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Description
Although the economic climate was harsh at the time of its introduction, the car therefore sold unexpectedly well. It was available in several body styles, but the most attractive version was undoubtedly the cabriolet. (In late 1932 the modelprogram was updated and received the designation Opel 1.8 Liter Series 18C)
The earliest record we have found of the cabriolet currently offered dates from 1963, when it was re-registered in the vehicle register. The car’s early history is unknown, and we therefore do not know whether it was originally sold new on Gotland. The buyer may possibly be able to obtain this information from the National Archives of Sweden. According to Swedish Transport Agency records, the car has had seven registered owners, the last four belonging to the same family.
The current owner inherited the car from his father, a well-known entrepreneur and car enthusiast who owned several collector vehicles. The car has been part of the family’s collection since the 1980s and has been used occasionally for leisure drives and car gatherings. Since 2015 it has mostly been standing unused in a garage. The heirs have now decided to sell the car and hope it will find an owner who has time to care for it.
Included with the car is a spare wheel (mounted on the right front fender). The owner’s manual and jack are missing. There is only one ignition key for the car.
In Sweden, this vehicle falls under the veteran vehicle regulations for cars manufactured before 1950. This means the car is exempt from periodic inspection and from vehicle road tax.
This is a distance auction. The photographs and information about the car and its technical condition have been provided by the owner. BWA has therefore not inspected the car on site.
Free history (8)
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
The car is equipped with an inline six-cylinder side-valve engine of 1.8 liters producing 32 horsepower. The gearbox has three gears.
The car was brought out shortly before the auction for a short drive that was filmed. In the video the engine can be heard running somewhat unevenly. The owner explained that the car was not warmed up before the short drive, which may have had some effect. As the car has barely been driven since 2015, one should expect that a service inspection and general check-over will be necessary. A new 6-volt starter battery was installed in 2025. The function of the lights and indicators is uncertain, as these were reportedly not tested during the drive.
The brakes are mechanically operated on all four wheels. Since the system is mechanical, it requires regular manual adjustment of the brake shoes and linkages to ensure even braking on all wheels. According to information provided, the car pulls slightly to the right under braking, so an inspection is likely due. -
Interior condition
Presentable interior with minor wear. We believe the upholstery was redone in the 1970s. The starter battery is located under the driver’s seat. On these models, the front floor is made of wood. See the photos.
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Exterior condition
The car has an older repaint that was carried out more than 40 years ago. Over time, some blemishes have appeared. For example, the paint has flaked around the air vents on the sides of the hood, and there is also some cracking in the paint. At the lower sides of the firewall between the doors and the hood there are minor rust spots. Please study the photos carefully.
When stored indoors in an unheated storage space, the convertible top has been kept folded down, which may explain why it has become somewhat discolored. The top also has a tear above the rear window.
The car is fitted with older tires: 17-inch tires at the front and 18-inch tires at the rear. This is approved and noted in the vehicle register. The rear tires are in good condition for their age, while the front tires show some dry cracking. -
General condition
There are age-related blemishes. A general inspection and service should be carried out before the car is put back into regular use.
Overall, the car can be described as being in usable condition and giving a good overall impression. The fact that it is very rare certainly doesn’t make it any less appealing.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1963-07-23 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1965-08-18
Senast godkända besiktning: -
Besiktigad tom: -
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 7
Owner's comment
Facts about the model
The Opel 1.8-Liter was the first new model introduced since GM’s initial investment. The handsome little car looked a bit like a contemporary Chevrolet but scaled down to suit the European market. The similarities were no coincidence, as much of the design work for the Opel 18 was done in Detroit. Power came from a 1,790-cc side-valve inline six-cylinder, with a single Solex carburetor and a 3-speed gearbox, updated to a four-speed later in production. Despite its modest stated output of 32 horsepower, the lightweight model 18 had sprightly performance and a top speed of 53 miles per hour. The updated Model 18C arrived for the 1932 model year, with various improvements to the coachwork and minor refinements to the mechanical spec. One of the best looking models of the series was the 18C Regent Cabriolet
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Mathias Casserlund
mathias.casserlund@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.