be reliable patrol cars. All were painted in white and green. It is hard to believe that any type B cars would have been still in use by around 2005 when the newer silver and blue livery was introduced. However this model appears in the newer Polizei livery and is fitted with registration plates from the German capital, Berlin. It is fitted with a blue light bar, but the police aerial is missing.

92 Opel Kapitan PII 1959-1964 Saloon in Taxi livery

From their early years Opel’s cars were widely used as Taxis. The Rekord and Kapitan models were the models most often used in the 1960s and 1970s. Until 1971 all West German Taxis had to be painted black, after that they had to be painted in light ivory. This model of the Kapitan PII is in black which is appropriate for its age. The body shape is well captured and there are seperate lights and small components as well as silver printing and “chrome” where appropriate. The dark grey coloured interior looks authentic, especially the steering wheel. The model is fitted with registration plates for West-Berlin, which was still under allied administration at this time.

93 Opel Corsa A 1982-1993 Three door saloon Polizei

Was the product manager who suggested this model drunk? Or is it a joke made up as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations? What is certain is that the model is not based on any known prototype operated by any German Police Force. The model is a good representation of the Corsa itself and the green and white painted body is fitted with a large blue light bar and looks quite impressive, It is a pity that it is not authentic.

94 Opel Rekord A 1963-1965 Cabriolet

This was the most elegant version of the Rekord A and a car to be seen in during the 1960s. The cabriolet was converted by Deutsch of Cologne for Opel. This model has appeared before in the range but has now been released with the body painted in white and with a closed matt black soft top. There is a good level of detail provided using small separate parts as well as silver printing and a plated radiator grille and bumpers. A nice little detail is the “D” sign beside the rear registration plate. The body shape and interior are good. Unfortunately the hood does not fit accurately to the window frame.

95 Opel Kapitan P 2.6 1959-1964 Polizei

Immediately after the Second World War Volkswagen Beetles were the main type of patrol cars used by the West-German Police. With the growth of prosperity and the associated rise in traffic on the Autobahns bigger and more powerful patrol cars were needed. The Opel Rekord was often used as a Motorway patrol car in West Germany but they lead a tough life and few survive. The model is based on a survivor which can be found in retirement in a museum of old Polizei vehicles in the the City of Marburg. The model is well shaped and painted in the period fir green. Detailing is up to the usual standard for this range and includes registration plates for Marburg.

96 Opel Olympia Rekord P1 two door saloon 1957-1960

The Rekord P1 was first presented to the public in August 1957. It was initially only available as a two door saloon, estate and delivery van and its’ design was influenced by contemporary American cars. The model is painted in medium blue and has seperate lights as well as having “chromed” bumpers and grilles and silver printed features. A brown interior looks authentic.

97 Opel Super 6 1937-1938

The Super 6 two seater cabriolet has already been seen in this range. It has been re-issued in new colours: brown and light beige with a light brown interior. This is an attractive model set off well by the wide whitewall tyres. The model is detailed to a standard typical for this range.



Opel Designer Collection by Eaglemoss

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

 

This post covers the final four new items made in the Opel Designer Series made to a scale of 1:43. These are diecast by IXO in China. Accompanying each model is a booklet with the story of the designer and the production of the original car with a lot of interesting background information about car making.

The long running Opel Collection finally comes to an end with issue 140.

Opel Admiral B Hans KillmerNr. 137 Herbert Killmer and Opel Admiral B

In bright Spring weather in February 1969 Opel presented their new KAD-Range in Nizza on the Cote Azur in France. The big three; Captain, Admiral and Diplomat; were styled with a more reserved European elegance, but were all on an American scale.

The leader of the “Großwagen-Studio”, Herbert Killmer, and his team produced popular cars with this generation of large Opels. After this success Killmer supervised the Omega A and B before he had to retire due to a serious illness.

The Admiral B appears in a special box with pictures of the desgner. It hasa n authentic shape and has many small parts. As usual for this series it is in metallic silver.  Radiator grille, bumpers and wheel rims are chrome plated.


Opel Vectra A Wayne CherryNr. 138 Wayne Cherry and Opel Vectra A

In 1988 the Vectra was introduced to the Press on the Spanish Jerez de la Frontera, and later in the year to the public at Paris Automobile Salon. The shape of the new mid-market car was created in the OPel Advanced Design Studio, which was lead by Erhard Schnell.

Technical development, relied not only on the experience and creativity of the engineers but also to the Super-Cray, at that time the fastest computer in the world. This lead to a shorter than usual development cycle.

The model is of a facelift version of the Vectra Hatchback. The box shows Chuck Jordan in the background. The model is painted metallic silver metallic and fitted with black interior. A number of small parts are used to make this a well detailed model.

Opel Kadett D Hans SeerNr. 139 Hans Seer and Opel Cadet D

The energy crisis in the years 1972/73 caused a radical shift in thinking within the automobile industry. Customers requested more economical vehicles. Front wheel drive hatchbacks became fashionable. Opel reacted quickly with the Kadett D which was the first Opel car with front wheel drive.

Hans Seer was the first Design Director at Opel who did not come from America. Under his guidance the more European direction for Opel products began.

The model is a five-door hatchback and is an authentic replica. Painted in the series silver paint with an interior moulded in black it is fitted with small parts to add realism and accuracy. The radiator grille, bumpers,and body side mouldings are painted in black. Wheel rims are chrome-plated.


Opel Ascona B 400 Chuck JordanNr. 140 Chuck Jordan and Opel Ascona B 400

This success had many fathers. Charles M. Jordan came to Rüsselsheim in 1967 as successor to design director Clare M. MacKichan. Together with Bob Lutz, he developed new standards for design and organisation. Under his supervision, the successor of the Opel Kadett B was created, but he was ordered back to Detroit before it launched. His successor, David R. Holls, designer of the Cadillac with the highest tail fins ever, followed him. In 1974, Henry Haga became new design director, when Erhard Schnell and his team developed the Ascona B, which itself was developed to a successful rally car. The rally legends Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer became Rally World Champions 1982 in the Ascona.

The Ascona B 400 appears in the box with a photo of Chuck Jordan. The body is painted in silver metallic and fitted with a well detailed black interior. Small parts and printing are used to make this a nicely detailed model.


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Eaglemoss Opel Designer Collection

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Here are details of four new items from the designer series of diecast models to 1:43 scale made by IXO. The models come with a booklet with the story of the designer and the original car. The booklets also provide a lot of background information on automobile manufacturing.

18358-05-2016133 Gordon Brown and Opel Kadett E

This generation of the Kadett was developed in the Opel Design Center under the leadership of the American Gordon Brown, who took over the baton from his predecessor Henry G. Haga, also an American. The appearance was more rounded, the “edge” was replaced by the “radius”. Gordon Brown’s life ended tragically. His hobby was landscape photography and on Pentecost Saturday 1983, he went to Rhine valley and on the top of the Lorelei rock he ignored the crowd barriers, slipped off and fell approximately 100 metres. Another American Wayne Cherry was his successor and he got the production release for the E-Cadet from GM headquarters.

The Kadett E was a three door estate. The model replicates the original well and is finished in the standard metallic silver finish used for this designer series. The black mouldings are well modelled.


18363-05-2016134 Chuck Jordan and Opel Kapitan 1952

In December 1938 Opel presented a new big car with an integral body and a six cylinder engine. The new car, named the Kapitan, was available as two or four door saloon and as a cabriolet. The modern design attracted many orders from abroad which brought much needed foreign currency. The outbreak of war ended production suddenly. In October 1948 Kapitan production was started again with a slightly modified car albeit heavily based upon the pre-war design.

The successor was developed by a young Chuck Jordan at the GM design centre in Detroit, a successor was developed. Jordan later had an impressive career within  GM. The newly designed Kapitan was launched in March 1951 and was the leasing seller in the 6 cylinder class in Germany for several years.

The 1952 Kapitan appears with a photo of Chuck Jordan in the background. As usual in this series, body is painted in silver metallic paint and fitted with black interior.


18364-05-2016135 Hans Mersheimer and Opel Cadet A
The success of the Volkswagen Beetle did not go unnoticed at Opel headquarters. Until then GM was not really interested in building small cars. So it needed much persuasion by Opel to get approval fro the creation of a small car to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle. The Kadett  A was the first Opel car since the company was bought by GM, which was developed entirely at Rüsselsheim. Under the supervision of chief engineer Hans Mersheimer a modern small car was developed. Its design was heavily influenced by the contemporary Kapitan.

The model is based upon the coupe version and is again painted in silver metallic with an interior was moulded in black. The radiator grille, bumpers,wheel rims and other small parts are chrome-plated.


18368-05-2016

136 Erhard Schnell and Opel Calibra
 At the end of the 1980s more and more Japanese coupes were launched in the European Market. Opel decided that they need one of their own to compete with the Japanese head on. The “Advanced Design Studio” under leader Erhard Schnell got the order to develop an effective competitor. Modern mechanicals were placed in an exciting body. The Calibra was the car from Erhard Schnell before he went into retirement. Even today at the age of 89, he still visits motor shows and classic car events.
The Calibra appears in the box with a photo of Erhard Schnell. The body is again in silver metallic and fitted with a well detailed black interior.

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Eaglemoss Opel Collection – Parts 129 to 132

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Here are the latest four models in the designer series within the Opel Collection by Eaglemoss. These are made to 1:43 scale by Ixo for Eaglemoss.

#129 Hideo Kodama and Opel Corsa B

 

Eaglemoss Hideo Kodama Opel Corsa B

For Japanese Opel designer Hideo Kodama a childhood dream came true.  After his degree at the Tama Fine Arts University in Tokyo he sent an application for a job with General Motors in Detroit. Clare MacKichan, who was recruited the staff for the new Opel Design centre in German Russelsheim hired him. After many other projects  he designed the Opel Corsa B, which was sold the UK as the Vauxhall Corsa and the Nova name used for the Vauxhall version of the Corsa A was dropped.

The model is of a three door hatchback version of the Corsa. It is authentically shaped and the body is painted in silver metallic which is a standard feature of the designer series. Many small parts are separately inserted. Bumper fittings and wheel arches fittings are painted in black. These faded to light grey over the years due to the poor light resistance of the plastic material used by the Spanish supplier.

#130 Herbert Killmer and Opel Rekord E

 

Eaglemoss Herbert Killmer Opel Rekord E

Production of the Rekord Model E started in In August 1977 at the Rüsselsheim plant. Designer Herbert Killmer and his team created a pleasing car in his ”Großwagen-Studio” (Large Car Studio). In the UK the Rekord E was built at Luton as the Vauxhall Carlton with a modified front end and Vauxhall badging as well as right hand drive.

Here the prototype chosen is the Rekord E2 estate which Opel called a “Caravan” and Vauxhall an Estate.  Again in silver metallic and fitted with a black interior. A number of parts, such as the roof rack, are moulded and inserted.

#131 Niels Loeb, Martin Smith and Opel Speedster

 

Eaglemoss Niels Loeb Martin Smith OPel Speedster

At Geneva Motor Salon in March 1999 the Opel exhibition stand offered an unusual prototype. Beside the expected series of cars was a small yellow sports car named “Speedster”. The Dynamic shape together with avant-garde three-dimensional shaped head- and rear-lights, caused a stir. The excitement led to a production model being shown to the press in February 2001.  Chief designer of the Speedster was the Australian Niels Loeb, with the project being run by the design director Martin Smith.

For all the Opel or Vauxhall badging the Speedster was based upon the chassis of the Lotus Elise and production was at Lotus Cars in Hethel to Opel quality specifications.

The model is again painted in silver metallic paint. The interior is moulded in black. It is modelled with a closed roof. Nice Wheels are fitted chrome-plated rims.

#132 Hans Seer and Opel Monza

 

Eaglemoss Hans Seer Opel Monza

Production of the Opel Monza Coupe started at the Rüsselsheim plant in May 1978. It shared its chassis and some pressings and fitments with the new top of the line saloon car, the Senator. The Monza name was GM’s to use and it bestowed it on this up-market coupe.

Designer Hans Seer and his team created a coupe with a dynamic appearance and sporty character with a high level of luxury and comfort. The miniature is based upon the Monza A2 created after a facelift gave it a more aerodynamic front end in mid-life. Again in silver metallic it is fitted with well detailed black interior.


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Eaglemoss Opel Collection 123 to 128

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Here are details of the latest six items in the “designer series” which followed the end of the standard Opel Collection. These are all made in China by Ixo for Eaglemoss to 1:43 scale.

#123 Hans Mersheimer and the Olympia Rekord P1

Opel Collection Olympia Rekord P1

The Olympia Rekord P1 was the first, and only, Opel Rekord with a wraparound windscreen. The exterior styling and design were carried out  in Detroit. Opel design could only design the interior and some body mouldings. The designer responsible for new cars at the time was Chief Engineer Hans Mersheimer who started his career in 1920 as an apprentice at the Opel plant. The model is well detailed and painted metallic silver. Lights and other parts are small inserted mouldings. The magazine gives a full history of Hans Mersheimer and  his career.

#124 Herbert Killmer and Omega A

Opel Designer Collection Omega A

 The successor of the Rekord E2 was completed under project number 2300 and work began in Autumn 1981. Herbert Killmer led the team in the design department responsible for big cars. His team created a classic saloon with notchback and rear wheel drive with impressing streamlined body. The model is the version after a face lift. Again it is in metallic silver with many added parts.

#125  Chuck Jordan and the Diplomat A V8 Coupe

Opel Designer Collection Diplomat Coupe V8
Opel’s “Big Three”, the Captain, Admiral and Diplomat, again had a design from Detroit with chief engineer Mersheimer taking a “back seat”. The design was developed under supervision of Charles M. (Chuck) Jordan. In 1967, he was sent to Opel in Rüsselsheim to be director of design, successing Clare MacKichan, who returned to the GM headquarters. Karmann produced the coupe based upon the Diplomat saloon.
Again made in metallic silver this coupe looks impressive even in 1:43 scale. The magazine focuses upon the career of Chuck Jordan.

#126 Giuseppe “Nuccio” Bertone and the Astra F Cabriolet

Opel Designer Collection Astra Cabriolet

In the 1980s the cabriolet returned after yeras when open cars were scarce due to heavy handed safety rules. Opel wanted to offer an open car in the Astra class but lacked the development skills and production capacity for small scale output. The solution was to go to Bertone to create and produce the cabriolet which he did on both F and G Astras.

Nuccio Bertone ran design and production facilities. Though he himself was no designer he was always able to employ the best ones in this business. This model of an open Astra again comes in the metallic silver with some neat inserted components like lights.  The magazine covers the history of open Opel Astras and tells about Nuccio Bertone and his company.

#127 Erhard Schnell and the Ascona C

Opel Designer Collection Ascona C

The Ascona C was the first car issued as both a Vauxhall and Opel. In England it was sold as a Vauxhall Cavalier in Germany as an Opel Ascona. Only the badging and the location of the steering wheel differed.  Erhard Schnell and his team gave a roomy and modestly  streamlined car and it was the first mid-range Opel or Vauxhall with front wheel drive. This model is of the Opel version of the notchback saloon which was less often seen as a Cavalier since UK buyers preferred the hatchback. Again in metallic silver. The magazine covers the car, and its designer Erhard Schnell.

#128 George Gallion and the Manta A

Ople Designer Collection Manta A

 George Gallion always was “the deputy”. His career in the GM company was wide ranging before he was sent to Opel in Germany. There he became deputy to the design director and was the link between the design director and the design teams. In this case between Erhard Schnell designing the Manta A and the director of design at that time Chuck Jordan.
The Manta is re-issued here in metallic silver with many separately fixed small parts. Unfortunately quality control issues still seem to be present at Ixo since the exhaust pipe was fixed the wrong way round.

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Eaglemoss Opel Collection 120 to 122

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Here are three new items made in China to 1:43 scale by IXO for Eaglemoss. The original format of the Opel Collection finished with issue 120 and a new designer series has been launched crediting the lead designer for the particular prototype in a next style box  liner. The release schedule has now resumed its normal pattern.

#120 Opel Senator A2 1982-1986 Taxi

Eaglemoss 120  Opel Senator A2 1982 to1986 Taxi

A reliable and comfortable vehicle, and rather cheaper than rivals from Audi and Mercedes, the Senator often was used by German Taxi companies. This Senator is the facelifted model and it appears  in the typical ivory paint used for German Taxis of its era. It is fitted with a well detailed interior, moulded in light grey. Good wheels and separate lights but it has only a rudimentary baseplate.

#121 Opel GT – Designer Erhard Schnell

 

Eaglemoss 121 Opel GT and Designer Erhard Schnell

The GT is the first of 19 items. All models come in the same body colour, metallic silver, together with a booklet. The booklet describes the car and introduces it’s designer. In the first issue the work of Erhard Schnell is described and it focus on the Opel GT shown.

#122  Opel Record A Cabriolet – Design Director Clare MacKichan

 Eaglemoss 122 Opel Record A Cabriolet and Design Director Clare MacKichan
Detroit provided the design of this car leaving the German team only the emblems and the interior to finish off. At this time Clare MacKichan was appointed Opel Director of Design by GM. He was responsible for creating a dedicated Opel Design Centre a  first for the European automobile industry. This centre celebrated it’s 50th birthday in Summer 2014.

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