Facts: 1963-1966 Opel Rekord

Some facts:

• This Rekord A model came out in March of 1963 to replace the previous Rekord P2 and initially it was named Olympia Rekord R3 but it was quickly changed to A (later Rekord's would be called B and C).

• The 1.5 and 1.7 engines were based on the Opel Olympia engine from 1937 and the Rekord A would be the last model to use those engines. They were developed up to 55, 60 and 67 HP.

• The line-up was a repeat of the Rekord P2, 2-door and 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé, 2-door caravan and 2-door delivery van. A cabrio version was also available in Germany.

• The Rekord L-6 was launched one year later in March 1964 and used the 100HP 2.6 litre inline 6 cilinder engine from the larger Opel Kapitan and was Opel's first 12 Volt engine. This engine was developed from the 1937 Opel Super6.

• 4 drum brakes were standard and front disk brakes were available as an extra.

• The Rekord "B" was released in July of 1965 and produced for less than a year. This model was just to prepare the stage for the Rekord C that was being finalized at the time.

• Besides the small exterior facelift (headlights, grille, rear end and tail lights), the Rekord B received the new four 4 cylinder CIH (cam in head) engines (1500, 1700 S, 1900 S) that would be used in further generations up until 1986. The rear transaxle was also wider which helped handeling and it would be the last Opel to use leaf springs.

• The round tail lights on the Rekord B would later be used on the Manta and GT.

887,304 Record A's were manufactured from March 1963 to August 1965.

296,000 Record B's were manufactured from August 1965 to July 1966. 



General Data - Rekord A:
• Engines: 1488 cc, 55 hp (DIN), or 1680 cc, 60 or 67 hp (DIN), or 2605 cc, 100 hp (DIN)
• Wheelbase 103.9 in (2,639 mm)
• Length 178 in (4,521 mm)
• Width 66.8 in (1,697 mm)
• Height 57.7 in •(1,466 mm)
• Kerb weight 2,140 lb (970 kg)-2,510 lb (1,140 kg)
• Top speed 81 mph (130 km/h)-104 mph (167 km/h)

General Data - Rekord B:
• Engines: 1492 cc, 60 hp (DIN), or 1698 cc, 75 hp (DIN), or 1897 cc, 90 hp (DIN), or 2605 cc, 100 hp (DIN)
• Wheelbase 103.9 in (2,639 mm)
• Length 178.3 in (4,529 mm)
• Width 66.6 in (1,692 mm)
• Height 56.7 in (1,440 mm)
• Kerb weight from 2,190 lb (990 kg)
• Top speed 83 mph (134 km/h)-104 mph (167 km/h)