French registration papers

Extremely rare Conrero Crossflow cylinder head
Eligible to Rallye de Corse Historique
High-performing car

When we talk about rallying in the 70s, the Opel brand is not necessarily one of the most cited manufacturers. And yet, when one evokes specifically Jean-Louis Clarr, it is difficult not to mention all his successes at the wheel of the Opel Kadett GTE. This is how he inherited the nickname "Mr GT/E" with multiple scratch victories and a second place overall in the 1978 Tour de France Automobile with a simple group 1 preparation…

The Opel Kadett C GT/E that we present in these pages receives a group 4 preparation with its BP livery reminding the Kadett driven by Jean-Louis Clarr at the end of the 70s. It is equipped with a 1.9 litres 8 valves Opel with an extremely rare Conrero Crossflow cylinder head, developing 220 horsepower. This engine is coupled to a 5-speed ZF gearbox with a long first gear and a reinforced clutch. Rebuilt from one of the three examples apparently built by Virgile Conrero, it conforms to the period configurations and its homologation form. We owe this work to its former owner, rally driver Gérard Bley, who had already distinguished himself in 1982 at the wheel of a Kadett GT/E by finishing 21st overall in the Rallye des Mille Pistes. He had bought this Kadett GT/E in 2003 and had it prepared to enter historic rallies the following year. Between 2004 and 2007, he took part in several historic events at the wheel of the Kadett GT/E, winning three overall. The first in the Haut-Pays Niçois rally, then in the Rallye National du Soleil and finally in the Grasse Fleurs et Parfums rally. The preparation had been entrusted to the engine manufacturer Duquenne Moteurs, who specified that two versions of power supply were available, either via 2 Weber carburettors, or thanks to 2 butterfly valves with Kugelfisher injection, the one fitted to our car. The oil sump is made of aluminium, the disc brakes are ventilated and the tyres are mounted on genuine ATS rims (a second set is supplied with the car). A real racing beast, the engine delivered all its power up to 8000 revs, and according to Duquenne Moteurs, only 3 examples were made! Today the property of an informed collector, this Opel Kadett C GT/E bears the marks of its past participations in rallies but looks good. During our test drive, we noticed that the famous "Conrero" had indeed a lot of energy to spare...The 220 hp seem to be there! Its historical technical passport (H1 period - GTS 26 class) is to be renewed, and the safety elements will be brought into conformity. A service will be carried out before the sale, but more thorough preparation work will have to be envisaged before she takes to the roads of the Rallye de Corse for which she is eligible and where she can easily claim victory.

This car will be sold by auction by AGUTTES Auction House, in Paris, France, on March the 21th, 2021.
The digital catalog and information about health situation will be updated on our website.
https://www.aguttes.com/catalogue/111255
Please contact us for any further details.
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