Opel Kapitän (Kapitän, 1951 to 1953)

The Kapitän of 1951 to 1953 was introduced in March 1951 as a stylistically slightly modernized version of the old model, technically much the same. The compression ratio rose from 6.0:1 to 6.25:1 and output from 55 PS to 58 PS, later 60 PS as better petrol quality allowed higher compression. It was distinguished from the first post-war cars by an abundance of chrome and a US style grille, and was considered the most modern large mass-produced car in Europe of its period. The solidly built and comfortable car lost value quickly because few second-hand buyers could afford to tax and insure a 2.5-litre engine. From March 1951 up to July 1953 Opel built 48,562 cars of this series.