The Opel Senator A 2.8 (140 Hp) Automatic represents a significant chapter in the history of German automotive engineering, serving as Opel’s flagship executive sedan during its production run from 1978 to 1981. Designed to compete in the demanding European luxury and executive car segment, the Senator A offered a blend of comfort, robust engineering, and a more accessible price point compared to its more prestigious German rivals. The specific variant, the Opel Senator A 2.8 (140 Hp) Automatic, was a popular choice for those seeking a smooth and capable cruiser, embodying the traditional rear-wheel-drive, straight-six sedan formula that defined many premium vehicles of its era. While never officially sold in the United States, the Senator A carved out a strong niche in its primary European markets, standing as a testament to Opel’s ambition to offer a full-size, upscale vehicle.
Opel Senator A 2.8: A German Executive Sedan
The Opel Senator A was positioned as Opel’s top-of-the-line offering, intended to provide a comfortable and spacious alternative to more expensive luxury sedans. It aimed to appeal to buyers who desired a refined driving experience without the premium price tag associated with brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Senator A was a key component of Opel’s strategy to expand its market share in the executive car segment throughout Europe.
Engine & Performance
The Opel Senator A 2.8 (140 Hp) Automatic was powered by a longitudinally mounted 2.8-liter (2784 cm3 or 169.89 cu. in.) inline-six gasoline engine, internally designated as the ’28H’. This naturally aspirated engine utilized a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a common and reliable design for the late 1970s. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburetor system, a standard feature for gasoline engines before the widespread adoption of fuel injection. The engine produced 140 horsepower at 5200 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Torque output was a healthy 214 Newton-meters (157.84 lb.-ft.) available at 3400 rpm, contributing to the car’s relaxed cruising character and responsive acceleration in urban environments. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, prioritizing smooth shifts and comfort over outright performance or fuel economy. The Senator A 2.8 could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 11.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 12.5 seconds) and achieve a top speed of around 115 mph (185 km/h). While these figures are modest by modern standards, they were competitive for a large, comfortable sedan in the late 1970s. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 3020.33 pounds (1370 kg) resulted in a weight-to-power ratio of 9.8 kg/Hp. Fuel economy was rated at a combined 19.3 US miles per gallon (12.2 l/100 km), typical for a large displacement, carbureted inline-six engine with an automatic transmission of that era.
Design & Features
The Opel Senator A featured a classic three-box sedan silhouette, reflecting the design trends of European executive cars in the late 1970s. Its styling was understated and elegant, emphasizing a dignified presence rather than flamboyant aesthetics. The four-door, five-seat configuration provided generous interior space, making it suitable for long-distance travel.
The Senator A measured 189.41 inches (4811 mm) in length, 68.03 inches (1728 mm) in width, and 55.71 inches (1415 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm). This provided a stable ride and ample interior room. Trunk space was particularly generous for its class, offering 25.25 cubic feet (715 liters) of cargo capacity. The chassis employed a rear-wheel-drive architecture, standard for executive cars, contributing to balanced handling. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a modern setup for the time. The turning circle was 35.43 feet (10.8 meters), aiding maneuverability in urban settings. The drag coefficient of 0.45, while not exceptional by modern standards, was acceptable for a sedan of its era.
The interior of the Senator A focused on comfort and refinement, often featuring plush seating, wood trim, and a comprehensive instrument panel. Specific luxury features varied depending on the market and trim level, but the overall goal was to create a quiet and comfortable environment for occupants.
Technical Specifications: Opel Senator A 2.8 (140 Hp) Automatic
| General Information | |
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Senator |
| Generation | Senator A |
| Type (Engine) | 2.8 (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of Production | 1978 year |
| End of Production | 1981 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specifications | |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 19.3 US mpg (12.2 l/100 km) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec (Calculated) |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 114.95 mph (185 km/h) |
| Weight-to-Power Ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-Torque Ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per Liter | 50.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 214 Nm (157.84 lb.-ft.) @ 3400 rpm |
| Engine Model/Code | 28H |
| Engine Displacement | 2.8 l (2784 cm3 / 169.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.62 in. (92 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 2.75 in. (69.8 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel Injection System | Carburettor |
| Engine Aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 3020.33 lbs (1370 kg) |
| Max. Weight | 4188.78 lbs (1900 kg) |
| Max Load | 1168.45 lbs (530 kg) |
| Trunk (Boot) Space – Maximum | 25.25 cu. ft. (715 l) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.81 US gal (75 l) |
| Permitted Trailer Load with Brakes (12%) | 3747.86 lbs (1700 kg) |
| Permitted Trailer Load without Brakes | 1543.24 lbs (700 kg) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 189.41 in. (4811 mm) |
| Width | 68.03 in. (1728 mm) |
| Height | 55.71 in. (1415 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 105.63 in. (2683 mm) |
| Front Track | 56.81 in. (1443 mm) |
| Rear (Back) Track | 57.95 in. (1472 mm) |
| Ride Height (Ground Clearance) | 5.51 in. (140 mm) |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.45 |
| Minimum Turning Circle (Turning Diameter) | 35.43 ft. (10.8 m) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specifications | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive Wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of Gears and Type of Gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Opel Senator A played a crucial role in Opel’s strategy to compete in the executive car segment, a realm typically dominated by more premium German brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Positioned above the Opel Rekord, the Senator A was designed to offer a comfortable, reliable, and well-equipped alternative for buyers who desired a spacious and refined sedan without the higher price tag associated with its luxury rivals. Its primary competitors in Europe included the Ford Granada, the Mercedes-Benz W123 series, and the BMW 5-Series (E12) and 7-Series (E23).
While it may not have carried the same prestige as a Mercedes or BMW, the Senator A earned a reputation for its robust build quality, smooth ride, and dependable mechanicals. The 2.8-liter inline-six, in particular, was known for its durability and relatively smooth operation, making it a popular choice for long-distance cruising. Its conservative yet elegant styling ensured it blended seamlessly into the executive parking lots of Europe. The Senator A was also significant for sharing its platform with the Opel Monza, a stylish two-door grand tourer coupe, demonstrating Opel’s ability to diversify its offerings from a common architectural base. The Senator A’s success in its various European markets solidified Opel’s presence in the upper echelons of the mainstream automotive sector. It laid the groundwork for its successor, the Senator B, which continued to evolve Opel’s executive car philosophy. Today, the Opel Senator A is remembered as a classic European executive sedan, representing a period when Opel actively challenged the established luxury marques with a compelling blend of value, comfort, and traditional German engineering. Its impact was primarily felt in its home market and across continental Europe, where it served as a practical and respectable choice for discerning buyers.
