Opel Rekord History

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.