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Opel Diplomat
The Opel Diplomat is a luxury car manufactured by Opel from 1964 to 1977. Opel's top-ranging models were traditionally the Admiral and Kapitän, introduced in 1938 and 1937 respectively.
In 1964 these models were joined, in the so-called "KAD" (Kapitän, Admiral, Diplomat) range, by the new Opel Diplomat. In most respects the three were badge-engineered versions of the same vehicle.
In February 1964 Opel introduced a new range of flagship models as successors to the Opel Kapitän P-LV of 1959/1963. These KAD models (Opel Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat; also referred to as "The Big Three" by Opel) were available with 2.6-litre and 2.8-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engines (100 or 125 PS), or a V8-Chevrolet small-block engine 283 (4.6-litre) teamed with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission 190 PS (140 kW). The latter engine was supplanted in the saloon by the 5.4-litre Chevrolet small-block "327" V8 with 230 PS (169 kW) in October 1966. As the company's range-topping model, the Diplomat was available only with the V-8.
A Diplomat Coupé, with the 327 engine only, was also available from 1965 to 1967 in limited numbers. The coupé was built by coachbuilder Karmann and cost DM 25,500 (as much as seven Volkswagen Beetles). 347 Coupés were built. In styling, the Coupe has more than a passing resemblance to the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe.
In September 1967 the Diplomat and its less expensive siblings received a light update consisting of rub strips on its flanks, new recirculating ball steering by ZF, and a heated rear window. At the same time, a HL (Hochleistung or high performance) version of the 2.8-liter six with 140 PS (103 kW) became available for the Kapitän and Admiral models.
These cars were even larger than their predecessors, stretching to almost 200 inches, and found little favour with the European public. Between February 1964 and November 1968, Opel built 89,277 KAD models (24,249 Kapitäns, 55,876 Admirals and 9,152 Diplomats), whereas its direct predecessor, the Kapitän P-LV, had registered 145,618 sales over a comparable four-year span.
In March 1969, Opel introduced a new line of KAD models with new bodies and a more sophisticated chassis with a De Dion tube rear axle. These cars were slightly smaller than their predecessors. While the lesser models (Opel Kapitän and Admiral) were also available with a carburetted 2.8 L-inline six, the Diplomat could be had with either a fuel-injected version of this engine (Diplomat E) or with Chevrolet's 327-V8 (Diplomat V8), now coupled to a 3-speed TH-400 Turbo-Hydramatic.
The new body was a typical General Motors style and bore a strong resemblance to the contemporary Holden Brougham from GM Australia. The Diplomat was never produced in right-hand drive for the British market, nor was there any equivalent Vauxhall version.
Opel Diplomat
The Opel Diplomat is a luxury car manufactured by Opel from 1964 to 1977. Opel's top-ranging models were traditionally the Admiral and Kapitän, introduced in 1938 and 1937 respectively.
In 1964 these models were joined, in the so-called "KAD" (Kapitän, Admiral, Diplomat) range, by the new Opel Diplomat. In most respects the three were badge-engineered versions of the same vehicle.
In February 1964 Opel introduced a new range of flagship models as successors to the Opel Kapitän P-LV of 1959/1963. These KAD models (Opel Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat; also referred to as "The Big Three" by Opel) were available with 2.6-litre and 2.8-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engines (100 or 125 PS), or a V8-Chevrolet small-block engine 283 (4.6-litre) teamed with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission 190 PS (140 kW). The latter engine was supplanted in the saloon by the 5.4-litre Chevrolet small-block "327" V8 with 230 PS (169 kW) in October 1966. As the company's range-topping model, the Diplomat was available only with the V-8.
A Diplomat Coupé, with the 327 engine only, was also available from 1965 to 1967 in limited numbers. The coupé was built by coachbuilder Karmann and cost DM 25,500 (as much as seven Volkswagen Beetles). 347 Coupés were built. In styling, the Coupe has more than a passing resemblance to the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe.
In September 1967 the Diplomat and its less expensive siblings received a light update consisting of rub strips on its flanks, new recirculating ball steering by ZF, and a heated rear window. At the same time, a HL (Hochleistung or high performance) version of the 2.8-liter six with 140 PS (103 kW) became available for the Kapitän and Admiral models.
These cars were even larger than their predecessors, stretching to almost 200 inches, and found little favour with the European public. Between February 1964 and November 1968, Opel built 89,277 KAD models (24,249 Kapitäns, 55,876 Admirals and 9,152 Diplomats), whereas its direct predecessor, the Kapitän P-LV, had registered 145,618 sales over a comparable four-year span.
In March 1969, Opel introduced a new line of KAD models with new bodies and a more sophisticated chassis with a De Dion tube rear axle. These cars were slightly smaller than their predecessors. While the lesser models (Opel Kapitän and Admiral) were also available with a carburetted 2.8 L-inline six, the Diplomat could be had with either a fuel-injected version of this engine (Diplomat E) or with Chevrolet's 327-V8 (Diplomat V8), now coupled to a 3-speed TH-400 Turbo-Hydramatic.
The new body was a typical General Motors style and bore a strong resemblance to the contemporary Holden Brougham from GM Australia. The Diplomat was never produced in right-hand drive for the British market, nor was there any equivalent Vauxhall version.
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