1968 Opel GT I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Opel GT I ranges between 853 kg and 940 kg (approximately 1880 to 2072 pounds). This relatively light weight for a sports coupe of its era enhances its agility and responsiveness on the road. The lighter chassis allows for quicker acceleration and more nimble handling, making the Opel GT I a fun and engaging car to drive. Additionally, the modest weight helps with fuel efficiency and braking performance compared to heavier vehicles of its time.

The Opel GT I features a ground clearance of 129 mm (about 5.1 inches). This low ride height contributes to the car's sporty stance and improved aerodynamics, but it also means the vehicle is less suited for rough roads or areas with high speed bumps. Drivers should be cautious on uneven surfaces and steep driveways to avoid scraping the underside. Overall, the 129 mm clearance is typical for coupes focused on performance rather than off-road capability or rugged terrain.

The Opel GT I is equipped with 5J x 13 rims — meaning the rim width is 5 inches and the diameter is 13 inches. This wheel setup complements the compact dimensions and lightweight build, providing a balance between comfort and sporty handling. Smaller diameter rims were common during the late 1960s and early 1970s and help maintain lower unsprung mass, which benefits ride quality and steering responsiveness. Visually, the 13-inch wheels maintain the classic look aligned with the car’s era.

Yes, the Opel GT I can comfortably fit into a standard home garage. With a length of 4112 mm (161.8 inches), width of 1580 mm (62.2 inches), and height of 1224 mm (48.2 inches), it occupies less space than many modern cars. A standard garage, which typically accommodates vehicles around 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in width, will provide enough room for the GT I with additional space for opening doors and movement. Its low height also ensures clearance from most garage doors.

The Opel GT I was a unique offering when introduced in 1968, without a direct predecessor in Opel's lineup. Compared to contemporary sports cars of the late 1960s, it was compact and lightweight. For example, it was smaller in dimensions and weight than many American muscle cars of the period and closer in size to European sports cars like the Lotus Elan. Its 4112 mm length and 1580 mm width made it nimble and more manageable in tight urban environments, marking a design focused on agility rather than outright size or luxury.

Compared with similar sports coupes from the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Opel GT I was smaller and lighter. For example, the Chevrolet Corvette C3 (introduced in 1968) was much larger at around 4485 mm (176.5 inches) in length and wider, emphasizing American muscle size and power. In contrast, European competitors like the Porsche 911 were closer in length (about 4380 mm) but generally heavier. The Opel GT I’s dimensions and weight made it stand out as a more compact and sporty alternative focused on agility rather than brute power or luxury.

The Opel GT I is a two-seater coupe designed primarily with sporty driving in mind, which means interior space is modest. Passenger room is tight but sufficient for average-sized adults, with a low roofline contributing to the car’s sleek profile but limiting headroom. Cargo capacity is limited due to the coupe's design and compact rear section, suitable mostly for small bags or light luggage. This setup reflects its role as a fun weekend or secondary car rather than a practical daily commuter or family vehicle.

The Opel GT I typically came equipped with a 1.1L or 1.9L inline-four engine, depending on the market and model year. The 1.9L engine was the more popular variant, offering around 102 horsepower. Performance-wise, the GT I was praised for its nimble handling and relatively spirited acceleration, aided by its lightweight construction. It wasn’t designed as a high-powered sports car but rather a balanced, affordable alternative with sporty aspirations, delivering an engaging driving experience popular among enthusiasts of the era.

Yes, the Opel GT I featured several distinctive design and technological elements for its time. One of the most iconic is its pop-up headlights, which rotated manually without the need for motors, a unique characteristic that gave the car a futuristic and clean front-end appearance. The aerodynamic, curvy body design was also ahead of its time and contributed to improved stability at speed. Its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout helped achieve balanced handling, reinforcing its identity as a driver's car in the late 1960s sports coupe market.