Opel Kadett History
Catalog record
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History
The Kadett name first appeared in 1936 for a small, affordable family car, but production was halted in 1940. It was revived in 1962 as the Kadett A and went on to become one of Europe's most popular compact cars across five generations: A (1962–1965), B (1965–1973), C (1973–1979), D (1979–1984), and E (1984–1991).
The Kadett C was the last rear-wheel-drive version; the 1979 Kadett D switched to front-wheel drive — 'made by Opel,' as the marketing said. The aerodynamically styled Kadett E won the European Car of the Year award for 1984 and sold in huge numbers before giving way to the Opel Astra in 1991. The Kadett B was also the mechanical donor for the original Opel GT sports car.
Generations
Kadett A
The modern Kadett restart — nearly 650,000 units in three years.
Kadett B
Shared its platform with the Opel GT; offered as coupe, sedan, estate, and convertible.
Kadett C
Last rear-wheel-drive Kadett; a cult favourite today in Gte coupe form.
Kadett D
Opel's first front-wheel-drive compact; also sold as the Vauxhall Astra in the UK.
Kadett E
European Car of the Year 1984 — the teardrop-shaped Kadett that sold millions before becoming the Astra.
Body styles
- Hatchback
- Sedan
- Estate
- Coupe
- Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
Kadett C GTE / GT/E
The sporting fuel-injected Kadett C coupe — a sought-after rally-derived variant with 105 hp.
Related models
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