1971 Opel GT

The Opel GT stands as one of the most visually striking sports cars to emerge from 1960s Europe, and this 1971 example represents a particularly compelling chapter of that story. First unveiled as a styling exercise at the 1965 Paris and Frankfurt motor shows, this low-slung fastback with its distinctive pop-up headlights translated show-car drama into production reality using a resourceful formula: exotic bodywork by French contractor Brissonneau & Lotz grafted onto the proven mechanical underpinnings of the contemporaneous Opel Kadett B. Production ran from 1968 to 1973, with approximately 103,000 examples manufactured—over 70,000 of which found homes in the United States through Buick dealer networks, earning the affectionate nickname "poor man's Corvette" while delivering genuine European sports car character at an attainable price point.

According to the seller, this particular GT has undergone extensive professional transformation at RENNtech that places it well beyond factory specification. Key characteristics include:

• Engine: Described as numbers-matching 1.9-liter inline-four with planed heads, new valves and seats, serviced and re-sealed with dual double-barrel Mikuni Solex downdraft carburetors
• Exhaust: RENNtech custom-built system featuring long-tube headers
• Transmission: Four-speed manual with new clutch
• Originality: Modified with custom fiberglass widebody conversion, Opel Racing Silver paint, re-finished steel bumpers, and all-new chrome trim and glass seals
• Chassis: New polyurethane suspension bushings and engine mounts, new floor insulation
• Wheels & Tires: Original Cragar wheels fitted with new BF Goodrich tires
• Interior: Completely reupholstered black vinyl throughout, custom rear storage compartment, Retrosound radio with Bluetooth connectivity, and wood-rimmed steering wheel

The vehicle's condition reflects a comprehensive frame-off restoration performed at RENNtech in 2022-2023, with approximately 200 miles added since completion. This provenance carries particular weight—RENNtech has established its reputation as a premier Mercedes-Benz tuning and restoration specialist, making their application of that expertise to an Opel GT virtually unprecedented. Market data for the Opel GT 1st Gen reveals strong collector interest with an 87% sell-through rate across 58 recent transactions averaging around $14,800. While most examples trade in the $2,000-$15,000 range, exceptional modified and professionally restored GTs with significant upgrades have achieved up to $25,300 at auction. The RENNtech pedigree, numbers-matching engine with performance enhancements, comprehensive ground-up restoration, and distinctive widebody treatment position this GT as a turnkey collector-grade example rather than a driver-quality car.