Opel Rekord A celebrates sixtieth anniversary

1953: debut of the Opel (Olympia) Rekord

In 1963, Opel presented the first model with the type name Rekord. However, the history of that name goes back further. Because as early as 1953, Opel introduced the Olympia Rekord – Opel’s first completely new model since it had resumed production in 1946. Starting with the 1957 model year, Opel called that model the Olympia Rekord P1, in reference to the panoramic windshield. In 1960, Opel dropped the name Olympia. The new model then introduced by Opel became the Rekord P2 – as a successor to the P1 but without a panoramic windshield. In the spring of 1963, Opel presented its new mid-size car, the Rekord A.

Clear design, optimal interior space: Rekord A scores with style and functionality

At the time, the new Opel Rekord A immediately attracted attention with its clear, flowing design. The advertisements at the time reported, “Smooth, sleek bodywork, generous interior space. With its comfort and handling, the Opel Rekord A enters the class that ten years ago was the domain of the large Kapitän. The Rekord A surpasses that model with its interior space and also consumes 20 percent less fuel.”

The flowing design of the Rekord A is characterized by the headlights that are no longer placed above, but next to the grille. The Rekord A’s sleek flanks and rear end also impress. Superfluous additions such as chrome trim and embellishments were no longer popular at the time, and Opel kept to the essentials with the Rekord A.

That essence is as much space for the occupants as possible. With its 4,512 mm length, 1,696 mm width and 1,465 mm height, the Rekord A hardly differs from its predecessors in terms of exterior dimensions. Nevertheless, it offers significantly more interior space, which had a positive effect on the Rekord A’s comfort and ease of use. Thanks to its long wheelbase – 2,639 mm – the rear passengers have plenty of legroom. In addition, the flush-fitting front and rear windows give the Rekord A a long, elegant appearance. The station wagon variant, also 4,512 mm long – which Opel called “Caravan” – offers a maximum of more than 2,000 liters of luggage space.

In the development process, safety and handling also received much attention. The body stiffness of the Rekord A was 30 percent higher than that of its predecessor. In addition, a two-spoke safety steering wheel was standard, and customers could also order the Rekord A with front disc brakes and a dual-purpose braking system. The newly developed heating and ventilation system also increased comfort and safety, in part because it helped prevent fogging of the windows.

Freedom of choice through numerous body styles of the Opel Rekord A

Opel offered the Rekord A in numerous variants to meet all kinds of needs. It came as a two- and four-door sedan, as a coupe and as a practical Rekord Caravan. There was also a three-door van variant. Buyers had a choice of 28 colors – thirteen single and fifteen combinations. Standard equipment, of course, included the aforementioned heating and ventilation system, central door locking (something special at the time), imitation leather upholstery and, in the Caravan variant, a cover for the spare tire.

The 1.5- and 1.7-liter four-cylinder engines with outputs of 40 and 44 kW (55 and 60 hp) were very reliable. Those who wanted more power could choose the Rekord 6 from 1964. With its 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder engine and 74 kW (100 hp) of power, it reached a top speed of over 170 km/h. This version was actually the precursor to the Opel Commodore. The last Rekord A rolled off the line in the fall of 1965.

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