Opel Monza 3.0E GSE
The Opel Monza was one of the most ambitious cars Opel ever produced — a large, elegant fastback coupe that competed directly with the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz SLC. Based on the Senator platform but with unique coupe bodywork, the Monza combined six-cylinder performance with grand touring comfort in a distinctive hatchback package.
The Monza's design was clean and aerodynamic, with a long hood, short front overhang, and a dramatically raked rear hatchback that gave the car excellent luggage capacity unusual for a coupe. The large glass area provided excellent visibility, and the overall proportions were well-balanced. The GSE (Grand Sport Einspritzung) was the range-topping variant, distinguished by its body-colored bumpers, unique alloy wheels, and subtle rear spoiler.
The 3.0-liter CIH inline-six with Bosch LE-Jetronic injection produced 180 hp in the GSE — enough to propel the Monza to a genuine 220 km/h on the autobahn. The engine was smooth and characterful, with strong mid-range torque that made the Monza an effortless high-speed cruiser. The Getrag five-speed manual was the preferred transmission, though an automatic was available.
The Monza shared its chassis with the Senator, featuring independent suspension at all four corners. The double-wishbone front and semi-trailing arm rear provided a composed ride with good handling balance. The Monza was never as sharp as a BMW 635CSi in the corners, but it offered a more relaxed, grand touring character that many drivers preferred.
The interior was well-equipped for its era, with comfortable front seats, reasonable rear accommodation for a coupe, and a digital instrument cluster option that was cutting-edge in the early 1980s. The hatchback provided genuine practicality, with the rear seats folding to create a surprisingly large cargo area.
The Monza was also sold as the Vauxhall Royale Coupe in the UK, where it attracted a loyal following. Production ended in 1986 without a direct successor, as Opel retreated from the large coupe segment. Today, the Monza is a rare and underappreciated classic — a genuine grand tourer with distinctive styling and robust mechanicals.
Survivors are rare — the Monza was never produced in large numbers and attrition has been significant. Rust is the primary concern: check floor pans, sills, rear wheel arches, and the hatch surround. The CIH six-cylinder engine is robust and well-supported. The LE-Jetronic injection is reliable but air flow meter failures are common. Check for rear hatch seal leaks. The digital instrument cluster (if fitted) can malfunction. GSE models are the most desirable. The Getrag manual gearbox is preferred over the automatic. Interior trim parts are increasingly scarce.
43,728 Monza coupes produced (1978-1986). The A1 phase (1978-1982) used 2.5L and 3.0L engines. The A2 facelift (1982-1986) brought revised front styling, updated interior, and the GSE variant. Also sold as the Vauxhall Royale Coupe in the UK. The Monza shared its platform with the Opel Senator and the short-lived Bitter SC coupe. Opel used the Monza name again for a concept car in 2013.