Opel Ascona (Ascona C, 1981 to 1988)

The Ascona C was the third and last generation of the Opel Ascona, launched in August 1981 as part of General Motors' J-car project and Opel's second front-wheel-drive car after the Kadett D. It was built in Rüsselsheim, Antwerp, São Caetano do Sul in Brazil and Luton, sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Cavalier and in Latin America as the Chevrolet Monza. It won the Golden Steering Wheel award at the end of 1981 and was West Germany's biggest selling car, narrowly losing the 1982 European Car of the Year to the Renault 9. A five-door hatchback joined the saloon, and the range ended in August 1988, replaced by the Opel Vectra A.