The Opel Commodore B Coupe 2.8 SC, produced between 1975 and 1976, represented a refined iteration of Opel’s flagship coupe. Positioned as a premium offering within the Commodore B range, the 2.8 SC (Sport Coupe) aimed to deliver a blend of performance and luxury. It built upon the foundation of the earlier Commodore B models (introduced in 1972), offering a more sporting aesthetic and a larger displacement engine. The Commodore B series, and particularly the Coupe, was Opel’s answer to rivals like the Ford Capri and aimed to capture a segment of the market seeking a stylish, comfortable, and relatively powerful grand tourer. This variant was primarily sold within European markets, particularly West Germany, and represented a significant step up from the base Commodore models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Commodore |
| Generation | Commodore B Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 2.8 SC (129 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1975 |
| End of production | 1976 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 168.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 129 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 204 Nm @ 3800 rpm (150.46 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 28SC |
| 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 | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1210 kg (2667.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 434 l (15.33 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4607 mm (181.38 in.) |
| Width | 1728 mm (68.03 in.) |
| Height | 1370 mm (53.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2668 mm (105.04 in.) |
| Front track | 1434 mm (56.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.45 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Commodore B Coupe 2.8 SC was the 2784cc inline-six cylinder engine, designated the 28SC. This engine represented a significant upgrade over the smaller displacement engines available in other Commodore B variants. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburetor, a common setup for the era, though less efficient than fuel injection. The 28SC engine produced 129 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 204 Nm (150.46 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine’s bore and stroke measured 92mm x 69.8mm respectively, and it operated with a compression ratio of 9:1. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels. While an automatic transmission was offered as an option, it impacted performance.
Driving Characteristics
The Commodore B Coupe 2.8 SC with the manual transmission offered a reasonably engaging driving experience for its time. Acceleration to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 10.9 seconds, and it could reach a top speed of around 114 mph. The inline-six engine provided a smooth power delivery, with usable torque available from relatively low engine speeds. The four-speed manual gearbox allowed for precise control, although the shift quality wasn’t particularly sporty by modern standards. The optional automatic transmission, while offering convenience, noticeably dulled performance and reduced fuel economy. Compared to the base Commodore models with smaller engines, the 2.8 SC felt significantly more responsive and capable, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, it wasn’t as nimble or focused as dedicated sports coupes like the Ford Capri.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.8 SC trim level was positioned as the premium offering within the Commodore B Coupe range. Standard equipment included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and a comprehensive instrument cluster. Power steering and disc brakes on the front wheels were also standard. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and leather upholstery. The interior was designed to provide a comfortable and refined environment for both driver and passengers. The Coupe body style itself offered a more stylish and sporty appearance compared to the four-door sedan versions of the Commodore B.
Chassis & Braking
The Commodore B Coupe utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction. The front suspension featured independent coil springs and wishbones, while the rear suspension employed a live axle with leaf springs. Braking was handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The braking system was adequate for the car’s weight and performance, but lacked the stopping power of more modern systems. The steering was a recirculating ball system, providing reasonable precision but lacking the feel of rack-and-pinion steering. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Commodore B Coupe 2.8 SC was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively strong performance. However, some critics noted that the styling was somewhat conservative compared to its rivals, and the handling wasn’t as sharp as some other coupes on the market. Compared to the smaller-engined Commodore models, the 2.8 SC offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a higher price point. The automatic transmission version was often criticized for its impact on performance and fuel economy. Fuel economy was typical for the era, averaging around 18-22 mpg depending on driving conditions.
Legacy
The Opel Commodore B Coupe 2.8 SC, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, remains a fondly remembered classic among Opel enthusiasts. The 28SC engine, while not particularly high-tech, proved to be relatively durable and reliable. Today, well-maintained examples are sought after by collectors and classic car enthusiasts. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated network of Opel parts suppliers exists. The Commodore B Coupe represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history, showcasing the brand’s ability to produce stylish and comfortable grand tourers. The car’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of classic styling, comfortable ride, and relatively strong performance, making it a desirable classic car for those seeking a taste of 1970s European motoring.
