The Opel Ascona Had American Bones, 80s European Charm
Motorsport

The Opel Ascona Had American Bones, 80s European Charm

The Opel Ascona Had American Bones, 80s European Charm

For those who appreciate older European cars, the Opel Ascona may not seem particularly special at first glance, but it has more to offer than meets the eye. The third and final generation of this model, produced between 1981 and 1988, played a key role in the German brand’s transition to the more sophisticated, comfortable, and technology-filled cars of the 1990s. The Ascona C marked Opel’s first attempt at creating a relatively affordable yet spacious, well-equipped, and practical front-wheel-drive car. Although it was not available in the United States, it shared its foundation – GM’s J platform – with the Chevrolet Cavalier CL, Pontiac J2000 LE, Oldsmobile Firenza LX, Buick Skyhawk Limited, and Cadillac Cimarron that were sold in the U.S.

Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look back at cars from the European market that defined a motoring generation.

Why do we love it?

The Opel Ascona has earned its reputation as a beloved classic for several reasons. Its elegant and timeless design, comfortable ride, and excellent handling are among the primary factors that endear it to enthusiasts. The Ascona’s practicality, fuel efficiency, and solid build quality made it an ideal choice for both daily commuting and long road trips. The model proved that GM could design, develop, and build inexpensive mid-sized cars with FWD – something it kept doing during the next decades on a global scale.

Furthermore, its sportier versions, such as the Ascona 400, have gained legendary status among rally racing fans due to their impressive performance on the tracks. This particular version was part of the second-generation Ascona lineup and was driven by Walter Röhrl to win the 1982 World Rally Championship drivers’ title.

When was the car launched?

The third generation of the Opel Ascona made its debut in 1981, replacing the second-generation Ascona that had been in production since 1975. This new iteration brought several modern updates to the table, including improved aerodynamics, enhanced safety features, and a more refined interior. It was the only Ascona from all three generations to be powered by its front wheels.