25 years ago, the Opel Calibra came into the world. After seven years of production and nearly 240,000 units sold, the Calibra was an unforgettable success in the early 90s A success that still lingers in our memory and that translates into a smile when we see one, and very few circulating in the highway. Long live the people coupé.

He August 29, 1997 the last of the Opel Calibra he left the assembly line. That drive, Last Black Edition version, put an end to a model that was emblem in the 90s and 25 years later and it has become myth. What child of 80 or 90 does not remembers a Calibra?

Those born in the 80s and a Ferrari F40 alucinábamos did likewise with Opel Calibra. In those, and with permission of Toyota Celica, it was one of the few cars that could be seen on the street that resembled the eyes of a child to those Italian dreams on wheels that we had not seen beyond the screen of a Sony Trinitron . And that was the idea of ​​the brand Ray: make an affordable coupe I could enjoy ‘everyone’. Numbers coming Opel Manta happen to prove it: it was the most successful coupe 90s.

He Opel Calibra saw the light at the Frankfurt Motor Show 1989 and his watchword was spectacular drag coefficient Cx 0.26, the best of all production models. With semi-independent or independent rear suspension could also be chosen optionally AWD. At launch featured two mechanical versions powered by gasoline: the 115 hp 2.0 and the 2.0 válvuas 16 and 150 CV. While the former came to 203 km / h, the second reached the 223 km / h. Both variants were available in full or front wheel drive.

While the sportsmanship It was a product of its flowing, aerodynamic shapes, the versatility He came from the hand of a generous battle, which allowed a more than comfortable space also for the rear seats, or boot, with 980 liters. Standard, the Opel Calibra included power steering, ABS, five-speed, radio with 6 speakers and tinted windows. And if you wanted air conditioning or electric sunroof had to go to the optional equipment.

Versions of ‘lightning’

Two years after the arrival on the market of Opel Calibra, the German mark premiered variant Turbo. This series included 4×4 traction, sport seats, alloy wheels 16 inches and a 2.0 turbocharged engine down to the 204 hp and it is managed with a manual 6-relationships.

His entry into the DTM brought the premiere of the Keke Rosberg legendary version, and years later Cliff Motorsport. But certainly, we remember with more nostalgia is announcing the farewell: the Opel Calibra Last Edition.

This variant, which could be ordered until the end of 1997, had sports chassis, BBS wheels, leather trim for the interior and air conditioning. The Calibra Last Edition could be associated with the two engines 2.5 V6 170 hp or the 2.0 four-cylinder and 136 hp. After 238,647 units sold, the Opel Calibra said goodbye in the summer of 1997 and with a stage of other brand models, such as the Astra G Coupe, the Opel GT or newcomer prototype Monza, taken closed the legacy.

Did you know…

– The last unit it left the assembly line was calibrates Edition black with 2.0 liter and four valves per cylinder. This car showcases Opel Classic in classic events.

– For meet the demand which was the first year that came to market in 1990, production had to be increased to 60,000 units instead of the 20,000 you planned.

– Its production lasted seven years, ended on August 29 and was 238,647 units, who left plants Rüsselsheim (Hesse, Germany) and Valmet (Uusikaupunki, Finland).

– The most successful version It was the most affordable, which equipped the 115 hp 2.0. Its total production was 130,000 units.

– The markets where the Opel Calibra most sold were Germany, UK, Italy, Spain and France.