The
Opel Kadett is a popular Opel cars. In 1973 Opel launched The
Opel Kadett C. Before this,Opel has launced the
Kadett A (1962) and
Kadett B (1965). Opel Kadett C was Opel's version of General Motors'
"T-Car". The T-Car was also built in Japan by Isuzu and sold as the
Isuzu Gemini and in Australia is as the
Holden Gemini. In South Korea, Saehan Motor then Daewoo Motor built a version of the Gemini originally known as the
Saehan Gemini, later becoming the
Daewoo Maepsy and
Maepsy-Na after a final facelift.
The Kadett C formed the basis of the British Vauxhall Chevette, which had a restyled front end and launched with a hatchback body, in addition to using a 1256 cc OHV (over-head valve) Vauxhall engine rather than the 1196 cc OHV Opel engine. The Chevette made the Kadett C notable by allowing it to become Opel's first hatchback — a version named Kadett City appeared in August 1975,[4] based on the Chevette's hatchback body. The Kadett's coupé body style was never manufactured as a Chevette however. Although Kadett C production ended in 1979, the Chevette was produced until January 1984. Unusually for Vauxhall models, the Chevette was imported to Germany starting in 1979 to satisfy the need for a cheaper car than the Kadett D, and was quite a success for a year or two[citation needed] before being replaced by the Corsa A. This import version, however was never officially badged as an Opel or a Vauxhall - being named simply as 'Chevette'.
The Kadett C today is a cult car in Germany, especially in fastback (coupé) form. The most sought after versions of the Kadett C Coupé are the Rallye and GT/E models. These models were built first with the Bosch fuel injected 1897 cc CIH (Cam In Head) Opel engine, and followed by the updated 1979 cc CIH engine. Conversions using the newer GM Family II engine are common.
Included in the range from 1976[5] was very rare version, the Aero-Kadett, an open-top Kadett with targa roll bar, detachable roof insert and a separate convertible top aft of the roll bar (like the contemporary Lancia Beta Spider). This car was built in very limited numbers by Karosserie Baur in Stuttgart. One clue concerning its rarity is the manufacturer's recommended retail price of DM 15,500 at a time when Volkswagen's trusted (if slower and heavier) 1303 Cabriolet was offered for DM 12,735.[5]
The Kadett C reached the United States as the Buick–Opel. In reality, however, this was an Isuzu Gemini; an updated version of this car was marketed in the USA as the Isuzu I-Mark in the early 1980s.
In Brazil, the Kadett C was released six months before its European release, as the Chevrolet Chevette. It was available with a choice of three petrol engines, in 1.4 L, 1.6 L, and 1.0 L displacements (the latter available only for the 1992/3 model year); 1.4 L and 1.6 L versions were also available running on ethanol.
In Argentina GM manufactured a modified version with a locally developed 1.8 L 4-cylinder OHV motor -based on the 6-cylinder 194 engine- as the Opel K-180 in three versions "Base", "Rally" and "LX" from 1974–1979, when GM Argentina closed its doors.
This Chevette went through several redesigns — first front and rear panels similar to the Opel version, then a look similar to the British Vauxhall Chevette, and finally a design reminiscent of the updated USA Chevrolet Chevette version. It was available in several different bodies: hatchback (1979–87), estate (called Chevrolet Marajó, 1980–89), pickup (Chevy 500, 1984–95) and saloon (1973–93). The Chevette sold over 1.6 million units in Brazil, being replaced by the Chevrolet Corsa.
Info :
wikipedia.org
