Model Car Opel Kadett GTE yellow and black number 12 - 1976 Portugal rally - TROFEU collection
Echelle: 1/43ème
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This Opel Kadett GTE model in yellow and black proudly displays the number 12, faithfully reproducing the car that marked the 1976 Portugal rally. This exceptional reproduction from the TROFEU collection perfectly captures the fighting spirit of this German compact in its competition livery.
A true testimony to the golden age of European rallying, this miniature is aimed at motor racing enthusiasts and lovers of German cars from the 70s. The careful finish and authenticity of the details make it a particularly sought-after collectible.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Kadett GTE number 12
- Brand: Opel
- Year: 1976
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Yellow and black
- Protective case included: Yes
The Kadett GTE, an accessible sports car
Launched in 1975, the Opel Kadett GTE represented the sporting culmination of the second-generation Kadett range. This high-performance version was equipped with a 1.9-liter engine developing 105 horsepower, a remarkable power for the time in this category. The GTE stood out with its specific rims, decorative stripes, and more comprehensive equipment.
On the rally roads, the Kadett GTE quickly demonstrated its dynamic qualities. Its front-wheel drive, relative lightness, and robustness made it a formidable weapon on the twisty stages. The 1976 Portugal rally provided an ideal playground for this German compact, capable of competing with the French and Italian benchmarks of the time.
This competition version benefited from numerous technical adaptations specific to rallying: engine preparation, reinforced suspensions, safety equipment, and of course, this particularly remarkable yellow and black livery that made it instantly recognizable in the pack.
Opel in the 70s
In 1976, Opel was going through a particularly prosperous period in its history. The German brand, a subsidiary of General Motors since 1929, had developed a coherent and modern range that appealed to a European clientele seeking quality and reliability. The Kadett perfectly embodied this philosophy, offering a successful compromise between daily practicality and driving pleasure.
Opel's commitment to motor sports was part of this strategy of enhancing brand image. Successes in rallying demonstrated the robustness and performance of series models, an important selling point in an increasingly competitive European market. Participation in the World Rally Championship thus served as a fantastic real-world testing laboratory.
This era also marked the peak of functional German design at Opel, with lines that were both elegant and aerodynamic that would influence the automotive aesthetics of Europe for decades to come.
The 1976 Portugal Rally, a legendary event
The 1976 Portugal Rally remains etched in the memories of enthusiasts as one of the most spectacular events of this golden decade of rallying. This edition took place on particularly demanding roads, alternating between fast asphalt sectors and technical dirt passages, putting both mechanics and drivers' skills to the test.
The Opel Kadett GTE number 12 operated in a context where safety was not yet the top priority it would later become. Spectators gathered at the roadside, sometimes dangerously close to the trajectories of the cars speeding by. This proximity between the public and the drivers created a unique, electric atmosphere that contributed to the magic of these bygone rallies.
This era also coincided with the golden age of European manufacturers in rallying. Opel had to contend with the formidable competition from Ford with its Escorts, Fiat with its 124 Abarths, and French Renault Alpines. Each brand developed its own technical solutions, creating a mechanical and aesthetic diversity that is now the joy of collectors.
The yellow and black livery of this Kadett GTE was not just an aesthetic choice: these colors allowed for quick identification during liaison stages and facilitated the work of photographers and cameramen at the time, thus aiding the emerging media coverage of motor racing.
Complete your miniature collection
This Opel Kadett GTE naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to rally cars from the 70s. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models from this period, whether it be Ford Escorts or Renault Alpines, thus recreating the unique atmosphere of European rallies of that decade.
Enthusiastic collectors of German automobiles will appreciate associating it with other Opel models or more broadly with foreign cars from the same period. This miniature also fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to the 1970s, a pivotal period in the European automotive industry.
Whether you are a motorsport enthusiast, a lover of automotive history, or a seasoned collector, this Opel Kadett GTE will find its place in your universe. Its quality of reproduction and historical authenticity make it a precious testimony of the time when rallying was the playground of European manufacturers to showcase their respective know-how.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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