Opel Captain / Admiral / Diplomat B

Opel
Opel Diplomat 5.4 V8 (1976)
KAD Series B (Captain, Admiral, Diplomat)
Production period:	1969-1977
Class :	Upper class
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.8-5.4 liters (95-169 kW)
Length:	4907-5070 mm
Width:	1835-1852 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	2845-2995 mm
Empty weight :	1475-1720 kg
Previous model	Opel KAD Series A

The Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat series B models , also known as KAD B for short , were built from March 1969 to July 1977. According to some authors, they are the last upper-class models from Opel, which Adam Opel AG sees differently.

The only four-door notchback sedans were with six-cylinder - or V8 - petrol engines with a capacity from 95 to 169 kW available (129 to 230 HP).

General

As with the previous KAD A series , all KAD B models have the same body shape. The simplest, simply equipped model was - as with the KAD-A series - the Kapitän until May 1970. The admiral was the middle version. Opel also supplied the top model Diplomat with a V8 engine from Chevrolet .

The new cars were a few centimeters shorter and narrower than those of the KAD-A series. The body was smooth and massive with unmistakable US-American influences, which did not find the desired approval among potential buyers in Germany and Europe. The captain and admiral retained the wide rectangular headlights in the radiator grille, while the Diplomat received headlights in portrait format. In the manner of the Mercedes W111 , the indicators sat behind their almost square, curved lens and the headlights in the slightly protruding fenders. The Diplomat's taillights were also smaller and narrower than those of the other two models. All have sunken wipers .

In addition to crumple zones , the stable passenger cell and the spacious interior, the safety equipment also includes a safety steering column and dual-circuit brake system with disc brakes at the front and brake booster. In addition, the upper-class cars were given a complex and expensive De-Dion rear axle . This construction weighed around 20 kg more than a simple rigid axle , but the unsprung masses were lower. This should ensure good wheel guidance with slightly responsive suspension. Upon request, all three models could be equipped with a pneumatic level control, which increased the permitted trailer load to 2,000 kg (braked).

This series was also one of the first in Germany in which important body parts were galvanized, which should improve corrosion protection.

Captain B (1969-1970)

The rated output of the 2.8-liter six-cylinder in-line engine known from the KAD-A models was increased by two to 97 kW (132 hp) when equipped with a register carburetor and by four to 107 kW (145 hp) in the version with two register carburetors PS) increased.

The captain, who was very simply furnished, was hired again in May 1970. A name that had been used since 1938 disappeared from the model range.

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  Opel Kapitän (1969–1970)

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  Rear view

Admiral B (1969–1976)

Like its predecessor, the Admiral B was the middle equipment line of the KAD-B series. It was now also available with the intake manifold injection D-Jetronic from Bosch , with which it developed 121 kW (165 hp) with a displacement of 2.8 liters.

In September 1972, Opel retouched the Admiral's grille with horizontal ribs and the Opel emblem. In April 1976 the dashboard was redesigned (with glare-free instruments, four-spoke steering wheel and changed switch arrangement).

The Admiral remained in the range as 2.8 S and 2.8 E with automatic transmission and power steering until July 1976, but was then renamed Diplomat.

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  Opel Admiral (1969–1972)

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  Opel Admiral (1972–1976)

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  Rear view

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  Opel Admiral B 1977 1

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  Opel Admiral b 1977 2

Diplomat B (1969–1977)

The Diplomat continued to be offered with the 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with manifold injection and an output of 121 kW (165 hp) and the 5.4-liter Chevrolet eight -cylinder V-engine with 169 kW (230 hp), the opposite its predecessor has been slightly improved. In accordance with the high maximum speeds that can be achieved, versions with a V8 engine were equipped with four internally ventilated disc brakes.

In April 1970 the Diplomat V8 with three-speed automatic cost 21,556 DM, which, adjusted for inflation, corresponds to a value of 38,800 euros in today's currency. The comparable Mercedes 300 SEL 3.5 with 200 hp and a complex air suspension was over 35 percent more expensive at 29,637 DM (today: 53,400 euros).

The standard equipment included automatic transmission and power steering , and air conditioning, electric sunroof, leather interior and electric window lifters as well as internally adjustable mirrors, H4 halogen headlights and an electronic antenna integrated into the windshield (standard in the Diplomat from summer 1971) were available as accessories.

In September 1972, the diplomat was given a slight revision in which the Opel emblem was placed on the radiator grille.

From mid-1973 the Diplomat V8 was also available as a long version. At the beginning of 1976 it was upgraded with light alloy wheels, colored glazing and a wipe / wash system for the headlights.

After the name Admiral was given up in July 1976, this equipment variant with the 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder engine continued to run as a diplomat, but with the appearance of the Admiral. Opel wanted to continue to differentiate the Diplomat V8 from the six-cylinder model.

In July 1977 production of the Diplomat B.

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  Opel Diplomat (1969–1972)

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  Rear view

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  Opel Diplomat (1972–1977)

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  Opel Diplomat long version (1974)

end of an era

Production statistics of the Opel KAD-B series

In general, the Diplomat B was recognized as a technically high-quality vehicle by the professional world, but from the mid-1960s onwards, Opel's market share in the luxury class sank in favor of Mercedes-Benz and BMW , especially after Mercedes-Benz launched the new S-Class in 1972 ( see Mercedes-Benz W116 ). The first oil crisis in 1973 brought another significant slump, so that production in 1974 fell by 90 percent to 1,754 copies compared to 17,777 in 1969.

The KAD series was therefore discontinued in July 1977. There was no direct successor, and a project that had already started was discarded. The top model Senator , which will be available from April 1978, and its Coupé variant Monza are significantly smaller and therefore belong in the opinion of some authors such as B. Bartels / Manthey to the upper middle class , which does not coincide with the representation of Adam Opel AG .

At that time, some Opel dealers took advantage of the favorable dollar exchange rate and sold Chevrolet and Cadillac sedans imported from the USA , as some competitors did with other brands at the time.

Todays situation

Opel Admiral at the classic car meeting "Beueler Classics" (2015)

Because of the low sales figures, the passing on of used cars to third parties who care less and less and the passage of time of over 35 years, KAD models have now become extremely rare. Good, restored and well-kept specimens are therefore now traded at significantly more expensive than Mercedes models. The spare parts situation for the large Opel models is comparatively much more difficult, which makes maintenance and possible repairs noticeably more expensive. Only a few vehicles have survived from the former captain's entry-level model, the rarest of the “big three” from the start.

According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the number of registered vehicles in Germany on January 1, 2015 was :

• Admiral 2800 H: 228
• Diplomat V8: 341
• Admiral 2800 H: 111

Technical specifications

Opel Kapitän / Admiral / Diplomat B (1969–1977)
Opel KAD:	Kap / Adm 2800 p	Kap / Adm / Dipl 2800 H	Adm / Dipl 2800 E.	Diploma V8	Dipl V8 long
engine	6-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine ( Opel CIH )			8-cylinder four-stroke V-engine ( Chevrolet 327 )
Displacement	2784 cc			5354 cc (327 cubic inches )
Bore × stroke	92 x 69.8 mm			101.6 x 82.6 mm
Power (PS) at 1 / min	95–97 kW (129–132 hp) 5000–5200	103-107 kW (140-145 hp) 5200	118–121 kW (160–165 hp) 5600	169 kW (230 PS) 4700
Max. Torque at 1 / min	189 Nm 3500	222 Nm 3700	228 Nm 4350	427 Nm 3100
compression	9.5, later 9.0: 1			10.0: 1
Mixture preparation	A Zenith 35/40 INAT register carburetor	Two Zenith 35/40 INAT register carburetors	electronic intake manifold injection Bosch D-Jetronic	A double downdraft register carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet)
Valve control	Overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters and rocker arms (overhead camshaft, duplex chain)			Suspended valves, bumpers and rocker arms (central camshaft, toothed chain)
cooling	Water cooling
transmission	Four-speed gearbox, steering wheel or stick shift (a. W. Opel / GM three-speed automatic)			TH-400 Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic (GM)
Front suspension	Independent suspension on double wishbones , coil springs, torsion bar stabilizer
Rear suspension	Rigid De-Dion axle on two drawn trailing arms below and a pushed wishbone above, coil springs, torsion bar stabilizer
body	Sheet steel, self-supporting, tank: 80 liters
Front / rear track	1505/1512 mm
wheelbase	2845 mm				2995 mm
length	4907 mm				5070 mm
Empty weight	1475-1690 kg				1720 kg
Top speed	170-175 km / h	177-185 km / h	185-190 km / h	202 km / h	200 km / h
0-100 km / h	12.5-13 s	11.5-12.5 s	11.5 s	10 s	10 s
Consumption (liters / 100 kilometers)	15-16 liters	16-17 liters	17-18 liters	21.0 liters	21.0 liters

Special versions

Diplomat as a four-door convertible from Carrozzeria Fissore

Admiral B with hatchback and large tailgate from the Vogt body shop

Special body versions

The KAD family offers a few more rarities:

• In 1971 Opel had four Diplomat convertibles made for VIP transport; the conversions were carried out by Carrozzeria Fissore and Karmann . These four convertibles are all still in good condition and have become private property.
• The Vogt body shop in Bad Neuenahr converted some cars into fastback limousines with hatchbacks and large tailgates for broadcast teams from ZDF .
• In addition, Vogt also made some combi conversions and hearses based on KAD, as well as some ambulances whose floor assemblies were initially extended in Bad Neuenahr before the body superstructures were manufactured at Miesen in Bonn.
• When Opel took part in rally racing in the 1970s, there were three Admiral station wagons provided by the factory. Among other things, they can be seen in advertising films by the “Opel Euro Dealer Team” for Walter Röhrl's participation in the European Rally Championship as a mechanic and tire transport car in the team paint scheme of the racing Ascona-A. It is not known whether these were works or Vogt conversions.
• A stretch limousine with six doors remained a one-off due to a lack of demand.

Special structures

In addition to these special body versions, a number of independent vehicles were implemented on the floor pan and with the drive technology of the KAD series:

Diplomat CD 1969

In the course of 1969, Opel's design team, under the direction of Charles “Chuck” Jordan, realized a two-door hatchback coupé with a low, elongated front section and a large glass tailgate. A special feature of this coupé was a fold-up pulpit that replaced conventional doors: a unit made up of windscreen, roof parts and side sections was attached to hinges and could be opened to reveal access to the passenger compartment. A roadworthy prototype of this coupé with the drive technology and chassis of the Diplomat V8 was produced within a few months. The coupé was presented at the 1969 International Motor Show in Frankfurt and caused a sensation there. It is considered the conceptual forerunner of the Bitter CD . The vehicle was used for private purposes by Chuck Jordan for many years after it was exhibited.

Frua Diplomat Coupé

For the 1969 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the Italian design studio Pietro Frua designed a conventionally drawn notchback coupé with the chassis and drive technology of a Diplomat 2.8. The line of the coupé was reminiscent of the Glas V8 (also designed by Frua) . Frua's new design differed from this model, which has since been discontinued, primarily through a simpler front section with round double headlights. The obvious similarity between the two models was repeatedly used by the press as an opportunity to call Frua's Opel design "Glasomat". The special coupé was only produced in one copy. The car still exists; it is currently in Germany.

Frua Diplomat CD

One year after Chuck Jordan's sensational Diplomat Coupé, Pietro Frua produced a revised version of this design on behalf of Opel, which - unlike the original - was geared towards series production. The technical basis was the Diplomat V8. Frua took over the basic layout, but changed numerous details such as the belt line and the rear section, which received additional side windows. Above all, however, the elaborate pulpit, which was replaced by conventional doors, was omitted. The silver-colored vehicle was presented to the public at the 1970 Paris Motor Show.

Frua made two copies of this model; both vehicles still exist.

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  Frua Diplomat CD

Models from other manufacturers based on the KAD series

Intermeccanica Indra

→ Main article : Intermeccanica Indra

From the spring of 1971, a total of 125 units of the Intermeccanica Indra were produced in Italy based on the Diplomat V8 as a coupé with a stepped or hatchback body and as a convertible. A handful of later Indra coupes received drive technology from Ford shortly before production ended in early 1975 .

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  Fritz Indra in an Intermechanica Indra at the Ennstal Classic 2008

Bitter CD

→ Main article : Bitter CD

From the late summer of 1973, Bitter GmbH & Co. KG, with the support of Opel and Baur, built a coupé conceptually similar to the Indra called Bitter CD with the 5.4-liter eight-cylinder engine of the Diplomat and a hatchback body with pop-up headlights.

A total of 395 copies of the Bitter CD were produced by the end of 1979.

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  Bitter CD

literature

• Eckhart Bartels: The Opel Captain Book. Podszun, Brilon 1987 and 1999, ISBN 3-86133-193-4 .
• Eckhart Bartels, Rainer Manthey: Opel: Vehicle Chronicle Volume 2: 1952–1990. Podszun, Brilon 2012, ISBN 978-3-86133-620-4 , pp. 44/45 and 71/72.
• Frank Thomas Dietz: Opel Captain, Admiral, Diplomat A & B - The Big Three from Rüsselsheim. Heel, 1996 ISBN 3-89365-463-1 .

Web links

Commons : Opel KAD B  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Interest group captain - admiral - diplomat Sauerland
• Opel Captain - Admiral - Diplomat

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} Eckhart Bartels, Rainer Manthey: Opel: Vehicle Chronicle Volume 2: 1952–1990. Podszun, Brilon 2012, ISBN 978-3-86133-620-4 , pp. 44/45 and 71/72.
2. ↑ ^{a b} Cf. Opel company history - 1978 : “With the luxurious four-door Senator and the classy Monza hatchback coupé, two new stars of the automotive upper class [sic!] Come onto the market. The top engine for both models is a new three-liter, six-cylinder engine with 180 hp. "
3. ↑ ^{a b} See The OMEGA Story. There has never been so much to tell about a car. Adam Opel Aktiengesellschaft (Ed.), Rüsselsheim October 1986, Chapter I, pp. 16–17: “… What happened to the large class [sic!] [After the Kadett C from 1979 / 80s]? In 1978 Opel presented the Senator and the Monza sports coupe. The professional world was enthusiastic about this concept of a spacious limousine with driving characteristics that had not even been achieved by the competition. The market accepted the models at a time when sovereign understatement was more in demand than driving around status symbols. "
4. ^ Auto motor und sport, issue 8, April 11, 1970
5. ↑ The amount and relates to the previous January rounded to a full 100 euros.
6. ↑ Passenger car inventory on January 1, 2015 by manufacturer, trade name and selected features. (PDF) In: Statistische Mitteilungen des Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt FZ 2, January 1, 2015. Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, July 2015, pp. 92, 99, 101 , accessed on November 14, 2015 . 
7. ↑ ^{a b} Oldtimer Markt, special issue prototypes 1988, p. 57ff.
8. ↑ ^{a b} History of the Frua Diplomat Special Coupé on the Pietro Frua website.
9. ↑ Opel-Oldies: Stories made of chrome and sheet metal. In: Spiegel Online (photo gallery).