Opel Rekord History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Opel Rekord began life as the Olympia Rekord in March 1953, successor to the pre-war Opel Olympia. Over eight distinct generations spanning three decades it became one of Germany's most important family cars, competing directly with the Ford Taunus and Volkswagen 1500.
Between its 1953 introduction and its 1986 end of production, approximately ten million Rekords were sold — an extraordinary total that cemented its place as the backbone of Opel's lineup through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The final Rekord E remained in production until 1986, when the nameplate was retired in favour of the new Opel Omega.
Generations
Olympia Rekord (first generation) · Olympia Rekord
The post-war restart: a pontoon-bodied saloon that launched the Rekord name.
Eighth generation (Rekord E) · Rekord E
The final and longest-lived Rekord generation; replaced by the Opel Omega.
Body styles
- Sedan
- Estate
- Coupe
- Caravan
Related models
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