Buick Opel

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Buick
1976 Buick Opel - 90,000km (16816206825) .jpg
Opel
Production period: 1976-1979
Class : Compact class
Body versions : Limousine , coupe
Engines: Otto engine :
1.8 liters (60 kW)
Length: 4267-4331 mm
Width: 1570 mm
Height: 1336-1359 mm
Wheelbase :
Empty weight : 934-975 kg
Previous model ?
successor Buick Skyhawk second generation

The Buick Opel was an imported mid-range model sold by American Buick dealers from 1976 to 1979, some of which was also offered under the name Opel Isuzu .

The Buick Opel was the US export version of the Isuzu Gemini , which belonged to the extensive GM model family based on the T platform from 1973; thus the Buick Opel was related to the Opel Kadett C and the Chevrolet Chevette . However, Isuzu built its own engines and designed the interior of its models completely different; but the bodies largely corresponded to the Kadett C.

Model history

In April 1976 the Buick Opel was introduced to the American market. It served as a replacement for the German Opel models Ascona and Manta, which were no longer imported from autumn 1975 and which had become too expensive due to exchange rate fluctuations.

The Buick Opel was initially only offered as a two-door hatchback coupé in basic and deluxe versions, the latter with additional instruments, chrome strips around the windows and on the sills and bumper horns.

A four-door sedan was added to the 1977 model year, and the following year a variant of the coupé called a Sport Coupe, which included bumpers in body color, matt black trim, front spoiler, sports steel rims and black trim.

All models were powered by Isuzu's own 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which was equipped with a double carburetor and produced 81 DIN PS (60 kW). A four-speed manual gearbox was standard, and there was a five-speed gearbox or three-speed automatic at an additional cost.

Around 60,000 Buick Opels were sold by autumn 1979, after which Isuzu took over the US export on its own and from 1980 offered the Gemini as the Isuzu I-Mark in the USA.

swell

  • Covello, Mike: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002 . Krause Publications, Iola 2006. ISBN 0-87341-605-8 ; here p. 621.