For Sale: 1996 Opel Calibra in Katwijk, Netherlands

Opel Calibra 2.0i 16V: A timeless coupe in exceptional as-new condition Picture yourself in the early 1990s, when a car's silhouette could still turn every head on the high street. Opel's history reaches back to 1862, when Adam Opel began producing sewing machines in R�sselsheim. The brand later grew into one of the most important car manufacturers in Europe. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, Opel (known to British buyers of the era as Vauxhall) built a strong reputation with sporty, affordable models such as the Manta and the Kadett GSi. In 1989, Opel opened an entirely new chapter in its sporting line-up: the Opel Calibra. Conceived as the successor to the Manta, it was based on the underpinnings of the Opel Vectra but wrapped in a strikingly streamlined coupe body. At its launch the Calibra was revolutionary for its aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of just 0.26, it was at the time the most aerodynamic production car in the world. The Calibra was built between 1989 and 1997 and came with a range of engines, from the well-known 2.0-litre four-cylinders to the rare turbo and V6 versions. The 2.0i 16V was regarded as the perfect balance between performance, reliability and everyday usability. Thanks to its punchy 16-valve engine and relatively low weight, the car delivered genuinely sporty performance while keeping its comfort and practicality intact. With its timeless design, innovative engineering and relatively low survival rate, the Opel Calibra has, in recent years, become an increasingly sought-after collector's item. Original examples with low mileage in particular are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. An exceptionally original example: Opel Calibra 2.0i 16V The Opel Calibra 2.0i 16V offered here, from March 1996, is a truly unique example. With a mere 13,916 kilometres on the clock, this coupe is in a condition that more than earns the label as-new. The car was originally delivered in Germany and has been extremely carefully treated and maintained throughout its life. On top of that, the Calibra has a full main-dealer service history, which further underlines its authenticity and technical condition. The exterior is finished in elegant Casablancaweiss, a colour that perfectly emphasises the Calibra's crisp, timeless lines. What makes it especially remarkable is that this car is still almost entirely in its first coat of paint, something extremely rare for a model from the 1990s. The interior is in exceptionally fine condition too. The black leather trim shows minimal signs of use and breathes the quality and solidity for which Opel was known in this period. The combination of the sporty coupe design, the classic colour pairing and the original condition makes this Calibra a true collector's piece. Over the past few years, we have seen the Opel Calibra earn ever more recognition as a classic youngtimer. Demand for original examples is growing, and that is clearly reflected in rising values. A Calibra in this condition and with this mileage very rarely comes to market. With a cup of coffee and a touch of nostalgia for 1996, Nick Slinger