Opel Rekord, Olympia and Commodore: books - history

Opel Rekord & Commodore - Entwicklung, Geschichte, Technik

With the successful Olympia and Olympia Rekord models, Opel managed to repeat its great pre-war successes from 1948 onwards. The mid-range model from Rüsselsheim established itself permanently at number 2 in the German registration hit parade, directly behind the significantly cheaper VW Beetle, which represented more of a basic automotive supply in the still young Federal Republic.

From 1963 onwards, Opel entered a new era of success: the Rekord was repositioned in the market, and was now referred to as the upper mid-range. True to the motto "Opel drivers should drive on the left more often on the motorway", which technology boss Hans Mersheimer had issued in 1963, Opel now offered the record with the Kapitän six-cylinder, the forerunner of the Commodore, which followed in 1967.
With a maximum displacement of 2.8 litres and electronic fuel injection, the Commodore GS/E broke the 200 km/h sound barrier and offered a much cheaper alternative to the coupes from BMW and Mercedes - and paved the way for the luxury coupe Monza. This book focuses on this interesting phase, which lasted from 1963 to 1986 - the debut year of the Omega.

Meticulously researched, specialist book author Frank Thomas Dietz describes in this type monograph the development of the Rekord series, from its beginnings with the Model A to the modern Rekord E, the direct predecessor of the Omega.

Product details

Author:	Frank Thomas Dietz
Details:	192 pages, 29 x 24.5 cm / 11.4 x 9.7 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2018)
ISBN:	9783958437043

Die Opel Rekord Story - Von Olympia bis Omega

In 1953, Opel introduced the Rekord, a completely redesigned sedan. With its modern body, contemporary design, and robust technology, the car became an icon in the hearts of the German people.
Whether as a sedan, estate, or sports coupe, the engineers continuously adapted the Rekord to contemporary tastes. The prestigious name endured until the 1980s when the Omega succeeded the famous predecessor.

Alexander F. Storz pays tribute to this cult car with comprehensive information and a wealth of historical photos, documents, and brochures. The book provides a thorough insight into the development and impact of the Opel Rekord, tracing its legacy to the era of the Omega.

Text in German.

Product details

Author:	Alexander F. Storz
Details:	256 pages, 27 x 24 x 2 cm / 10.6 x 9 x 0.79 in, hardback
Illustrations:	396 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2023)
ISBN:	9783613045873

50 Jahre Opel Olympia Rekord: Baujahre 1953-1957

From 1953 onwards, the Opel Olympia Rekord rolled off the production line in Rüsselsheim. A robust and proven engine, a completely new, extremely modern body, 40 hp, 115 km/h top speed, a single key fits the door, ignition lock, trunk and glove compartment!

Contemporary test reports, press photos, brochures, advertisements and beautiful calendar pictures are published here for the first time.

From the contents:

- Model overviews 1953 1955 1956 1957
- Introduction of the new model
- Extracts from test reports
- Factory photos, brochures, calendar pictures
- The Olympia record on the front pages
- Technical drawings
- Stages of development
- Equipment list
- Synthetic resin covering paints
- Decorative figures for the hood
- Labels, trim strips, part numbers.

Product details

Author:	Olaf Trapp
Details:	144 pages, 28 x 21 cm / 11 x 8.25 in, hardback
Illustrations:	266 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Verlag Podszun (D, 2003)
ISBN:	9783861333401