Opel Kadett Caravan (1978) – Enthusiast Wanted

In the photos accompanying the advertisement, apart from a crack in the seat of the driver’s seat, nothing strange can be seen. Okay, the tires seem pretty old, but we soon find an explanation for this: the car has not been inspected since 2008 and has most likely only stood still since then. Before it was put away, however, it was driven quite a bit: about 180,000 kilometers, and almost all of that by one owner. According to the registration history, the car belonged to two different private owners from 1979 to 2008 and from 2008 to 2023, the second of which hardly ever drove the C-Kadett or even at all.

Such a long standstill is never favorable for the condition of the car, so be sure to inquire about the work that has recently been done on the car. If little has been replaced, it may be convenient for you to ask the provider to do something about it (check fuel lines, gaskets and rubbers), or there is a reason to haggle a bit and then roll up your sleeves yourself. But; there may not even be much room for bargaining, because the asking price does not seem that high to us. A C-Kadett Caravan is now quite a rarity – just find a second one – and most cars that have survived decently for 45 years are more expensive.

Everyday technology

Apart from the current scarcity of the car and its extinct body style, a station with three doors, there is little that makes it exotic. It is a Kadett-C with a 1.2, the block that was by far the most supplied in this generation of the Opel and kicks it up to 54 hp. That horsepower goes to the rear wheels via a manual four-speed gearbox. The block is not very spicy, but simple it is – and that makes a difference when tinkering. In addition, the station only weighs 796 kg empty, so even a power of less than 60 hp is enough in principle.

The Opel Kadett is for sale in Wolvega, Friesland, for €7,950. Who will give it a second life on the public road?