Opel Olympia A
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Production period: |
1967 to 1970 |
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Class: |
Motor Car |
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Body versions: |
Sedan, coupe |
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Engines: |
Gasoline 1.1-1.9 litres (44-66 kW) |
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Length: |
4182 mm |
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Width: |
1573 mm |
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Height: |
1354-1400 mm |
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Wheelbase: |
2416 mm |
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Curb weight: |
770-880 kg |
The Opel Olympia A was a car which Opel produced between summer 1967 and mid-1970.
History
An Opel Olympia already existed from 1935 to 1953 In 1936, in celebration of the Berlin Olympic Games, Opel launched a model called The "Olympia'". For those days it was an outstanding car, advanced both in technique and style and so much so that its production lasted into the years immediately after the war. Within the Opel range, the Olympia A came in August 1967 as a more luxurious addition to the market.
There were three body versions: two and four-door hatchbacks and the coupe. These models were based on the respective LS models of the Kadett B .Aesthetically speaking, the most striking element is the sawn-off tail, the "fastback" of American origin. In order to diminish the volumes and to give the car a livelier look, the roof sweeps down at the back with a smooth flat line which incorporates the rear window.
Thus in style it is like a G.T. model though losing nothing of the roominess of a saloon.
The car was to fill the gap to the larger record until the appearance of the Ascona A the Opel Olympia A was more powerful engines and better equipped Kadett B There is good all-round vision, too and plenty of light due to the large window area. Particular care and attention has been given to theinterior finishings. If it is true that the Kadett can still be called a run-about, the Olympia immediately claims to a place in a higher class. . With chrome grille with additional trim as well as a more elaborate interior to that of the cadet models. In particular, the vinyl roof, available at extra cost, proved like many others years later became a moisture trap and thus a rust trap under this. Other options alternator and sunshine roof.
The Olympia was also sold in the United States. The safety factor, has been faced and studied with the rigour .The seventeen points listed in the Federal regulations in America at the time on the question of safety standards have all been faithfully accepted by the designers of the Olympia. It should be noted in fact that the central portion of the bodywork is rigid and reinforced while the front and back portions are collapsible under stress so that they would absorb much of the shock of a head-on crash or pile-up. The steering column is a made of reticulated metal which telescopes under a violent blow, thus eliminating the danger of the steering column piercing the driver's chest in an accident. All protuberances have disappeared from the interior, handles are recessed and the roof and facia are well padded, The doors have an aeronautical-type lock. The new ventilation system allows complete air change even with windows closed.
In July 1970, the production of the Olympics ended A. The model was not a particular sales success with 80,697 built copies since differed too little from the favourable Opel Kadett B.The successor was the Opel Ascona A from November 1970 with newly developed and independent body.
The following engines were available:The most economical engine, the 67.12 cu in, 1,100 cu cm or the more powerful 103.77 cu in, 1,700 cu cm or even the 115.94 cu in, 1,900 cu cm.
1.1 l SR, OHV engine with 44 kW (60 hp) and dual gas turbine
ENGINE CAPACITY 65.78 cu in, 1,078 cu cm
FUEL CONSUMPTION 35.7 m/imp gal, 29.8 m/US gal, 7.9 1 x 100 km
MAX SPEED 87 mph, 140 km/h
max power (DIN): 60 hp at 5,200 rpm
max torque (DIN): 62 1b ft, 8.5 kg m at 3,800-5,000 rpm
max engine rpm: 6,000
max speeds: 28 mph, 45 km/h in 1st gear; 49.1 mph, 79 km/h in 2nd gear; 75.8 mph, 122 km/h in 3rd gear; 87 mph, 140 km/h in 4th gear
power-weight ratio: 29.1 lb/hp, 13.2 kg/hp
speed in direct drive at 1,000 rpm: 18.1 mph, 29.2 km/h.
1.7 l S, CIH engine with 55 kW (75 hp)
max power (DIN) 75 hp at 5,200 rpm
max torque (DIN) 94 1b ft. 13 kg m at 2,500-2,900 rpm
max engine rpm 5,600
max speed 95 mph, 153 km/h
fuel consumption 30 m/imp gal, 25 m/US gal, 9.4 1 x 100 km
1.9 l S, CIH engine with 66 kW (90 hp, coupe only)
In particular, the 1.9 l engine allowed in well-retracted copies amazing performance with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in about 10.9 seconds and a top speed of about 170 km / h. Thus, the Opel Olympia was one of the most agile compact vehicles in its class.
