| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1957 |
| Production Years: | 1957 - 1960 discontinued in 1960 |
Precise measurements of the 1957 Opel Rekord P1, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm174.5 in14.5 ft |
| Width: | 1616 mm63.6 in5.3 ft |
| Height: | 1490 mm58.7 in4.9 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 930 kg2050 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1340 kg2954 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 4J x 13 |
The Opel Rekord P1, also known as the Olympia Rekord, was produced from 1957 to 1960 and represents a classic mid-century German sedan built for practical family use with elegant styling cues. This generation of the Rekord featured a length of 4433 mm (174.5 inches), a width of 1616 mm (63.6 inches), and a height of 1490 mm (58.7 inches), positioning it as a moderately sized vehicle for its era. Weighing in at a curb weight of 930 kg (2050 lbs), the Rekord P1 was notably light by modern standards, contributing to its nimble handling and efficiency. The maximum permissible weight stood at 1340 kg (2954 lbs), indicating a respectable payload capacity suitable for passengers and luggage. The sedan was equipped with 13-inch rims sized 4J x 13, consistent with the era’s standards for road grip and suspension comfort. Its design was a transition in Opel's styling, featuring smooth curves and a distinctive chrome grille that gave it an appealing and approachable look for families and professionals alike. In size comparison to contemporary vehicles, the Rekord P1 provided a compact yet comfortable interior space, balancing maneuverability with passenger comfort. Its physical dimensions cater to urban and suburban driving environments, suiting those interested in classic sedans with practical proportions. This Opel Rekord generation remains a sought-after classic, appreciated for blending mid-century aesthetics with functional automobile engineering.
Discover the standout features that make the 1957 Opel Rekord P1 a leader in its class
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The Opel Rekord P1, produced between 1957 and 1960, measures 4433 mm (174.6 inches) in length, 1616 mm (63.6 inches) in width, and 1490 mm (58.7 inches) in height. These dimensions place it firmly in the mid-sized sedan category of its era, reflecting the design trends of the late 1950s. Its relatively compact width and moderate height contributed to improved maneuverability and aerodynamics for the time.
The curb weight of the Opel Rekord P1 is approximately 930 kg (2,050 lbs), which is quite light by today's standards, reflecting the use of materials and engineering techniques from its production period (1957-1960). Its maximum permissible weight is 1340 kg (2,954 lbs), allowing for passengers and cargo without compromising performance or safety. This weight balance helped the vehicle maintain a good fuel efficiency and handling.
With a width of 1616 mm (63.6 inches), the Opel Rekord P1 is relatively narrow compared to modern cars, making it well-suited for tight urban parking spaces common in European cities during its time. Its total length of 4433 mm (174.6 inches) makes it easier to maneuver and park compared to larger sedans. This compact footprint was a key advantage in congested urban environments and narrow streets.
A standard single-car garage typically measures about 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. Given the Opel Rekord P1’s dimensions — 4433 mm (4.43 meters or 14.5 feet) long, 1616 mm (1.62 meters or 5.3 feet) wide, and 1490 mm (1.49 meters or 4.9 feet) tall — it comfortably fits within a standard garage space. This makes it a practical option for garage storage without requiring special accommodations.
At 1490 mm (58.7 inches) tall, the Opel Rekord P1 has a modest height compared to other sedans from the late 1950s, which often ranged between 1400 mm to 1600 mm in height. This height contributes to a relatively low profile, promoting better aerodynamics and a sportier look while maintaining enough headroom inside. The streamlined design was characteristic of post-war car design trends, focusing on elegance and efficiency.
The Opel Rekord P1 is equipped with 4J x 13 rims, which means the rims are 13 inches in diameter and 4 inches in width. These relatively small diameter rims were typical of the era, contributing to a ride that prioritized comfort over sporty handling. The smaller rim size allowed for taller sidewalls on tires, which helped absorb road imperfections, providing a cushioned driving experience on the less developed roads of the time.
The Opel Rekord P1 succeeded the Opel Olympia Rekord from the early 1950s. Compared to its predecessor, the Rekord P1 was slightly larger in length and width, with more modern styling featuring a wraparound panoramic windshield and a more streamlined body. This enhancement provided a more spacious interior and improved aerodynamics. While specific predecessor dimensions vary by year, the P1 generation marked Opel's shift toward bigger and more comfortable mid-sized sedans.
When compared to contemporaries such as the Ford Taunus 17M or the Volkswagen Type 3, the Opel Rekord P1 was competitive in size. It was slightly longer and narrower than some rivals, with a length of 4433 mm (174.6 inches) and width of 1616 mm (63.6 inches). This gave the Rekord a balanced road presence while remaining manageable in tight European streets. Its dimensions contributed to a spacious cabin while maintaining maneuverability.
The Opel Rekord P1 featured a typical five-passenger seating layout with two rows of seats. Given its midsize exterior dimensions, interior space was comfortable for its time, especially with a focus on front and rear legroom. The relatively low body height was offset by clever cabin design, allowing sufficient headroom for average adult occupants. The Rekord P1 balanced practicality and comfort, offering enough room for family use and daily driving.
With a curb weight of approximately 930 kg (2,050 lbs), the Opel Rekord P1 was relatively lightweight compared to modern sedans, which often exceed 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs). This lighter weight positively influenced fuel efficiency, allowing the car to consume less fuel given the engine technology of the late 1950s. Additionally, the lower mass helped improve handling responsiveness and braking performance, making it a nimble and economical choice for its era.
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