The Opel Kadett is one of those classic cars that have a fascinating journey through time, evolving with each generation. I’ve spent some time digging into its history and, let me tell you, it’s a pretty cool story. So, here’s everything I’ve found, broken down by each model. Enjoy!
Kadett A (1962–1965)
So, the Kadett made its return in 1962 after being off the market for more than two decades. Its original version had been discontinued back in 1940, and I find it pretty wild that they decided to bring it back after all that time. The new Kadett A was a compact family car, just like its predecessor, but it came in more variety. You could get it as a two-door saloon, a three-door estate (which they called the “Car-A-Van”), and a coupe.
The engine under the hood was a 993cc OHV inline 4, which was pretty typical for the era but not overly powerful by today’s standards. Still, for those times, it was a pretty neat little car for the family or for someone who wanted something compact and practical. It was a solid start for the Kadett line.
Kadett B (1965–1973)
By the time the Kadett B rolled around in 1965, it was already starting to look a little bigger. The car was 5% longer and wider, with a 9% increase in weight. I think it was Opel’s way of making sure they stayed competitive in the growing small car market. I also learned that it wasn’t just a European affair — the Kadett B was the basis for the Opel GT, which, honestly, is one of those cars I’d love to own one day.
This model was the first to introduce some real design changes, like a more substantial rear and an updated body style. It ran until 1973, and during that time, Opel managed to sell quite a few of them. What’s interesting is that it marked the start of Opel’s collaboration with Vauxhall, making the two brands’ cars more similar — something that would continue as the years went on.
Kadett C (1973–1979)
The Kadett C, launched in 1973, was Opel’s answer to General Motors’ “T-Car” platform. This was the last Kadett to feature rear-wheel drive, which makes it kind of special when you think about it. Rear-wheel drive was a more classic setup, and with this model, Opel continued to refine its design and engineering. I was particularly struck by how well it mirrored the Vauxhall Chevette in the UK, marking the point when these two brands really started to become more like siblings.
This car is especially interesting because it was produced in massive numbers — over 1.7 million units! Most of these were exported across Europe, showing just how popular it was outside of Germany. It was a solid, reliable car that kept people coming back for more.
Kadett D (1979–1984)
Now, the Kadett D was a game-changer. When it was launched in 1979, it marked the shift from rear-wheel to front-wheel drive — a big deal at the time. This generation introduced a new engine family, and it was the first to use the Family I engine. It was an all-new setup that would go on to be used in several other GM cars, including the Corsa and the Ascona.
What caught my attention was the number of variations this car came in. You had everything from the basic 1.0-liter engine up to a sportier 1.6 SR version. There was even a diesel option, which was quite rare back then, but it showed how Opel was thinking ahead. Plus, the Kadett D had this off-road version called the Kadett Pirsch. It was a pretty cool utility car with higher ground clearance and off-road capabilities. You won’t find many of these around today, but I think it’s one of those hidden gems of car history.
Kadett E (1984–1995)
The Kadett E, or Vauxhall Astra in the UK, was launched in 1984 and quickly became a bestseller. What’s amazing about this model is that it was actually named the 1985 European Car of the Year! Its sleek, aerodynamic design was a step forward for Opel, featuring the now-iconic “teardrop” shape that became all the rage in the 1980s. I couldn’t help but notice that the styling was inspired by the 1981 Opel Tech 1 concept car, which gave the Kadett E this modern, almost futuristic look for the time.
The Kadett E was also available in a bunch of different versions: hatchback, estate (called “Caravan”), convertible, and even as a van. And then there was the Opel Kadett Combo, which was a raised-roof van perfect for businesses. One of the coolest things about this model is how it went global — you’d find it not just in Europe, but also in Brazil, South Korea (where it was sold as the Chevrolet Kadett), and even in the US and New Zealand under the Pontiac LeMans name.
