Production | |
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Model Year: | 1966 |
Production Years: | 1966 - 1971 discontinued in 1971 |
Precise measurements of the 1966 Opel Rekord C, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
Dimensions | |
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Length: | 4550 mm179.1 in14.9 ft |
Width: | 1758 mm69.2 in5.8 ft |
Height: | 1453 mm57.2 in4.8 ft |
Weight Specifications | |
Curb Weight: | 1045 kg2304 lbs |
Maximal permitted Weight: | 1480 kg3263 lbs |
Tire Specifications | |
Rims Sizes: | 4.5J x 13, 5J x 13 |
Tire Sizes: | 175/75 R13 (W:175 | H:75 | D:13) 175/75R13 (W:175 | H:75 | D:13) |
The Opel Rekord C, produced from 1966 to 1971, is a classic mid-size sedan that reflects the automotive design and engineering trends of the late 1960s. Measuring 4550 millimeters (179.1 inches) in length, 1758 millimeters (69.2 inches) in width, and standing 1453 millimeters (57.2 inches) tall, this vehicle offers a balanced exterior footprint that fits comfortably in the mid-size sedan category. Weighing 1045 kilograms (2304 pounds) when empty, with a maximum weight of 1480 kilograms (3264 pounds), the Rekord C manages to combine sturdiness with relatively light body mass for its class and era. The car rides on 13-inch rims, typically sized between 4.5J and 5.5J, paired with 175/75 R13 tires, which provide a good mix of comfort and handling characteristics suited for everyday driving conditions during its production period. The Rekord C's design embodies the elegant yet functional style popular in European sedans of the time, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike. Its dimensions provide ample interior space for passengers while maintaining manageable road presence and ease of parking. As a significant model in Opel's lineup in the late 1960s, the Rekord C offers an interesting study in automotive size and engineering, bridging the gap between compact and full-size sedans of its time.
Discover the standout features that make the 1966 Opel Rekord C a leader in its class
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The Opel Rekord C, produced between 1966 and 1971, measures 4550 mm (179.1 inches) in length, making it a mid-sized sedan of its era. Its width is 1758 mm (69.2 inches), which provides a comfortable cabin width for passengers. The height stands at 1453 mm (57.2 inches), giving the car a balanced road presence and reasonable headroom. These dimensions helped establish the Rekord C as a practical family car, offering good interior space while maintaining manageable exterior proportions suited to both urban and highway driving.
Weighing in at 1045 kg (2304 lbs), the Opel Rekord C is relatively lightweight for a sedan of its size and era. This curb weight contributes positively to the vehicle's performance, allowing for better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and nimble handling compared to heavier cars in its segment. The moderate weight also aids braking efficiency and tire wear, making the car more manageable and economical to operate. The balance between size and weight was a key factor in the Rekord C's reputation for practicality and reliability in daily use.
The Opel Rekord C has a maximum permissible weight (also called gross vehicle weight) of 1480 kg (3263 lbs). This figure includes the curb weight plus passengers, cargo, and any additional load. Understanding this limit is crucial because it ensures the vehicle operates safely within its mechanical and structural capabilities, avoiding undue stress on the engine, chassis, suspension, and brakes. Overloading beyond this weight can lead to reduced performance, increased wear and tear, and could compromise road safety.
The OEM rims for the Opel Rekord C are sized at 4.5J x 13 and 5.5J x 13, equipped with tires typically sized 175/75 R13. These relatively narrow 13-inch tires reflect the car's design period and focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive sporty handling. The tire width of 175 mm (6.9 inches) offers adequate road grip for everyday driving conditions. The rim and tire combination ensures a balanced ride quality, providing enough cushioning over road irregularities while maintaining reasonable steering response and safety.
The Opel Rekord C's length of 4550 mm (179.1 inches) and width of 1758 mm (69.2 inches) generally allow it to fit comfortably inside most standard home garages. Typical garages are about 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) deep and 3 meters (around 10 feet) wide, which provides ample clearance for the car along with space for opening doors and maneuvering. However, garage sizes can vary, so owners should measure their specific garage dimensions to ensure a comfortable fit. Its moderate height of 1453 mm (57.2 inches) also easily accommodates the car beneath most garage ceilings.
The Opel Rekord C marked an evolution over the Rekord B in terms of size and design. The Rekord C's length is 4550 mm (179.1 inches), which is slightly longer than the Rekord B, contributing to increased interior space and greater overall presence on the road. It is also wider at 1758 mm (69.2 inches), which enhances passenger comfort and stability. Height remained fairly consistent, maintaining a sleek sedan profile. The overall dimensional growth allowed the Rekord C to offer improved comfort and road manners compared to its predecessor, responding to market demand for more spacious family vehicles during the late 1960s.
Compared to other mid-size sedans in the late 1960s, such as the Ford Taunus 17M or the Volkswagen Type 3, the Opel Rekord C held a competitive position. Its length of 4550 mm (179.1 inches) was fairly typical for its class, offering a similar or slightly more spacious footprint than many competitors. Its curb weight of 1045 kg (2304 lbs) was on the lighter side, contributing to efficient performance and fuel economy. While other models might have emphasized sportiness or luxury, the Rekord C's dimensions balanced interior space with drivability and practicality, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike.
The Opel Rekord C was designed as a comfortable sedan offering seating for up to five passengers. Thanks to its 1758 mm (69.2 inches) width and extended length, the cabin provided ample room for front and rear occupants, making longer trips more enjoyable. Rear legroom and headroom were sufficient for average-sized adults, a feature that distinguished the Rekord C favorably against some of its competitors. The comfortable interior layout and generous glazing contributed to good visibility and an airy cabin feel, enhancing overall passenger comfort.
With a height of 1453 mm (57.2 inches), the Opel Rekord C maintains a relatively low profile for a sedan, which positively affects both aerodynamics and road stability. A lower height reduces air resistance, contributing to steadier handling at higher speeds and modest improvements in fuel efficiency. Additionally, this lowered ride height provides a lower center of gravity, enhancing vehicle stability during cornering and reducing body roll. These traits made the Rekord C well regarded for balanced driving dynamics in its class during the late 1960s.
While exact wheelbase specifications for the Opel Rekord C vary slightly depending on the model variant, it generally features a wheelbase close to 2670 mm (105.1 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for its class encourages a smooth ride by better absorbing road irregularities. A longer wheelbase contributes to enhanced stability and comfort, particularly on highways, as it reduces pitching motions over bumps. This design choice made the Rekord C ideal as a family sedan, blending ride quality with responsive handling.
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