Opel Commodore GS/E
The Opel Commodore GS/E represents a golden era of European grand touring. In the late 1960s and 1970s, Opel — General Motors' German subsidiary — produced a range of elegant, well-engineered cars that competed directly with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the German market. The Commodore GS/E was the performance flagship, combining a powerful fuel-injected six-cylinder engine with a handsome coupe body.
The Commodore was based on the Opel Rekord platform but featured an extended hood to accommodate the inline-six engine. The 'GS' designation indicated the sporting model, while the 'E' signified Einspritzung (injection) — specifically Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, which was cutting-edge technology in the early 1970s. The 2.8-liter engine produced 160 hp DIN, making the GS/E one of the fastest German cars in its class.
The Commodore was produced in two generations: the A (1967-1971) and B (1972-1977). The A-series had a more angular, 1960s design, while the B-series received softer, more flowing lines. Both were available as sedans and coupes, with the coupe being the more desirable sporting choice. The GS/E coupe, with its pillarless hardtop construction and elegant proportions, was a particularly attractive car.
On the road, the Commodore GS/E was a genuine grand tourer. The fuel-injected six was smooth and responsive, the four-speed manual gearbox was precise, and the chassis — while not as sophisticated as BMW's independent rear suspension — provided predictable handling and a comfortable ride. The live rear axle could be caught out on bumpy roads, but in normal driving, the Commodore was a refined and effortless cruiser.
The GS/E also had a successful racing career. Opel campaigned the Commodore in European touring car events, including the prestigious European Touring Car Championship and the 24 Hours of Spa. The Commodore was competitive against BMW, Ford, and Alfa Romeo in Group 2 racing.
Today, the Commodore GS/E is an underappreciated classic. It offers six-cylinder grand touring elegance at a fraction of the cost of a contemporary BMW or Mercedes coupe. Survivors are becoming rare, particularly the coupes, and values are rising as collectors recognize the Commodore's quality and character.
Rust is the primary concern — check floor pans, sills, inner fenders, trunk floor, and the area around the rear window. The CIH (Cam In Head) six-cylinder engine is robust and well-supported by Opel specialists. The Bosch D-Jetronic injection is reliable but requires knowledgeable servicing. Coupes are rarer and more desirable than sedans. GS/E models command a premium over base Commodores. The live rear axle is simple and durable. Chrome trim deterioration is common. Finding a genuine GS/E (vs. a cosmetically upgraded base model) requires careful verification.
Total Commodore production (A and B series, all variants): approximately 156,330 units. The GS/E coupe was a small fraction of total production. The Commodore A (1967-1971) used 2.5L and 2.8L engines. The Commodore B (1972-1977) continued with the 2.8L and added a GS/E with 160 hp. The Commodore was also sold as the Vauxhall VX4/90 in the UK market.