Opel Ascona A

Luis Gameiro

Bansheer
NOTA: Brevemente traduzirei a história do modelo para Português.

The Story Of The Ascona A

In autumn 1970 the Adam Opel AG in Rüsselsheim presented a new model range (internal project code 1450), to be inserted seamless between the existing model ranges Kadett and Rekord. Initial the first Ascona should be produced as a Kadett C as the following two pilot run studies from the year 1968 occupy, who were still designated as Kadett.


Since at the same time the rival firm Ford presented the opulent proportioned Taunus, which otherwisely should have had no competitor of Rüsselsheim and in addition to this Bob Lutz of Opel had pleaded for the introduction of a new model range. So an independent model range named Ascona was born. At the presentation in Turin, the car raised sympathy at first sight. Chief designer "Chuck" Jordan of Opel was responsible for the straightlined, ornateless design. The premiere presentation of the Ascona proceeded without attracting great attention, because the world was primarily interested in the technically identical Manta (Rüsselsheims secret weapon against the legandary Ford Capri), which had been presented some weeks ago and only of second importance for the decently designed Ascona. It seems this image is still attach to him, because although up to the autumn 1975 almost 650.000 units were produced, today the Ascona A has nearly disapeared from the streets in germany.


The US-Export-Models

Already during the development phase the Ascona A was prepared, just like the Manta A, for the US-American market and was introduced in October 1970 in Detroit. The vehicles for the US market were manufactured exclusively in the General-Motors factory in Antwerp and from there were supplied through Rotterdam to the Buick-Dealers in the USA. However the vehicles was named differently than in Europe. The Ascona A Sedan was named "Opel 1900 Sedan (Model 51 and Model 53)" and the Ascona A Caravan and Voyage was named "Opel Station Wagon (Model 54)"; starting from model year 1973 the Caravan and Voyage was named "Opel Manta Sport-Wagon". The 4-door sedan was no longer available for the US-American market starting from model year 1972.

Contrary to the European editions, first the Ascona was available only with the 19S-engine und came only with only the highest quality accesoires. In order to be able to fulfill the strict exhaust standards, the 19S-engines had been reduced to 78 DIN-PS(HP) in the output. Starting from model year 1975 an electronic fuel injection engine (19-E) with regulated catalyst and an output of 102 DIN-PS (HP) was available additionally, however these models was first intended only for the market in california.

In order to meet the increased safety requirements fairly, the vehicles were equipped with seat bells as standard (and a warning lamp), reinforcements in the doors as well as side-marker lights in the fenders and wrap around rear tail lenses. Starting from model year 1974 the vehicles were equipped with larger aluminum bumpers which were 5 mile per hour shock loaded.
 
OP
OP
Luis Gameiro

Luis Gameiro

Bansheer
Re: Opel

OPEL 1604S 4 Door Sedan
Proprientário - Luis Santos
Localização: Leiria
Data: Dezembro de 1973
CS-28-47
Branco, Amarelo e Outras
 

Anexos

  • opel_ESTG.jpg
    opel_ESTG.jpg
    77.1 KB · Vistos: 18
  • DSCF5905.jpg
    DSCF5905.jpg
    145.6 KB · Vistos: 5

Joao Gomes

Veterano
Re: Opel

OPEL 1604S 4 Door Sedan
Proprientário - João Gomes
Localização: Maceira-Leiria
Data: Dezembro de 1973
DN-63-66
Branco
 
Topo