Buick Opel

The Buick Opel was an imported mid size model sold by American Buick dealers from 1976 to 1979, partly under the name Opel Isuzu. It was the United States export version of the Isuzu Gemini, a member of the wide GM model family on the T platform of 1973 that included the Opel Kadett C and the Chevrolet Chevette, though Isuzu used its own engines and a quite different interior. It was introduced in April 1976 to replace the German Opel Ascona and Manta, which had become too expensive through exchange rate swings after autumn 1975. At first only a two door fastback coupe in base and Deluxe trims was offered, a four door sedan came for 1977 and a Sport Coupe the year after. All used Isuzu\'s own 1.8 litre four cylinder with twin carburettor and 81 DIN hp. About 60,000 were sold by autumn 1979, after which Isuzu exported the Gemini itself as the I-Mark from 1980.