1975 Opel GT2: Aerodynamic Efficiency and Bold Technology From a Bygone Era

At the 1975 IAA auto show, one of the cars that drew serious attention was the highly aerodynamic Opel GT2. As the name suggests, it was a styling exercise intended as a potential successor to the legendary Opel GT, which was built from 1968 to 1973 and won fans with its “baby Corvette” design cues.

Seen through a modern lens, many of the GT2’s solutions may appear old-fashioned. At the time, however, they were truly innovative and pushed the boundaries of what a compact sports coupe could be.

When Opel unveiled the GT2, the company put a strong emphasis on efficiency. In practical terms, that meant lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs — a critical consideration in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis.

Even then, good aerodynamics were recognized as a key factor in achieving that efficiency, which explains the coupe’s wedge-shaped profile. Thanks to its smooth surfaces, the GT2 achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.326. Even the wheels were optimized for airflow, with the rear wheels partially covered.

Power came from a 1.9-liter overhead-valve four-cylinder engine. Beyond the mechanicals, the most striking feature of the concept was its sliding doors. Today, sliding doors are common on vans, but in the mid-1970s — and on a passenger car — the idea was nothing short of sensational. What made it even more impressive was that no external tracks or rails were visible.

The doors were opened by pressing a button located beneath the side mirrors and then slid rearward into the body, allowing easy entry and exit. The downside was that only a small section of the side windows could be opened.

The GT2 also featured digital displays and even an onboard computer, remarkable technology for its era. Unfortunately, the concept never made it to production due to high costs.

General Motors’ top management decided that one Corvette in the lineup was enough, and plans for a production GT2 were shelved. As a result, Opel’s range was left with just one remotely sporty model at the time — the Manta.