July 21 2008
Autobahnstormer: 1972 Opel GT Targa V8
Update 27/7: The Opel sold with the buy-it-now for £6,750.
We like cars that have tasteful modifications. This Opel GT will definitely not appeal to the purists out there. Not only has it had an engine swap but also the big wheels transform the car completely. The new engine is a reconditioned Rover 3.5-liter V8 and fits nicely. The original cars came with a 1100 or 1900cc engine.
The V8 engines were originally built by General Motors in the US and Rover bought the production rights in the mid-60s. Seeing that Opel is part of GM, this seems a great mod. The car is meant to have an automatic gearbox so to see the gearstick might be a bit tricky at first.
This particular car has been completely restored up in Scotland and is for sale here on ebay. All wiring and suspension bits have been replaced, and it has been converted to right hand drive. The dashboard has been chopped and changed. The Targa conversion was an aftermarket modification, but in our opinion a very nice addition.
We could be tempted to remove the rear windscreen antenna and to change the wheels for a set of BBS alloys. The registration plate could be worth a bit of money as well as a cherished plate. We like it!
Just a bit of history…….This car was converted to RHD about 12yrs ago, when she also got the Rover V8, at the time only 2 GT’s had ever been converted!!!
She then changed hands and subsequently had in the region of £35k spent on her, with the Targa Top conversion, complete interior upgrade to Recaros and retrim in leather, the Brock Alloys 9 and 10 by 17″ alloys plus numerous other trick bits.
Time obviously has marched on and she has been used and now requires some detailing and has passed into the hands of a true Opel GT enthusiast.
Work now being undertaken includes a gearbox upgrade, complete steering overhaul, suspension tweaks, new alloys (you’ll be please to read that YES they’re BBS splits), a new interior, chrome work and repaint.
So do i know the new owner…….well you can guess
Mark, thanks for your comments. Wow, that’s a long list of things to be done. Are you changing the interior/dash to stock again? Keep us posted on the progress. Hope you like the website
Well, here’s an update for you. Gearbox has now been changed for a BMW ZF Auto (although in the pics she looks like a manual she has been an auto for 10yrs+). The steering geometry has been improved and front suspension has been dropped to give a better ride height.
The Targa top has seen some modification for improved sealing and the new BBS alloys have arrived, a far more manageable 7.5*15 Split rim.
She should be coming home in a couple of weeks and will get a new rear axle as the old diff is worn, some tweaks to the exhaust and i can then start on the interior. This will bespoke and again in leather, either using Recaros or MX5 seats (with built in speakers in the headrest). Dash will stay as is, the original cannot be used as all GT’s are LHD.
Once this is done it’ll be time for new Chrome and Paint, hopefully in time for the ’09 show season.
Sadly i’m having to sell 2 other Opels to help cover the costs, one being a 49k Mile Manta GT/E and the other……another OPEL GT!
Let me know if i can post pics, i’m sure the readers would like to see the progress and other toys.