Description
During the early years, it continued to serve as a daily driver, but since the turn of the millennium it has been used as an enthusiast car and has always been stored in a garage between outings to meets and events. Over the years, it has been well maintained and carefully looked after. During this time, it has undergone thorough rust repairs and has also been treated with rust protection on three occasions.
The car was repainted just over 10 years ago, at which time it was also rustproofed. The interior was upgraded as well, with reupholstered seats featuring leather on the seating surfaces, a new headliner, and a refurbishment of vinyl components such as the door panels.
Mechanically, the engine block was replaced just over five years ago, while the distinctive Sprint cylinder head was retained and refurbished. At the same time, it also received, among other things, a new radiator and a new exhaust system. The car is equipped with an engine block heater and a cabin heater connection.
It is insured through MHRF, and the sale includes various literature, instruction manuals, service booklets, and an extra door. The car was also featured in a 1999 issue of Retro magazine by Teknikens Värld.
Inspected and ready to drive.
Technical data
Condition
-
Mechanical condition
Started easily, although there was an occasional clicking from the starter motor. During a short test drive on country roads, the car was perceived to run smoothly and comfortably, with some period-correct body movement and minor clunks.
The automatic transmission shifted smoothly, and the kickdown function worked well. Steering and brakes operated as intended. As the car has seen limited use in recent years, a general service check is recommended. -
Interior condition
A solid and comfortable interior environment. The seats have been upgraded for improved comfort, and both the front and rear seats have been reupholstered.
Nice door panels and trim, a newer headliner, and well-kept textile carpets, along with protective floor mats. The steering wheel, controls, dashboard, and gauges are all in good condition. There is some light patina on the wood veneer around the instruments. Otherwise, it remains in fine condition, including around the radio console.
Fitted with a newer stereo. The car is equipped with retractable seat belts. In the photos, the cable for the cabin heater connection was loose, but it has now been easily reattached. -
Exterior condition
A newer repaint in fine, glossy condition, regularly polished over the years. The black trim sections are also in good condition. Some rust is present underneath the driver’s door.
Glass, brightwork, trim, and lighting details are all in good shape. Nice wheels with well-kept trim rings and hubcaps. Older Cooper tires in good condition, though somewhat hardened with age.
The engine bay and trunk are in good, original condition. -
General condition
The early 1970s Sprint was a car for the true Opel connoisseur. It was a turbulent time with oil crises and economic uncertainty, so a car that combined efficiency with premium and sporting ambitions was well received.
Its history, condition, and user-friendly nature make it, more than 50 years later, a fine classic and enthusiast car of its era. For a new owner, there are a few details to look over and tinker with, but the overall impression is very good.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1972-06-15 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1972-06-15
Senast godkända besiktning: 2020-07-01
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 11
Facts about the model
The previous C version had enjoyed great success in the late 1960s, and moving into the 1970s, the Rekord arrived in a new, sleek body with a more upscale appearance, reflecting GM’s global design language seen in the U.S., the UK, and Australia. After its first test drive at the Dudenhofen proving grounds, Teknikens Värld wrote in issue no. 2, 1972: “Why hasn’t Opel built cars this good before?”
With this move upmarket, the model also became more expensive—something many noted at the time. However, the improved rear suspension received praise for significantly enhancing road holding.
The model was offered with proven 1.7L and 1.9L petrol engines, the latter featuring hydraulic valve lifters for quieter operation, and later also a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Opel also introduced a 2.1L diesel, recognizable by the distinctive bulge on the hood. The more prestigious Commodore model continued to offer a six-cylinder engine—but that is another story.
Transmission options included a four-speed manual or a more ????able three-speed automatic. As before, the range included two- and four-door sedans, three- or five-door estates (known by Opel as “Caravan”), and two-door coupés—though now without the previously popular hardtop-style side windows.
As with earlier generations, there were numerous trim levels, one of which was the Sprint model. First introduced in the previous C generation, it carried over into the new D generation. As before, it featured sporty attributes such as a black grille, black stripes and accents, sport wheels with wider tires, upgraded suspension components, and chrome detailing inspired by the Commodore. It also included a sport steering wheel, additional gauges, and a more refined interior.
Under the hood was the 1.9L engine, but with a modified cylinder head, paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox. As Opel themselves put it in their advertising: “With the Sprint package, the car is not only more attractive—it delivers even greater driving enjoyment.” Of course, that came at a price—a Sprint Coupé cost around 35,000 SEK in 1974.
In total, 1,128,681 examples of the Opel Rekord D generation were produced.
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Tore Thallaug
+46 705 90 23 65
tore@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.