Vehicle Description
Initially produced from 1937 to 1940 by the German automaker Opel, production of the Kadett ceased in mid-1940 as hostilities increased during the Second World War. Production resumed in 1962 with the introduction of the Kadett A, which was designed to be an affordably priced family car, and was meant to compete directly with Volkswagen, which had dominated the economy passenger car market since the end of World War II. In 1965 the Kadett A was replaced by the Kadett B, which was slightly larger overall, and sleeker looking than its predecessor, yet still retained the same styling that allowed it to remain an affordable family automobile. Here in the United States, the Opel Kadett was sold under Buick, and was marketed in the U.S. the same as in Europe, as an affordable family car. Affectionately called the 'Mini-Brute' in Buick advertisements, it boasted ample cargo space and was sold and serviced by more dealers than any other import at the time. Although known as a Kadett B, the 'B' was simply a term to denote the generation and base model Kadett's were simply called the Kadett while higher trim versions were known as the Kadett L or LS, and featured more luxurious trim, extra chrome, and bumper overriders. This 1968 Opel Kadett L 2-door station wagon, also known as a shooting brake, has gone through a detailed restoration and is a multiple award winner, having taken home many first place, best in show, and people's choice awards from various car shows. The Kadett is powered by a rebuilt 1.1 liter overhead valve 4-cylinder water-cooled engine with twin Solex 35 PDSI carburetors, and is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. Making 55-horsepower, the engine has been fully detailed and runs excellently. The odometer on the Kadett B shows 84,531 miles, which is believed to be original according to a running log supplied with the car, although given the restoration completed on the Kadett, it feels almost like a new car. The interior of the Kadett features a redone headliner and new carpet while the seat upholstery appears to be original and is in excellent shape. The original Kadett Delco AM radio is present and works, while under the dash a vintage Audiovox FM converter allows listeners to tune-in to their favorite modern radio stations. Additionally, the Kadett has all of its original German Sekurit glass, and under the hood it retains all the proper German parts from Bosch, Solex, SWF, and ATE. This Opel Kadett shows extremely well with its bright red exterior and black interior and is a stunning vehicle, as is evident by the awards it has won at numerous car shows, and as one of the most successful Opel Kadett models ever produced that sentiment is surely not an anomaly.
