Build story
This is my second Opel GT. They were only produced for 5 years. My first one was a 1972 Opel GT back in 1973. I loved that car. Unfortunately I lost it in a fire that started when the block heater shorted out. Then we started a family and my dream of purchasing another GT was put on hold. Fast-forward to 2005 to my retirement and my children had all grown up. The Opelitis bug hit me again and I started the search for my next Opel GT. After many months I found an unrestored 1970 California car on Ebay. I won the car in a bidding war during the last 30 seconds of bidding with a final price of $3050. From the paper work I believe that I’m the second owner. It then cost me $1100 to get it shipped home. When I received the car it had no brakes the water pump and carb were shot and anything rubber or plastic was crispy due to the Californian sun but….rust free! I removed the engine, stripped the car and had it painted. During the strip down I discovered two 8mm tapes. One was a pool party taken in the 70’s that I’m sure featured the original owner. While it was being painted I rebuilt the engine at my brother’s garage. Once I got the car back I installed the engine, reupholstered the seats, replaced the carpet, recovered the dash, installed a new headliner, rebuilt the window mechanisms, added a big brake package, installed anti sway bars, added a shorty header, replaced the points with crane ignition, added a weber downdraft carb. Basically I went through the car and made it super drivable. I’ve driven it twice to Toronto for an Opel Cruise In day and even went to the import show in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where I got to meet with my kindred spirits with Opelitis.