Opel Kadett C

Kadett C
Opel Kadett C Coupé from 1978
Overview
ManufacturerOpel (General Motors)
Also calledBuick Opel (USA)
Chevrolet Chevette (BRA)
Daewoo Maepsy (ROK)
Holden Gemini (AUS)
Isuzu Gemini (J)
Saehan Gemini/Bird/Maepsy (ROK)
Opel K-180 (ARG)
GMC Chevette (ARG)
Vauxhall Chevette (UK)
Production1973–1979
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style"Limousine" (2/4-door Saloon/Sedan)
"City" 3-door hatchback
"Caravan" (3-door estate / Kombi / station wagon)
Coupé
"Aero" (targa-top cabriolet)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed manual
5-speed "dog leg" manual (GT/E)
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,395 mm (94.3 in)
Length4,127 mm (162.5 in)
3,922 mm (154.4 in) (City)
4,140 mm (163 in) (Caravan)
Width1,580 mm (62 in)
Height1,375 mm (54.1 in)
1,340 mm (53 in) (Coupé)
1,385 mm (54.5 in) (Caravan)
Curb weight790 kg (1,741.7 pounds) (Coupé)
Chronology
PredecessorOpel Kadett B
SuccessorOpel Kadett D

The Opel Kadett C is a small family car which was produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1973 to 1979. The Kadett C, which was the fourth generation of the Opel Kadett, was released in August 1973,[1] and was Opel's version of the General Motors "T-Car". It was the last small Opel to feature rear-wheel drive, and remained in production at Opel's Bochum plant until July 1979, by which time Opel had produced 1,701,076. Of these, 52% had been exported outside West Germany,[2] most of them to markets in other parts of western Europe. In other world markets, however, various badge engineered versions of the Kadett C remained in production as late as the mid-1990s under other GM brand names.

Despite being out of mainstream production since 1979, in Europe the Kadett C retains something of a cult following (along with its Vauxhall Chevette sister) largely due to its popularity in the sport of drifting, where its conventional rear-wheel-drive layout is valued, along with its ability to be easily upgraded with engines from larger Opel cars.