SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A rock and roll and super rare RHD Opel Olympia in lovely unmolested condition.
EQUIPMENT
Two door saloon body, rear hinged bonnet, chrome bonnet strip, chrome side waistline, chrome rear arch strips, Olympia front side moulding flags, side wing vents, stainless steel sill plates, front and rear bumper over riders, seven-bar bullnose grill, trafficators, front quarter lights, wind down windows, opening rear quarters, rear mounted spare wheel, rear reflectors, front and rear bench seats, gasoline gauge, oil pressure gauge, twin sun visors, locking glove compartment.
EXTERIOR
First launched in 1935 at the Berlin Motor Show, the Opel Olympia was named in anticipation of the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. This 1950 example is finished in Hellsandgrau, (Light Sandish-Grey). Professionally restored a few years ago, the paintwork looks superb with a pleasing polished shine and uniform finish. All panels are in excellent condition and really emphasise the classic 1950’s Americana look that Opel sought to emulate. The large sweeping fenders and rear wings are undamaged and only light markings can be seen in the paint. The vast expanse of chrome fittings and ornate badging are fully intact and bright with only light pitting. The trafficators have been disconnected and replaced with modern units. A very presentable and certainly very different 1950’s classic car.
INTERIOR
A 1950’s delight and a continuation of the Rock and Roll Americana style. Professionally retrimmed in tan leather, the front and rear bench seats with matching door cards are in excellent order with no damage while avoiding the common mistake of feeling too new and modern. The fascia is colour matched to the exterior and all original functions and controls are in wonderful condition including the huge three spoke steering wheel which has only light crazing to the rim. The gauges are discoloured but fully functional and quirky features such as the foot operated floor starter and ‘winker’ indicator remain. The dark tan cord carpets are intact and clean as is the matching tan headlining. An unspoilt and deliciously classic interior.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 1488cc OHV four-cylinder in-line engine produces 37bhp at 3400rpm with a quoted maximum speed of 70mph. The huge bulbous hood lifts to reveal a clean engine bay with consumables and service items in good order. Home mechanics will rejoice at the abundance of space around the engine to work! The crisp engine sings into life effortlessly and driving experience is very different to modern cars and all the more fun for it! The three-speed column stalk change gearbox requires familiarisation but once mastered is simple and effortless in operation.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original four-slot steel wheels in body colour wear distinctive chrome hubcaps with red Opel lettering which show some aging. Matching Dunlop Super C4S tyres of size 5.75.6.00.16 have good tread as does the rear mounted spare. The hydraulic braking system with 9.1in drums all round are of the era standard but operates as they should.
HISTORY FILE
The original GM (General Motors) service book lists the supplying dealer of this RHD Olympia as Piet Retief Motors Ltd in Piet Retief, South Africa, and the registration date of 15th December 1950. The first owner is listed as Sister M H Van Tonder who’s address listed in the service book is now the Mon-Aé Guest house in the nearby town of Volksrust. Internet research reveals that Sister Van Tonder, a well-known midwife, delivered many babies in the house and drove around the local area on duty before it became a guest house and more can be learnt by clicking on this link here. Having subsequently spent 40 years in a South Africa Museum, this Opel was imported to the UK in September 2014 with all corresponding paperwork in the history file and full UK registration undertaken. The history folder contains invoices and receipts including a full carburettor rebuild carried out by the Carburettor Hospital Ltd. A fine example of a very rare car.
HPI Clear.