Opel Rekord E

Saturday 4 December 2010
The E model can be subdivided into Rekord EI (1977–82) and Rekord EII (1982–86). Over 1.4 million units were made.
A version of the EI was sold by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom from 1979 as the Carlton, which featured the distinct slanted front end shared with the Chevette and Cavalier. The Carlton quietly succeeded the (by then long since discontinued) Vauxhall Victor FE. In the UK both models were outsold by the Ford Granada.
After the release of the EII in 1982, Vauxhall Carltons were distinguishable from Opel Rekords only by their badging, with no sheet metal changes. Models sold in the UK had 2.0 L petrol and 2.3 L diesel engines in base, Berlina and Berlina S trim levels.
The Rekord EI was the basis of the original 1978 Holden VB Commodore. However, to cope with Australian conditions it was strengthened substantially and used the Senator's nose (like the Opel Commodore) to accommodate the Holden straight-6 and V8 engines.
In South Africa the model was sold as a Chevrolet until 1982, when it was rebadged as an Opel. Delta Motor Corporation, which bought out GM's South African subsidiary after it divested from the country in 1986, produced EII model until the early 1990s. Later South African Rekords featured the Opel badge above the grille, similar to the smaller Kadett.
A version of the Rekord, known as the Royale, was produced by Daewoo in South Korea, featuring the front end of the larger Senator. This should not be confused with the Vauxhall Royale, which was effectively a rebadged Opel Monza/Opel Senator. Bodies for the Daewoo came from Holden in Australia.

Technical data:
- engine: 4 cylinders
- capacity: 1979 cc
- horsepower: 90 HP
- gearbox: 4+1
- top speed: 160 km/h