As you may expect … the littlest of differences still occur when comparing native car scenes to those across the pond. In Christian’s instance this rod isn’t what us from the U.S. would expect; a Ford. But rather an Opel, the European equivalent from the era. Like most rat rods Christian’s Opel draws parts from various makes and models of automobiles to create what you see here.
Before you make any assumptions the panels are about the only thing “Opel” about this car, and even then they’ve been significantly modified. The roof was chopped 10 cm (roughly 4”), while the limousine is 8 cm sectioned and channeled. The frame was also heavily modified. Being widened and narrowed at various points the car sits a mere 8 cm from the ground, while having an overall height of 110 cm, or just over 43”!
The engine, a 5.7L 350 cubic inch Chevy motor with 327 heads from a Dodge Diplomat, sits comfortably over a front axle out of a ’57 Chevy and is mated to a Chevy TH 350 automatic transmission; apparently the standard propulsion for this type of build. The rear axle actually comes from a Lincoln Continental, all while riding along with suspension components from a Jaguar. Quite the collision of vehicle manufacturers, wouldn’t you say?
The interior is no exception to a culmination of oddball vehicle parts as well. Seats, dashboard, and the tank come from two popular East Germany cars from the 1970’s: the Trabant and Wartburg. Originally the passenger compartment was fastened to wood but due to its age Christian quickly decided that metal would make for much sturdier mounts for the body.
Albeit this Opel rat rod is quite different from the norm here on Canibeat Christian’s keen eye for reconstruction fabrication is right up our alley. This car is more than just a typical hot hatch or sleek sedan on a trendy set of wheels. We love to see the amount of work that one needs to put in to collage automobile parts to form one gorgeous machine, and Christian has done just that … remarkably well as far as we’re concerned.
Very nice job Christian, the Opel is absolutely stunning! A big thanks also goes to Martin Slotta for the fantastic photos. Thanks guys!
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