Opel

Presented in late 1970, the Opel Ascona A was developed to bridge the gap between the compact Kadett and the larger Rekord, competing directly with the Ford Taunus. Sharing its platform with the sporty Manta, it was available as a two- or four-door saloon and a practical three-door estate. Buyers could choose from reliable 1.2-, 1.6- and 1.9-litre petrol engines. Although designed as a practical family car, the Ascona soon proved its sporting credentials, particularly in 1.9 SR form. Tuned versions by Steinmetz achieved up to 125 hp, while Walter Röhrl secured the 1974 European Rally Championship in an Ascona SR. The first-generation Ascona remained in production until 1975, by which time almost 692,000 units had been built.

1972

Introduced in 1975, the Ascona B featured a more angular design and a wider, more modern body while retaining the rear-wheel-drive layout of its predecessor. Available as a two- or four-door saloon, it offered an updated range of 1.3-, 1.6-, 1.9- and 2.0-litre engines, with fuel injection and diesel versions added later. The high-performance Ascona 400, launched in 1979, became Opel's legendary rally homologation model. More than 1.2 million Ascona Bs were built before production ended in 1981.

See also: Vauxhall Cavalier

1977