1968 Opel Kadett L Wagon
VIN: 391383662
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.
