In the middle of 1960 Opel introduced their Rekord P2 series as replacements for the more Fifties look Opel Rekord P1.

Once again, the Opel Rekord P2 Series was geared towards to the medium to large-sized vehicle sector, a hard-working, no-frills people carrier.

Opel offered the Rekord P2 with the choice of two engines, the first a 1,488 cc overhead camshaft water-cooled, four-cylinder engine that had remained in almost the same format since the pre-war years.

Those looking for a little more power could opt for Opel’s 1,680 cc engine which also made available in the P1 from 1959 onwards.

In addition, the 1680cc engine could be ordered with a number of refinements with an increased compression ratio. Among the many benefits of investing in this more powerful engine, was the ability to use premium grade (increased octane) fuel.

This grade of fuel, while more expensive, increased engine performance and was considered as a first-class long-term investment,

All of the Rekord P2 engine configurations were matched up to the same took its column change, the three-speed all-synchromesh transmission used on the P.

As an option, Opel also offered the Rekord P2 with an optional four-speed all-synchromesh transmission, with the gears changed through an North American style column mounted gearstick.

For those who preferred automatic transmission, the P2 was also available with a system provided by leading West German manufacturer, Fichel & Sachs.

Apart from the changes and increased possibilities offered by Opel for the Rekord P2’s powertrain the remainder of the principal mechanical systems such as the steering systems and suspension were mostly carried forward from the P1.

Making a design statement intended to bring the Opel Rekord marque into the Sixties was the discontinuation of the wrap-around windscreen which had been the central design feature on the P1.

Opel compensated for the loss of the iconic panoramic screen, by adding strong but much A-pillars which also guaranteed effective all-round vision for drivers and passengers alike.

Another plus possibly inadvertently brought about by the absence of the panoramic screen was improved access for the driver and front seat passengers, as Opel could now increase the width of the car’s front doors considerably.

Less influenced by GM’s designers in the United States, overall, the Rekord P2 had more of an overall European look to it, with the innocuous tail fins that had sprouted up on the PI becoming a thing of the past.

What remained of the Stateside influence was the ability for buyers to order the Rekord P2s in a choice of two-tone finishes, taking into account the car’s exterior paintwork and interior.

More substantial than many of its rivals produced in the still austere West Germany of the early Sixties, the Opel Rekord Series P2 was regarded as a commercial success, outsold only by the Volkswagen Beetle in the domestic market as well as helping the company to make its first serious inroads in the export market.

Despite being a top seller, the Rekord P2 was given a very short run by Opel, remaining in production for less than three years before replaced by the Rekord Series A.