I've had this car for 5 years. It's in perfect working order, the engine runs smoothly and strongly. Certified as a classic car by the ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal).
Exterior and interior complete. It seats 6 people and the entire interior is in good condition, all the equipment works perfectly, including the heating.
The bodywork is solid, there are no dents, but the paintwork has some small flaws and shows some rust. It could benefit from a new coat of paint (the original color was dark blue). The rubbers around the driver's and passenger's windows are quite dry and would also benefit from replacement. The metal frame around the rear window is a little damaged as it was hit by a garage door.
The underside is also solid. At some point, the lower rear metal part (next to the rear bumper) was replaced with a new one, as it was rusty.
The only part that needs attention is the lower part on the passenger side, as it has signs of rust.
The car drives very well, has a very soft and comfortable suspension and the steering is light (on the move). However, as with any old car equipped with 4-wheel drum brakes, some caution is advised when it comes to safety distances and braking; especially given the size (4.8 meters long) and weight of the car (1340 Kg). The 3-speed gearbox on the steering column works smoothly and is very pleasant. Although the car has a manual gearbox, due to the engine's power and high torque, the driving is almost like that of an automatic, as you can drive at almost any speed in 3rd.
When I bought it in October 2020, it needed some work to get it into proper and safe working order. Here are all the interventions it has had over the last 5 years of my ownership:
November 2020:
New servo brakes
New water pump
New thermostat
New sump gasket
New main brake pump
New radiator pipe
New engine mounts
New gearbox mounts
Replacement of brake fluid from DOT4 to DOT5, all brake pipes also replaced
Repaired rear belts
New engine oil
New coolant
The radaitior was washed
The windshield washer reservoir cap was glued on
Fixing the accelerator pedal
Overhaul of the entire electrical system
June 2021:
Clutch reconditioning
2 new front tires
July 2021:
2 new rear tires
September 2021:
Brake system bled
October 2021:
New wheel centers and rims
December 2021:
New Opel emblem on the front grille
February 2022:
New 6V/140Ah battery
New battery holder
New exhaust pipe
New oil sensor
March 2022:
Installation of cut-off switch
New flywheel ring and center
September 2022:
Engine oil change (SAE 20W-50 HD)
August 2023:
New support rubbers for the exhaust
