opel experimental gt

Opel Experimental GT (1965)

1965 Experimental GT: When we look at this icon of automotive design, it immediately becomes clear that this vehicle already embodied today’s design credo “Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision” to contemporary perfection. In 1965, the heart of every Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) visitor beat faster at the sight of the Experimental GT’s breathtaking lines, while journalists and industry experts were impressed with the unique, front mid-engined concept and the sporty two-seater’s novel, pop-up headlamps.

Originally developed as a high-performance laboratory on wheels for the testing of chassis and engine components, the Experimental GT was never planned for production. But after the frenzy the car created with the press and public, the concept became reality just three years later. Opel had set a precedent: the 1968 Opel GT it was first European concept car to go into series production. It was a role model for the industry: the trend-setting concept of an affordable, sporty dream car.

Opel was the first car manufacturer to demonstrate its innovative power with a concept car that had been entirely created in its own design facilities. “Besides having a fantastic look, the Opel sports car was primarily designed to impress with sophisticated aerodynamics,” explains Erhard Schnell, GT designer at the time. Even the headlights were shrouded to reduce air resistance.

The Experimental GT followed a new design style often called the “Coke Bottle Shape”, which could also be seen reflected in the design of the Corvettes of the time. A sleek front end with retractable headlamps, tapered flanks in the door area, and bulging rear fenders which flowed into the rear with sharp separating edges and round brake lights – these were the Experimental GT’s key design characteristics.

The cockpit of the Experimental GT was unusually roomy and functional, with full instrumentation set in an impressive-looking dashboard with toggle switches, competition steering wheel and short shift lever. There was a parcel shelf behind the seats that could only be accessed through the main doors. Behind the parcel shelf was a fold-up panel that concealed a spare tire and jack.

Source: www.opel.com

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The Origins Of Opel's Experimental GT

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In 1965, the Opel Experimental GT amazed crowds in Frankfurt, paving the way for the production GT. Executives, press, the public, and even Opel’s rivals showered praise upon the vehicle. But like all good stories, the creation of the GT started years earlier and thousands of miles away in the United States.

The Beginning

The story begins at Chevrolet in the early 1960s when Corvette and Corvair were at the peak of automobile design. Famed automobile designer Bill Mitchell tasked a couple of young designers to come up with a true sports car based on the Corvair. The results were the Corvair Monza and Monza Spyer, which were both hits with the press, but ended up being scrapped as GM saw the cars as providing too much direct competition to the Corvette.

Meanwhile In Germany

In 1962, as all this was happening, Clare MacKichan was sent on a five-year assignment to direct the design program at Opel. Previously involved with the creation of the Corvette and introduction of the Chevrolet Bel Air, he was trusted to have a steady hand and worked well with others. His task was to move Opel from being the purveyors of sensible cars to ones who would provide excitement by capturing the design trends that had emerged in the 1960s. At the time, Erhard Schnell was in charge of the advanced studio. The teams first task was to design an “everyman” sports coupé.

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From Concept To Production

After blowing away audiences at the 1965 Frankfurt IAA work begin to turn the Experimental GT to a production GT. Initially, engineers intended to leave the Kadett chassis unchanged. Schnell, however, had designed the prototype with the engine placed 16 inches to the rear of the front axle line. Schnell was correct as it proved to be better to achieve a tapered hood and good weight balance. Production began in 1968, and the vehicle quickly earned the nickname the baby Corvette.

Source: C ar Design News

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1965 Opel Experimental GT

Opel traveled to the 1965 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show to introduce a concept dubbed Experimental GT, a sleek two-seater that surprised both the press and the public when it was unveiled. As its name loosely implies, the Experimental GT was designed to show what an affordable, small and relatively fuel-efficient sports car could look like. In short, it was an American muscle car built to European tastes.

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09 Aug 2023

Opel Experimental Gives Clear Vision of Future of the Brand

German energy: opel experimental embodies three brand pillars bold and pure: next chapter of opel design philosophy with 4d opel vizor painting with light: electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light.

• German Energy: Opel Experimental embodies three brand pillars
• Bold and Pure: Next chapter of Opel design philosophy with 4D Opel Vizor
• Painting with light: Electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light

Rüsselsheim.  Opel is showing how it will be approaching the future with its stunning new Opel Experimental concept. With an ultra-modern exterior design, the Opel Experimental gives a clear vision of where the Opel brand will be heading in the coming years. Highlights include the cutting-edge aero-efficiency features, the spacious, illuminated interior with lightweight seats and next-level head-up display. The battery-electric crossover will celebrate its world premiere at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (September 5 to 10, 2023), where it will surely turn heads and introduce a new audience to Opel’s vision for sustainable individual mobility.

https://dms-exp3.licdn.com/playlist/vid/D4E05AQEOrz6v3IHk7w/feedshare-ambry-analyzed_servable_progressive_video/0/1691502708170?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=pX2f240xfmOhYdo6akQq7ZJlX5HqeCTcg5BC10Xel1g&custom=.mp4      

“The Opel Experimental gives an outlook on upcoming models and technologies, on the future design, even on a new era and the future of the brand. This stunning concept car represents a guiding light and showcases once again Opel’s pioneering spirit,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“Our new Opel Experimental gives a more extreme interpretation of our Bold and Pure design philosophy. It gives shape to our vision of the future. Many of the elements of its design and the mindset behind it will be visible in future production vehicles. The exterior design delivers an optimised aerodynamic performance in combination with a stunning silhouette while the interior offers an immersive and emotional user experience,” added Mark Adams, Vice President Design.

One of the most eye-catching things about the sleek silhouette of the Opel Experimental is the absence of chrome. Instead, the addition of exterior lighting and bold contrasting graphics add personality and sophistication to the already impressive proportions. Overall, the efficient battery-electric crossover is based on a state-of-the-art Stellantis BEV platform, and also equipped with electric all-wheel drive. The dramatic tapering profile has a bold and pure design with clean surfacing to enhance its stunning presence. Even traditional wing mirrors have made way for fully integrated 180-degree cameras on the C-pillars while sharp, muscular wheel-arch blisters emphasise the confident stance.

At the front, the new illuminated Opel Blitz sits proudly at the centre of the signature Opel Compass, the guiding element of Opel’s design philosophy. It is flanked by the elongated wing signature lighting on the horizontal axis while the illuminated centre crease adds further drama. This then repeats at the rear with the distinctive compass signature braking light created by edge lighting technology and sophisticated glass transparency. This combines with bold Opel lettering – instead of the Blitz logo at the rear – to form the central element. Around the front compass sits the next generation 4D Opel Vizor. The extra dimension is the addition of the advanced sight technologies including sensors, the lidar, radar and camera systems.

Clever aero solutions and space detox

The sleek and gliding silhouette of the Opel Experimental is set around very efficient packaging while the concept car also offers clever and optimised aero solutions. Aero-flaps at the front and rear increase aerodynamic efficiency as does the rear end diffusor. It extends or retracts depending on the prevailing driving situation. Elsewhere, the tyres developed in cooperation with Goodyear are made from recycled rubber and sit on 3-zone Ronal wheels with an active feature to increase aerodynamic efficiency even further.

While the exterior dimensions put the Opel Experimental in the compact C-segment the interior boasts D-segment spaciousness. This has been enabled by the liberation of space (space detox) inside the Opel Experimental. The steering wheel folds away seamlessly when not required. This is made possible by the steer-by-wire system, which further reduces weight by eliminating mechanical steering components. Elsewhere, the lightweight adaptive seats combine a lean but durable structure with 3D mesh-technology fabrics. These ensure the outstanding seating comfort that customers have become accustomed to from Opel vehicles, while contributing further to the liberation of space inside the concept car.

Pure Experience, Pure Pad – pure pleasure

The detox approach is continued with the Pure Experience. Drivers can personalise the information according to their needs on the slim Tech Bridge, a new interpretation of the Pure Panel seen in current Opel models. Instead of conventional screens, information or entertainment is presented using augmented projection technology supported by artificial intelligence and natural voice control.

The floating, transparent Pure Pad sits ahead of the front armrest. It can be configured according to the driver’s personal preferences, thus allowing instant access to the most frequently used controls.

While the Opel Experimental embodies all of Opel’s brand pillars – Detox, Modern German, Greenovation – it also goes a step further by expressing the brand’s emotional approach to sustainable mobility. Electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light that create a perfect environment for wellbeing. In addition, the reactive fabrics can enhance functional attributes. For example, when a vehicle enters the blind spot, a warning appears in the respective door insert as well as on the head-up display thus providing additional safety for occupants and other road users.

With its focus on showing a clear vision for the brand, the Opel Experimental continues the long and successful tradition of concept cars “made in Rüsselsheim”, a tradition that started in 1965 when Opel became the first European brand to present a design study in the form of the legendary Experimental GT.

Natalia Pagano   +49 (0) 172-7957210   [email protected]

Carina Elsinger               +49 (0) 6142-6927811                                [email protected]

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Concept Car of the Month: Opel Experimental GT (1965)

By Karl Smith 2020-02-14T18:02:00

In the guiding hands of a young of Erhard Schnell, this month’s concept car, the Experimental GT, marked a turning point for Opel Design

The designers of the car that sat under a drape were shaking with nervous energy. The top management of Opel, along with invited guests, were on hand for the unveiling of a secret project. Finally, the moment came. The drape was removed as Opel design staff presented the project – a small, curvaceous sports car. The room was silent as the features and the design of the car, named the Opel Experimental GT, were introduced. It was a concept completely different than anything ever attempted at Opel. When the presentation was complete those assembled broke into spontaneous applause, and the design team breathed a sigh of relief.

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Experimental GT

• Add to quote

some one needs to read http://www.opelgt.com/forums/general-discussions/10401-photo-posting-members-101-a.html lol to add to your origonal post go to edit in it then "go advanced" scroll down to attach files ,click on manage attachments , browse for photos and upload ,you can do 5 in stages of 2 / upload in 1 post  

Attachments

Interior Experimental dash  

They used the taillights from the B Rekord on this one  

Looks like Rekord C suspension to me. Coil springs on top of axle, trailing arms, and panhard bar. Also much wider than Opel GT/Kadett B axle.  

Bob, if you say so than it’s probable more than likely, in all the post I’ve ever read from you, your right all the time:yup:  

Cool photos, thanks for sharing them. I noticed a couple of interesting things. The gas cap is much much more flush, and the exhaust goes UNDER the rear axle.  

Test Bed ... The experimental GT was designed in the early 1960's as a mobile test bed for Opel suspensions at Opel's new high speed test track. The Kadett (and probably the rest of the Opel range) did not receive the coil spring rear suspension till 1967 1/2 - after it had been tested and proofed on the experimental GT.  

Concept Car of the Month: Opel Experimental GT (1965)

OH MY I think I just felt movement without the pill awesome awesome awesome  

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Opel's 1965 Experimental GT was a baby Corvette that made a big impact

Initially conceived as a testbed for engine and chassis components to be employed at Opel’s new high-speed test track in Dudenhofen, the Gran Tourisme concept was never intended to reach production. But when it was first shown to the public at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was welcomed with a warm reception from European show-goers.

Too attractive for the test track

Boasting a scaled-down version of the ‘Coke Bottle’ design pioneered by its Corvette cousins – including a tapered nose, bulging haunches and round rear lights – the GT was a pretty little car. It wasn’t only about the looks though; the car had relatively sophisticated aerodynamics for its time, including the pop-up headlamps that would become so popular the following decade. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite share the same muscle as its American counterparts – it was powered by a 1.9-litre Rekord engine, albeit tuned.

Ultimately though, the GT received such a strong response that it became the first European concept car to make the leap into series production  – a big statement from a car whose cries might have been forever restricted by the perimeter walls of a test track.

Photos: Opel

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