Opel Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S (101 Hp)

The Opel Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S: A European Mid-Size Icon of Utility

The Opel Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S represents a significant chapter in the history of European family transportation, embodying the practical and robust engineering for which Opel, a German automotive manufacturer then under General Motors ownership, was renowned. Launched in 1977, the Rekord E was the fifth generation of the long-running Rekord series, serving as Opel’s mid-size offering. This particular variant, the 2.0 S with 101 horsepower, was a popular choice within the Rekord E Caravan lineup, providing a capable blend of performance and considerable utility for families and businesses across Europe. While never officially sold in the United States, the Rekord E played a crucial role in its primary European market, competing fiercely in the family sedan and station wagon segments. Its design and mechanical fortitude were quintessential of late 1970s and early 1980s European automotive philosophy, prioritizing durability, space, and straightforward maintenance over extravagant features or cutting-edge technology.

Engineering and Performance of the Opel Rekord E Caravan

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood of the Opel Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S lay a dependable 2.0-liter (1979 cm³, or 120.77 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder engine, designated by the code “20S.” This naturally aspirated unit, utilizing a carburetor for fuel delivery, produced a respectable 101 horsepower at 5200 rpm. Torque output was equally solid for its era, peaking at 114.32 lb.-ft. (155 Nm) across a usable band of 3400-3800 rpm. This power delivery, combined with a compression ratio of 9.4:1 and a SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, provided the Rekord E Caravan with adequate motivation for daily driving and highway cruising.

Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a robust 4-speed manual transmission, a common configuration for European cars of this period, emphasizing driver engagement and mechanical simplicity. In terms of outright performance, the Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 12.8 seconds, with a top speed of 105.63 mph (170 km/h). While not a performance car, these figures were competitive for a family station wagon of its class in the late 1970s, making it suitable for both urban environments and longer journeys on the Autobahn.

Fuel efficiency, an increasingly important metric during the energy crises of the 1970s, was rated at a combined 25.3 US mpg (9.3 l/100 km). This was a practical consumption figure for a vehicle of its size and weight, especially considering its carbureted engine. The Rekord E Caravan’s drivetrain architecture, with its internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels, offered predictable handling characteristics and good traction, especially when laden with cargo.

Design and Features of the Rekord E Caravan

Functional Aesthetics and Practicality

The design of the Opel Rekord E Caravan was a testament to functional German engineering. Its station wagon (or “estate” in European parlance) body style, available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, prioritized interior volume and cargo capacity. Measuring 181.89 inches (4620 mm) in length, 67.95 inches (1726 mm) in width, and 57.87 inches (1470 mm) in height, the Rekord E Caravan offered substantial interior space for five occupants. The wheelbase of 105.04 inches (2668 mm) contributed to a stable ride and generous legroom.

Visually, the Rekord E adopted a more angular, modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor, aligning with the design trends of the late 1970s. Its clean lines and large glass areas ensured good visibility, a crucial aspect for a family hauler. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 2524.29 lbs (1145 kg) was relatively light for its size, contributing to its fuel economy and handling.

Where the Rekord E Caravan truly excelled was in its utility. With a minimum trunk (boot) space of 31.11 cubic feet (881 liters), it could swallow a considerable amount of luggage or goods, making it an ideal choice for large families, tradespeople, or those requiring significant cargo capability. The maximum permitted trailer load with brakes was a substantial 3306.93 lbs (1500 kg), further underscoring its versatility. Features were primarily functional: front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear utilized drums, a standard setup for its class. The turning circle of 35.43 feet (10.8 m) ensured reasonable maneuverability despite its length. The drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.48, while not exceptional by modern standards, was typical for a boxy station wagon of the era.

Technical Specifications: Opel Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S (101 Hp) (1977-1982)

Legacy and Market Impact

The Opel Rekord E, particularly in its Caravan guise, cemented Opel’s reputation as a builder of reliable, no-nonsense family cars and workhorses throughout Europe. While it may not possess the exotic allure of some contemporary sports cars or luxury sedans, its enduring legacy lies in its sheer practicality and accessibility. It was a ubiquitous sight on European roads, serving as police cars, taxis, delivery vehicles, and, most commonly, the reliable family station wagon.

In its competitive landscape, the Rekord E Caravan faced strong rivals such as the Ford Granada, Volkswagen Passat (B1 and later B2 generations), and to some extent, the larger Mercedes-Benz W123 T-Model. What set the Rekord apart was its balance of solid engineering, spacious interior, and generally competitive pricing, making it an attractive proposition for a broad spectrum of buyers. Opel’s strong dealer network and reputation for affordable maintenance further bolstered its market position.

The 2.0 S engine, with its 101 horsepower, was a popular choice because it offered a good compromise between performance and running costs. It was powerful enough to handle a fully loaded vehicle without feeling underpowered, a crucial factor for a utilitarian wagon. The Rekord E’s rear-wheel-drive layout, while becoming less common in mainstream European cars by the 1980s, offered predictable handling and was favored by many for its robustness and towing capabilities.

Today, the Opel Rekord E Caravan is increasingly recognized as a classic, appreciated for its straightforward mechanics, durable construction, and its significant role in European automotive history. It represents an era when cars were built to be repaired, not just replaced, and when utility often trumped styling extravagance. Its impact on the everyday lives of countless European families and businesses during its production run, and for many years thereafter, is undeniable, making the Opel Rekord E Caravan 2.0 S a true workhorse icon.