The DFW Car & Toy Museum is thrilled to showcase a stunning 1973 Opel GT in vivid orange—a rare Euro-American hybrid of sleek styling and surprising performance that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. As part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection, this standout piece is now on display for visitors to enjoy up close.
Originally introduced as a concept car at the 1965 Paris and Frankfurt Motor Shows, the Opel GT entered production in 1968 and quickly gained fame for its futuristic design—often dubbed the "Baby Corvette" for its resemblance to Chevrolet's legendary sports car. Built in collaboration with French coachbuilder Brissonneau & Lotz, the GT paired sharp design with Opel Kadett B mechanicals and a rear-wheel-drive layout that made it a thrill to drive.
This 1973 model represents the final year of first-generation production and features the optional 1.9-liter camshaft-in-head engine—a favorite among buyers—delivering a punchy 102 horsepower. Its unique front mid-engine placement and transverse leaf-spring front suspension (also seen in the Corvette) contribute to its spirited handling and balanced weight distribution.
But it's the Opel GT's quirky features that steal the show: from its manually-operated pop-up headlights that rotate in unison, to the hidden trunk space accessed only from inside the cabin, this car is as eccentric as it is elegant.
"The Opel GT is one of those rare cars that packs an incredible amount of character into a compact, driver-focused package," says Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's part oddball, part icon—and it's a joy to have it in the collection."
With only a short production run between 1968 and 1973 and no successor until 2007, the original Opel GT remains a cult favorite. Don't miss your chance to see this automotive time capsule on display at one of Fort Worth's most unique museums. The museum is now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, and offers free parking and admission. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
