The Opel Rekord B Coupe 1.9, produced between 1965 and 1966, represented a stylish and relatively accessible entry into the coupe market for European buyers. Positioned as a more sporting variant of the Rekord B sedan, the 1.9-liter engine offered a step up in performance compared to the base models, though it wasn’t considered a high-performance vehicle. It was part of the broader Rekord B range, which itself was a significant update to the Rekord A, utilizing a more modern design and improved mechanicals. The Rekord B series, built on the Opel’s ‘H’ platform, aimed to provide a comfortable and reliable family car with a touch of style, and the Coupe variant specifically targeted those seeking a more individualistic aesthetic.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Rekord B Coupe 1.9 was the Opel inline-four cylinder engine, designated with various internal codes depending on specific market and minor revisions. This 1897 cc (115.76 cubic inches) engine produced 102 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb-ft) of torque between 2600 and 3000 rpm. The engine featured a compression ratio of 9:1 and utilized a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain, a design known as CIH (Camshaft In Head) by Opel. This CIH design was a key feature of Opel engines for many years, known for its relatively simple yet effective design. Fuel delivery was handled by a carburetor, typical for the era, rather than fuel injection. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle.
The Rekord B Coupe 1.9 was exclusively offered with a four-speed manual transmission during its production run. This transmission was a conventional setup for the time, designed to provide smooth shifts and reliable operation. The gear ratios were tailored to balance acceleration and cruising efficiency, prioritizing usability over outright performance. The drivetrain configuration was rear-wheel drive, a common layout for European cars of this period.
CIH Valvetrain Details
The CIH valvetrain was a significant advancement for Opel. It featured a belt-driven overhead camshaft operating two valves per cylinder. This design allowed for more efficient combustion chamber filling and improved engine breathing compared to older pushrod designs. The CIH engine was known for its durability and relatively easy maintenance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Driving Characteristics
The Rekord B Coupe 1.9 offered a comfortable and predictable driving experience. With 102 hp propelling a relatively lightweight coupe body, acceleration was adequate for the time, but not particularly brisk. The four-speed manual transmission required deliberate shifting, and the engine needed to be revved to extract its full potential. Compared to a potential future Rekord with a larger engine, the 1.9-liter felt less powerful, especially when carrying passengers or luggage. However, it provided a more engaging driving experience than the base engine options. The rear-wheel-drive configuration offered a balanced feel, though handling was limited by the suspension technology of the era.
The car’s top speed was approximately 165 km/h (102.53 mph). Fuel economy was around 9.51 l/100 km (24.7 US mpg), which was typical for a vehicle of this size and engine displacement in the 1960s.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Rekord B Coupe 1.9 was generally well-equipped for its time, though options were available to enhance the interior and exterior. Standard features included comfortable seating for four passengers, a stylish dashboard layout, and basic instrumentation. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with vinyl often used for the door panels and other trim pieces. The coupe body style itself was a significant upgrade in terms of aesthetics compared to the sedan. Optional extras included a radio, whitewall tires, and upgraded interior trim materials. The level of trim was relatively consistent across the 1.9-liter models, with variations primarily stemming from individual customer choices.
Chassis & Braking
The Rekord B Coupe utilized a conventional chassis design for the 1960s. The front suspension consisted of coil springs and a torsion bar stabilizer, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed coil springs. Braking was accomplished with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls, offering a relatively direct steering feel. Wheel rims were typically 14 inches in diameter. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, reflecting the Rekord’s role as a family car.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Rekord B Coupe 1.9 was generally well-received by automotive critics and buyers. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and reliable engine. Compared to other coupes in its class, such as the Ford Capri (which arrived later), the Rekord B Coupe offered a more understated and refined experience. The 1.9-liter engine provided a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. However, some critics noted that the car lacked the outright performance of some of its rivals. In terms of reliability, the Rekord B Coupe was considered to be a solid and dependable vehicle, though maintenance was required to keep it in good condition.
Compared to the base Rekord B models with smaller engines, the 1.9-liter offered a noticeable improvement in performance, justifying the higher price tag. It also provided a more engaging driving experience than the automatic transmission options available on other Rekord B variants.
Technical Specifications
| Body Type | Coupe, 2 Doors, 4 Seats |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 9.51 l/100 km (24.7 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| Maximum Speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Power | 102 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 2600-3000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 2600-3000 rpm) |
| Engine Layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Displacement | 1897 cm3 (115.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression Ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel Injection System | Carburettor |
| Engine Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 4551 mm (179.17 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1399 mm (55.08 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2639 mm (103.9 in.) |
| Front Track | 1325 mm (52.17 in.) |
| Rear Track | 1325 mm (52.17 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Number of Gears & Type | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| Rear Suspension | Coil spring |
| Front Brakes | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Steering Type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel Rims Size | 14 |
Legacy
The Opel Rekord B Coupe 1.9, while not a particularly rare or highly sought-after classic today, holds a place in automotive history as a stylish and well-built European coupe of the 1960s. The CIH engine proved to be durable and reliable, and many examples are still on the road today. In the used car market, these vehicles are typically found in restored or well-maintained condition, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated community of Opel owners and suppliers exists to support the preservation of these classic cars. The Rekord B Coupe represents a significant step forward in Opel’s design and engineering, paving the way for future generations of stylish and reliable vehicles.
