Chevrolet Opala - Revision history

250-S at 19:55, 2 February 2010

2010-02-02T19:55:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 2 February 2010
Line 36:		Line 36:
	The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first tubeless to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.		The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first tubeless to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.

			[[Image:Chevrolet Opala 250-S engine.jpg\|right\|frame\|'''The 250-S Engine''']]
	===Engines===		===Engines===
	* [[GM Iron Duke engine#External_links\|Iron Duke GM L4 151 2.5L motors]]		* [[GM Iron Duke engine#External_links\|Iron Duke GM L4 151 2.5L motors]]

Red marquis at 04:25, 2 February 2010

2010-02-02T04:25:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:25, 2 February 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:~~Images75~~.jpg\|right]]		[[Image:554 bras opalass abreheader.jpg\|right\|frame\|'''Chevrolet Opala SS''']]
	The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.		The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.

Red marquis at 04:17, 2 February 2010

2010-02-02T04:17:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:17, 2 February 2010
Line 32:		Line 32:
	The straight six biggest limitation through the years was poor distribution of air-fuel ratio to the cylinders. Number one and six received the poorest, with higher percentage of air in the mixture, while the central ones tended to get richer mixture, unbalancing the stoichiometric engine efficiency. That bad feature was easily solved by installing a race intake manifold that sported two or three two-barrel carburators, as in Stock Car racing. Only in 1994, with the [[Chevrolet Omega\|Omega]] and the multipoint injection, the problem was finally solved.		The straight six biggest limitation through the years was poor distribution of air-fuel ratio to the cylinders. Number one and six received the poorest, with higher percentage of air in the mixture, while the central ones tended to get richer mixture, unbalancing the stoichiometric engine efficiency. That bad feature was easily solved by installing a race intake manifold that sported two or three two-barrel carburators, as in Stock Car racing. Only in 1994, with the [[Chevrolet Omega\|Omega]] and the multipoint injection, the problem was finally solved.

	The performance of Opala 3.8L was actually very pleasing: with a top speed of 102.5 mph and acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph in about 13 seconds, was the fastest Brazilian car of its time, while it was losing the post after a year to the [[Dodge Dart]] whose 318 in³ V8 had all a straight six needed. The two 2.5L did not offer so much brio, but were torquey enough for everyday use. The main complain over the four cylinder engines was about their roughness - so much rogh, that at the time, GM employees called the Four "little Toyota", in allusion to the diesel engine installed other locally made Toyota Bandeirante (local name for the [[Land Cruiser]]).		The performance of Opala 3.8L was actually very pleasing: with a top speed of 102.5 mph and acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph in about 13 seconds, was the fastest Brazilian car of its time, while it was losing the post after a year to the [[Dodge Dart]] whose 318 in³ V8 had all a straight six needed. The two 2.5L did not offer so much brio, but were torquey enough for everyday use. The main complain over the four cylinder engines was about their roughness - so much rogh, that at the time, GM employees called the Four "little Toyota", in allusion to the diesel engine installed other locally made Toyota Bandeirante (local name for the [[Toyota Land Cruiser\|Land Cruiser]]).

	The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first [[tubeless]] to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.		The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first tubeless to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.

	===Engines===		===Engines===
Line 79:		Line 79:
	</gallery>		</gallery>

			==See Also==
			{{Chevrolet}}

	==External links==		==External links==

250-S at 17:55, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:55:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 1 February 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Images75.jpg]]		[[Image:Images75.jpg\|right]]
	The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.		The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.

250-S at 17:54, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:54:08Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Image:Opala69.fte.jpg|right|200px]]
+[[Image:Images75.jpg]]
 The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.
@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 *3-speed Automatic (steering column or floor mounted shifter)
 *4-speed Automatic (floor mounted shifter)
 ==External links==

250-S at 17:34, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:34:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 1 February 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Opala69.fte.jpg\|~~250px~~]]		[[Image:Opala69.fte.jpg\|right\|200px]]
	The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.		The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.

250-S at 17:31, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:31:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 1 February 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
			[[Image:Opala69.fte.jpg\|250px]]
	The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.		The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.

200.158.174.148 at 17:11, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:11:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 1 February 2010
Line 31:		Line 31:
	The straight six biggest limitation through the years was poor distribution of air-fuel ratio to the cylinders. Number one and six received the poorest, with higher percentage of air in the mixture, while the central ones tended to get richer mixture, unbalancing the stoichiometric engine efficiency. That bad feature was easily solved by installing a race intake manifold that sported two or three two-barrel carburators, as in Stock Car racing. Only in 1994, with the [[Chevrolet Omega\|Omega]] and the multipoint injection, the problem was finally solved.		The straight six biggest limitation through the years was poor distribution of air-fuel ratio to the cylinders. Number one and six received the poorest, with higher percentage of air in the mixture, while the central ones tended to get richer mixture, unbalancing the stoichiometric engine efficiency. That bad feature was easily solved by installing a race intake manifold that sported two or three two-barrel carburators, as in Stock Car racing. Only in 1994, with the [[Chevrolet Omega\|Omega]] and the multipoint injection, the problem was finally solved.

	The performance of Opala 3.8L was actually very pleasing: with a top speed of ~~{{convert\|~~102.5~~\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}}~~ and acceleration time from 0 to ~~{{convert\|~~60~~\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}}~~ in about 13 seconds, was the fastest Brazilian car of its time, while it was losing the post after a year to the [[Dodge Dart]] whose 318 in³ V8 had all a straight six needed. The two 2.5L did not offer so much brio, but were torquey enough for everyday use. The main complain over the four cylinder engines was about their roughness - so much rogh, that at the time, GM employees called the Four "little Toyota", in allusion to the diesel engine installed other locally made Toyota Bandeirante (local name for the [[Land Cruiser]]).		The performance of Opala 3.8L was actually very pleasing: with a top speed of 102.5 mph and acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph in about 13 seconds, was the fastest Brazilian car of its time, while it was losing the post after a year to the [[Dodge Dart]] whose 318 in³ V8 had all a straight six needed. The two 2.5L did not offer so much brio, but were torquey enough for everyday use. The main complain over the four cylinder engines was about their roughness - so much rogh, that at the time, GM employees called the Four "little Toyota", in allusion to the diesel engine installed other locally made Toyota Bandeirante (local name for the [[Land Cruiser]]).

	The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first [[tubeless]] to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.		The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first [[tubeless]] to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.

200.158.174.148 at 17:07, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:07:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 1 February 2010
Line 16:		Line 16:

	==The debut==		==The debut==
	At the opening of the 6th São Paulo Auto Show, on November 23, 1968, Opala appeared on a rotating stage ~~in a {{convert\|16140\|sqft\|m2}}~~ stand. Around the novelty, spectacles including counting with the presence of Stirling Moss and several models were enscenated every half hour.		At the opening of the 6th São Paulo Auto Show, on November 23, 1968, Opala appeared on a rotating stage stand. Around the novelty, spectacles including counting with the presence of Stirling Moss and several models were enscenated every half hour.

	The first model was the four-door sedan, in the trims "Especial" (Standard) and "Luxo" (Luxe). Its attractive lines used the solution of curvy lines from the windscreen to rear fender, a shape that was referred to as "Coke Bottle style", already in use at the time, as it was first shown on 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, 1967 [[Pontiac Firebird]] and 1968 [[Chevrolet Corvette]], but some hints of the upcoming style were already clear on the 1965 [[Chevrolet Impala]] fastback coupé. The round headlamps (not squared, as in the Opel Rekord and Commodore), distinguished an egg crate grille, distinctively Chevrolet style, that separated the Opala from its European Opel syblings and the park/turning lamps, were fitted below, in the front bumper. In the back, a chrome strip with the "Chevrolet" name in black linked in the more expensive trim, the small rectangular tailights, in the extremities of the rear overhang, with the small reverse lights in the rear-bumper. Just above this was the fuel tank cap. The "Opala" badge, was fitted in the rear fenders, and the engine badges - 2500 or 3800 - next to the front doors. The chrome wheelcovers fitted just fine with the whitewall tires.		The first model was the four-door sedan, in the trims "Especial" (Standard) and "Luxo" (Luxe). Its attractive lines used the solution of curvy lines from the windscreen to rear fender, a shape that was referred to as "Coke Bottle style", already in use at the time, as it was first shown on 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, 1967 [[Pontiac Firebird]] and 1968 [[Chevrolet Corvette]], but some hints of the upcoming style were already clear on the 1965 [[Chevrolet Impala]] fastback coupé. The round headlamps (not squared, as in the Opel Rekord and Commodore), distinguished an egg crate grille, distinctively Chevrolet style, that separated the Opala from its European Opel syblings and the park/turning lamps, were fitted below, in the front bumper. In the back, a chrome strip with the "Chevrolet" name in black linked in the more expensive trim, the small rectangular tailights, in the extremities of the rear overhang, with the small reverse lights in the rear-bumper. Just above this was the fuel tank cap. The "Opala" badge, was fitted in the rear fenders, and the engine badges - 2500 or 3800 - next to the front doors. The chrome wheelcovers fitted just fine with the whitewall tires.

200.158.174.148 at 17:06, 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T17:06:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 1 February 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.		The '''Chevrolet Opala''' was a mid-size car sold by [[General Motors do Brasil]] from 1969 to 1992. It was derived from the German [[Opel Rekord]] and Commodore, but used GM USA sourced engines, two four-cylinder engines: the 151-4 [[GM Iron Duke engine\|Iron Duke]] from Pontiac, the Chevrolet 153-4 from [[Chevrolet Nova\|Chevy II/Nova]] and the [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#Generation 3\|six-cylinder 250]] from the current line of North American car/light truck production. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé and the station wagon variation, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Omega]] in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. Before this car, Chevrolet only built light trucks and pick-up trucks, so, the Opala was its first passenger car made in Brazil.

	It was used by the [[São Paulo]] Police for many years. The military dictatorship used the Opala for its agents through the 1970s. Its reliability and easy maintenance made the Opala the choice of many taxi drivers and also popular on racetracks.		It was used by the São Paulo Police for many years. The military dictatorship used the Opala for its agents through the 1970s. Its reliability and easy maintenance made the Opala the choice of many taxi drivers and also popular on racetracks.

	Its 250 in³ engine (4.1 L) was used in its replacement, the Chevrolet Omega, but making use of Electronic Fuel Injection, in GLS and CD trims from 1995 to 1998. Some of the components and chassis were used for an exotic car called [[Santa Matilde]].		Its 250 in³ engine (4.1 L) was used in its replacement, the Chevrolet Omega, but making use of Electronic Fuel Injection, in GLS and CD trims from 1995 to 1998. Some of the components and chassis were used for an exotic car called [[Santa Matilde]].
Line 16:		Line 16:

	==The debut==		==The debut==
	At the opening of the 6th São Paulo Auto Show, on November 23, 1968, Opala appeared on a rotating stage in a {{convert\|16140\|sqft\|m2}} stand. Around the novelty, spectacles including counting with the presence of [[Stirling Moss]] and several models were enscenated every half hour.		At the opening of the 6th São Paulo Auto Show, on November 23, 1968, Opala appeared on a rotating stage in a {{convert\|16140\|sqft\|m2}} stand. Around the novelty, spectacles including counting with the presence of Stirling Moss and several models were enscenated every half hour.

	The first model was the four-door sedan, in the trims "Especial" (Standard) and "Luxo" (Luxe). Its attractive lines used the solution of curvy lines from the windscreen to rear fender, a shape that was referred to as "Coke Bottle style", already in use at the time, as it was first shown on 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, 1967 [[Pontiac Firebird]] and 1968 [[Chevrolet Corvette]], but some hints of the upcoming style were already clear on the 1965 [[Chevrolet Impala]] fastback coupé. The round headlamps (not squared, as in the Opel Rekord and Commodore), distinguished an egg crate grille, distinctively Chevrolet style, that separated the Opala from its European Opel syblings and the park/turning lamps, were fitted below, in the front bumper. In the back, a chrome strip with the "Chevrolet" name in black linked in the more expensive trim, the small rectangular tailights, in the extremities of the rear overhang, with the small reverse lights in the rear-bumper. Just above this was the fuel tank cap. The "Opala" badge, was fitted in the rear fenders, and the engine badges - 2500 or 3800 - next to the front doors. The chrome wheelcovers fitted just fine with the whitewall tires.		The first model was the four-door sedan, in the trims "Especial" (Standard) and "Luxo" (Luxe). Its attractive lines used the solution of curvy lines from the windscreen to rear fender, a shape that was referred to as "Coke Bottle style", already in use at the time, as it was first shown on 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, 1967 [[Pontiac Firebird]] and 1968 [[Chevrolet Corvette]], but some hints of the upcoming style were already clear on the 1965 [[Chevrolet Impala]] fastback coupé. The round headlamps (not squared, as in the Opel Rekord and Commodore), distinguished an egg crate grille, distinctively Chevrolet style, that separated the Opala from its European Opel syblings and the park/turning lamps, were fitted below, in the front bumper. In the back, a chrome strip with the "Chevrolet" name in black linked in the more expensive trim, the small rectangular tailights, in the extremities of the rear overhang, with the small reverse lights in the rear-bumper. Just above this was the fuel tank cap. The "Opala" badge, was fitted in the rear fenders, and the engine badges - 2500 or 3800 - next to the front doors. The chrome wheelcovers fitted just fine with the whitewall tires.
Line 33:		Line 33:
	The performance of Opala 3.8L was actually very pleasing: with a top speed of {{convert\|102.5\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}} and acceleration time from 0 to {{convert\|60\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}} in about 13 seconds, was the fastest Brazilian car of its time, while it was losing the post after a year to the [[Dodge Dart]] whose 318 in³ V8 had all a straight six needed. The two 2.5L did not offer so much brio, but were torquey enough for everyday use. The main complain over the four cylinder engines was about their roughness - so much rogh, that at the time, GM employees called the Four "little Toyota", in allusion to the diesel engine installed other locally made Toyota Bandeirante (local name for the [[Land Cruiser]]).		The performance of Opala 3.8L was actually very pleasing: with a top speed of {{convert\|102.5\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}} and acceleration time from 0 to {{convert\|60\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}} in about 13 seconds, was the fastest Brazilian car of its time, while it was losing the post after a year to the [[Dodge Dart]] whose 318 in³ V8 had all a straight six needed. The two 2.5L did not offer so much brio, but were torquey enough for everyday use. The main complain over the four cylinder engines was about their roughness - so much rogh, that at the time, GM employees called the Four "little Toyota", in allusion to the diesel engine installed other locally made Toyota Bandeirante (local name for the [[Land Cruiser]]).

	The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in [[unibody]] by screws, which only later would be known as [[subframe]]. The tires were the first [[tubeless]] to be used in a model manufactured in [[Brazil]], and used [[clutch]] spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.		The two versions, Especial and Luxo, had 3-speed manual [[gearbox]], [[rear wheel drive]], front independent suspension and rear live axle, both with helical springs. In front, the suspension elements were anchored to one side, set in unibody by screws, which only later would be known as subframe. The tires were the first [[tubeless]] to be used in a model manufactured in Brazil, and used clutch spring type "Chinese hat", or diaphragmatic spring, which began to popularize in the world.

	===Engines===		===Engines===