As electric vehicles become more commonplace throughout every facet of the automotive industry, the electrification craze has begun to trickle into the aftermarket side of car culture, as some builders are opting to convert an ICE-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle during a restoration. Now, this 1964 Opel Kadett – which has been modified to become an EV – has been posted up for sale in Arizona.
Listed online for $35,995, this 1964 Kadett appears to be quite ordinary from the outside, albeit in fantastic condition considering its age. However, it’s not until the hood is opened that we realize this Kadett is like no other, as we’re greeted with a battery cell.
By far the biggest talking point of this 1964 Opel Kadett is the powertrain, as the little coupe now sports a 144-volt / 250-amp electric motor that is mated to a single-speed, direct-drive transmission. Total output is roughly 36 kW, or 48 horsepower.
In other EV-related features, this Kadett features regenerative braking to recharge the batteries, custom lower dashboard with EV system readouts, and documentation.
Moving onto other features, the chrome trim pieces found all over the exterior pop nicely against a red paint job, while the interior boasts a custom-made two-tone colorway.
The suspension setup has been brought into the 21st century thanks to Ridetech coilovers, and drum brakes can be found front and rear.
It’s worth noting that this 1964 Kadett was actually sold brand new in the United States, spending the majority of its life in Arizona. As a result, this EV comes with a dealer invoice, owner’s manual, service manuals, and decades of maintenance records.
Although the nearly $36,000 asking price is certainly steep, it’s hard to deny that this is a unique and special vehicle. With that in mind, would you fork over that much cash for this 1964 Opel Kadett EV? Vote in the poll, and be sure to fire off in the comments section below!
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Comments
Cute top.
I’m surprised it hasn’t long since rusted into oblivion. The Kadett had a huge corrosion problem.
Arizona is one of the most rust-free states in the union.
I’m always perplexed why during a restoration this nice that the restorer stops quite short. Prime example is the dented lower valence, drivers side near the turn signal & bumper. Really? Due to the restoration, that “patina” is inappropriate. Also, nicely integrated EV components, but BOTH the engine compartment & luggage compartment are filled w/ storage cells. personally don’t care for that. No word on range or recharge times?
Why in the world did they get rid of Opel?? So many Opels now all over Europe but no GM cars…
🙁
They must have needed the money, so they sold it to Stellantis. Vauxhall, too.
Opel lost money for approximately 17 years straight because of falling market share and legacy costs. They lost to the subsidized VW.
If I were GM, I would not had left Western Europe. I’d kept selling cheap Chevy’s made in Eastern Europe, Korea, and a few top models from the US.
As the saying goes, “there’s a fool born every minute.”