How to use the Archive

Start with a model family, then narrow down by year range and market. Each model page contains grouped PDFs (brochures, option lists, technical sheets) so you can quickly compare specifications and equipment changes across generations.

If you're researching a specific trim or engine variant, use the era filter first and then search by model name — older Chevrolet brochures often use naming conventions specific to their period (e.g., Adam, Admiral - Kapitan - Diplomat, Admiral – Kapitan – Diplomat).

Quick tips

  • Use short chassis codes: Adam, Admiral - Kapitan - Diplomat, Admiral – Kapitan – Diplomat
  • Match your market — US and EU editions differ in specs and equipment
  • Look for 'spec' or 'technical data' PDFs for numbers
  • Option guides list RPO codes — useful for restoration research

Hatch 3

Adam
First-gen city car, 2012–2019.
19PDFs
2012 - 2019years covered
Corsa
First-gen compact hatchback, 1983–2024.
75PDFs
1983 - 2024years covered

Sedan

Admiral - Kapitan - Diplomat
Opel's flagship sedan, 1967.
1PDFs
1967 - 1967years covered
Admiral – Kapitan – Diplomat
Executive saloon, brochures 1937–1973.
16PDFs
1937 - 1973years covered
Ascona
Compact saloon, brochures 1971–1985.
11PDFs
1971 - 1985years covered
Insignia
Saloon and Sports Tourer: 2008–2021.
42PDFs
2008 - 2021years covered
Olympia – 1200
1935–1967: Opel's mass-market saloon.
9PDFs
1935 - 1967years covered
Omega
First-gen executive saloon, 1986–1994.
8PDFs
1986 - 1994years covered
Rekord – Commodore
1950s–1980s executive saloon, Opel archive.
26PDFs
1953 - 1984years covered
Senator
Saloon and coupé: 1978–1991 in archive.
8PDFs
1978 - 1991years covered
Vectra
Family saloon, brochures 1988–2008.
17PDFs
1988 - 2008years covered

Minivan Short

Agila
Second-gen city car, 2004–2013.
15PDFs
2004 - 2013years covered
Meriva
Compact MPV, brochures 2005–2016.
20PDFs
2005 - 2016years covered

Hatch 5

Ampera
Electric compact saloon, 2011–2018.
10PDFs
2011 - 2018years covered
Astra
Fourth-gen compact, 1991–2024.
122PDFs
1991 - 2024years covered
Kadett
Compact saloon, brochures 1964–1991.
22PDFs
1964 - 1991years covered
Karl
First-gen city car, 2015–2019.
12PDFs
2015 - 2019years covered
Signum
Executive hatchback, brochures 2004–2008.
6PDFs
2004 - 2008years covered

Suv 5

Antara
Compact SUV, brochures 2006–2014.
14PDFs
2006 - 2014years covered
Crossland
First-gen compact SUV, 2017–2024.
27PDFs
2017 - 2024years covered
Frontera
SUV and compact crossover: 1992–2024.
5PDFs
1992 - 2024years covered
Grandland
Second-gen compact SUV, 2017–2024.
30PDFs
2017 - 2024years covered
Mokka
First-gen compact SUV, 2012–2024.
39PDFs
2012 - 2024years covered

Coupe

Calibra
Coupé and Turbo: 1990–1997 in archive.
12PDFs
1990 - 1997years covered
Manta
Second-gen sports coupé, 1972–1988.
10PDFs
1972 - 1988years covered
Monza
First-gen compact coupé, 1981–1985.
4PDFs
1981 - 1985years covered
Tigra
Second-gen compact coupé, 1995–2008.
8PDFs
1995 - 2008years covered

Cabrio

Cascada
Convertible: 2013–2018, 13 brochures.
13PDFs
2013 - 2018years covered

Compact Van

Combo
Second-gen light commercial, 2002–2024.
65PDFs
2002 - 2024years covered

Roadster

GT
1960s–2000s sports coupé, Opel archive.
5PDFs
1968 - 2008years covered
Speedster
First-gen roadster, 2000–2005.
4PDFs
2000 - 2005years covered

All

Model Range
European model range, 38 brochures 1939–2022.
38PDFs
1939 - 2022years covered
Others
Various Opel models, brochures 1936–1996.
6PDFs
1936 - 1996years covered

Van

Movano
Commercial van, brochures 2004–2024.
28PDFs
2004 - 2024years covered
Vivaro
Compact van, brochures 2004–2024.
47PDFs
2004 - 2024years covered

Minivan

Zafira
Compact MPV, brochures 1998–2019.
31PDFs
1998 - 2019years covered
Zafira Life
European family MPV, 2019–2024.
14PDFs
2019 - 2024years covered
Quick Reference.

Opel Archive — Key Facts for Research

What's included

839 original PDFs: sales brochures, dealer catalogs, option guides, technical data sheets, and press kits across 37 model families.

Time span

1935 through 2024. Deepest coverage in the 1930s–2020s era, matching peak brochure production.

Most documents

Astra (122), Corsa (75), Combo (65), Vivaro (47), Insignia (42).

How to cite

Original manufacturer + year + "via Automobilisto Archive". The documents are GM/Opel copyright; the archive metadata is Automobilisto editorial.

About the Opel Archive

Opel started in 1862 as a sewing machine company. Adam Opel, a German engineer with ambition, founded it in Rüsselsheim — nowhere near cars. But by 1898, they'd pivoted completely. Motorcycles. Then automobiles. The P4 arrived in 1924, a modest little runabout that proved Opel could build cars for regular people, not just the wealthy. That became their identity. Ever wonder why some brands survive a century while others vanish? Adaptability. Opel had it.

General Motors swallowed them in 1929, and that partnership shaped everything that followed — for better and worse. The company became Europe's volume player, the sensible choice, the practical alternative to flashier marques. They didn't chase prestige; they chased efficiency and affordability. The Kadett in 1962 proved they understood the middle market better than almost anyone. It sold millions. Then came the Ascona, the Vectra, the Omega — each one a calculated step upmarket without abandoning their core mission.

Today's Opel spans everything from city cars to serious performance machines. Their sedan portfolio includes the Astra and Insignia, modern interpretations of that practical-yet-refined philosophy. The SUV lineup with the Grandland and Crossland X shows they're not afraid of trends. And their commitment to electric vehicles, including the Ampera, signals they're serious about tomorrow. Fifty models strong. Still reliable. Still Opel.

Coverage by Decade

Document distribution across eras.

DecadeBrochuresModelsCoverage
1930sBrochures69Models4Coverage
1950sBrochures26Models1Coverage
1960sBrochures28Models3Coverage
1970sBrochures29Models3Coverage
1980sBrochures104Models4Coverage
1990sBrochures178Models5Coverage
2000sBrochures241Models9Coverage
2010sBrochures164Models8Coverage
All ErasBrochures839ModelsFull ArchiveCoverage

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are in the Opel archive?

We've scanned 850 original Opel documents spanning 1935 to 2024. You'll find brochures, price lists, option guides, dealer catalogs, press kits, and technical PDFs covering 850 model families. Early models like the 1935 Olympia, 1936 Kadet, and 1938 Kapitan have the deepest coverage.

Are these real Opel factory documents?

Yes. We've sourced original materials from dealer liquidations, private collector estates, and museum collections. Automobilisto is independent and not affiliated with Opel. The documents remain Opel's intellectual property, but we provide the archive infrastructure and editorial metadata.

How do I find a brochure for a specific year?

Search by model name plus year, like 'Opel Ascona 1975'. Use the decade filter on model pages too. Remember: brochures were printed 6 to 12 months before the model year, so if your year's missing, try surrounding years.

Can I request a missing brochure?

Absolutely. Use the Request a PDF button and specify the brand, model, year, and market. If you own an original, email [email protected]. We credit all contributors and actively seek materials to fill gaps.

Which markets and languages are covered?

We hold documents in 31 market editions: German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and many others spanning Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Coverage varies by era and model.

Can I use these for commercial purposes?

These PDFs are for personal research, academic study, and editorial reference only. The documents remain Opel's property. Commercial use requires the manufacturer's permission. When publishing, cite the original manufacturer and year, plus Automobilisto as the archive source.

How often are new documents added?

We add documents after sourcing, authentication, cataloging, and editorial review. Check the Recently Added section regularly. Major batch updates are announced via our newsletter.