1979 Opel Kadett C GT-E Group 2 'Ex-Carenini'

When the Opel Kadett C GT/E was unleashed in 1975, it immediately cemented its place in automotive history as a formidable force in both the consumer market and competitive rallying. Among its many iterations, the Kadett C GT/E Group 2 ‘Ex-Carenini’ stands out, not just for its technical prowess, but for the legacy it carries from the illustrious Carenini brothers.

The Opel Kadett C, produced from 1973 to 1979, was the fourth generation of the Kadett series and the last to feature rear-wheel drive. With over 1.7 million units produced, the Kadett C’s compact, well-proportioned design appealed to a wide audience. Its popularity extended beyond Germany, with significant exports across Europe and the world.

Under its conventional bodywork, the Kadett C offered a range of engines, initially starting with modest 1.0 and 1.2-liter units. However, it was the introduction of the Kadett C GT/E that truly elevated the model’s performance credentials. Featuring an 1,897 cc engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, the GT/E delivered 105 PS, making it a spirited performer in its class.

In the mid-1970s, the Kadett GT/E became a favourite for rally enthusiasts. Its robust engineering, combined with Opel’s reputation for reliability, made it a perfect candidate for modification and competition. The Group 2 rally version, in particular, showcased the potential of the Kadett C platform.

The Kadett C GT/E Group 2 ‘Ex-Carenini’ is a prime example of this evolution. Tuned by the renowned Tuning Carenini workshop, founded by brothers Gino and Silvano Carenini, this car embodies the spirit of rallying. Gino Carenini, having honed his skills as a master mechanic for World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, brought a wealth of expertise to the project.

The ‘Ex-Carenini’ Kadett GT/E is more than just a car; it’s a piece of motorsport history. The modifications made by the Carenini brothers transformed the already potent GT/E into a rally powerhouse.

The Kadett C GT/E Group 2 ‘Ex-Carenini’ not only competed but often excelled in the competitive rallying scene. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with the expert tuning by the Carenini brothers, made it a formidable opponent. The car’s striking yellow and black livery became synonymous with performance and resilience.

While the Kadett C GT/E marked the end of an era for rear-wheel-drive small Opels, its legacy lived on through its rallying success and the cult following it garnered. The transition from the Kadett C to the front-wheel-drive Kadett D signalled a shift in Opel’s design philosophy. However, the Kadett C, especially in its GT/E form, remains a symbol of a bygone era where simplicity, mechanical purity, and raw driving pleasure reigned supreme.

The Opel Kadett C GT/E Group 2 ‘Ex-Carenini’ is more than just a rally car; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and passion of the Carenini brothers. Their dedication to performance and excellence transformed the Kadett C GT/E into a rally legend. Today, it stands as a beacon of automotive history, cherished by enthusiasts and a reminder of the golden age of rallying.