Cars that sold a million

The Rekord was born in 1953 as a replacement for the Olympia and it retained some of its predecessor’s features. In appearance it resembled the Chevrolet of that year (the sides, in a continuous sweep covered the wheels, a technique known in America as the pontoon side; the windshield being curved and in a single piece). The main differences between it and the Olympia were in the suspension, the Rekord having ball joints and telescopic shock absorbers. Though it was roomier inside than the Olympia the Rekord weighed less than its stable-mate and this feature was much appreciated.

The new car received a favourable reception from its first appearance because of the space inside it and the feeling of strength that it conveyed simply by its appearance. The best reward for its designers was the fact that it was the first car built by Opel that General Motors imported into the United States (October 1957). In 1959 the range was extended by the addition of a 4-door version with a 1680 cc engine and in 1960 the body was restyled. The recent restructuring of this car on top of the earlier changes made in its appearance and mechanical modifications suggest that this car will remain in production for quite a few years. A version with a 2100 cc diesel engine came out in September 1972 and this important step has added to growth in the Rekord’s production.