The Opel Admiral B 2.8 S, produced between 1969 and 1975, represented a significant evolution in Opel’s flagship sedan line. Positioned as a premium offering within the Admiral B range, the 2.8 S variant aimed to provide a blend of performance and luxury for the discerning European driver. It was built upon the Opel’s then-modern platform, offering a spacious interior and a relatively powerful engine for its time. The Admiral B competed with other large sedans from manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall, and Mercedes-Benz, offering a more affordable alternative to the German prestige brands.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Admiral |
| Generation | Admiral B |
| Type (Engine) | 2.8 S (132 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1969 year |
| End of production | 1975 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 132 Hp |
| Power per litre | 47.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 206 Nm @ 3000-4000 rpm (151.94 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4000 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 28S |
| Engine displacement | 2784 cm3 (169.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 475 l (16.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4907 mm (193.19 in.) |
| Width | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2845 mm (112.01 in.) |
| Front track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.45 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| 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 | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Admiral B 2.8 S was its 2.8-liter inline-six cylinder engine, designated the 28S. This engine, while not particularly advanced by later standards, was a robust and relatively smooth performer. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain, operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a carburetor, a common setup for the era, rather than fuel injection. The engine produced 132 horsepower and 206 Nm (151.94 lb-ft) of torque, peaking between 3000 and 4000 rpm. The engine’s bore and stroke measured 92mm x 69.8mm, resulting in a displacement of 2784 cubic centimeters. The 28S engine was known for its durability, but also for its thirst for fuel, typical of larger displacement engines of the period.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.8 S, equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, offered a respectable driving experience for the late 1960s and early 1970s. Acceleration was adequate, allowing for a 0-60 mph time in the neighborhood of 10-11 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a traditional driving feel, though it lacked the handling precision of more modern designs. The four-speed gearbox was well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing usable power across a reasonable range. Compared to the base Admiral models with smaller engines, the 2.8 S offered a noticeable improvement in performance, making it more suitable for long-distance cruising and overtaking. However, it wasn’t a sports sedan; its focus was more on comfortable and refined transportation.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Admiral B 2.8 S was generally well-equipped for its time, reflecting its position as a premium model. Standard features typically included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and a comprehensive instrument panel. Power steering and power-assisted brakes were often included, enhancing the driving experience. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and more luxurious interior trim options. The interior design was characterized by a classic, somewhat conservative aesthetic, prioritizing comfort and functionality over flashy styling.
Chassis & Braking
The Admiral B utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable chassis. The suspension consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and a live axle rear suspension with leaf springs. Braking was accomplished via ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for the car’s weight and performance, the braking system wasn’t particularly sophisticated by modern standards. The steering was a recirculating ball system, offering a relatively heavy but precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Admiral B 2.8 S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively powerful engine. However, it was also criticized for its fuel consumption and somewhat dated styling. Compared to other models in the Admiral B lineup, the 2.8 S offered a significant performance upgrade over the smaller-engined versions, but at a higher price point. It positioned itself as a more affordable alternative to luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, offering a good balance of features and performance for the money.
Legacy
The Opel Admiral B 2.8 S, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, holds a place in automotive history as a representative of the large, comfortable sedans that were popular in Europe during the 1960s and 1970s. The 28S engine proved to be a durable and reliable unit, and many examples are still on the road today. In the used car market, the Admiral B 2.8 S is sought after by classic car enthusiasts who appreciate its vintage charm and relatively straightforward mechanical design. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated community of Opel enthusiasts helps to keep these cars running. The Admiral B, and particularly the 2.8 S variant, represents a bygone era of automotive engineering, prioritizing comfort, durability, and a classic driving experience.
