The fall of the year 1959 saw Opel Kapitan roll off its production line for the first time in Russelsheim. The Opel Kapitan was internally known as Opel Kapitan P2 2.6 ltr and courtesy its unique design, state-of-art technology and high comfort level, it became a big hit in a very short span of time, a best seller to be precise. By the year 1964, it had already sold 145,616 units and this made it the highest selling P2 2.6 ltr Opel Kapitan ever.

Even after fifty years its legacy continues. Another model from Russelsheim called the Opel Insignia that hit dealership in early 2009 was a great success as well. Within 12 months of its launch more than 150,000 units was already sold. Although there is a gap of five decades between the two in terms of technology, both these models managed to create a niche for itself and were pioneers of innovations in their own rights.

The Opel Kapitan was strongly influenced by the American aesthetics; on the other hand the Insignia is more influenced by European style and this proved its USP. The flowing transitions and sweeping lines of the initial model was replaced by modern styling which had a very strong emphasis the effect of loud contours and the horizontal design. The frame work became more rigid and straight as compared to its curvy predecessor. The Opel Kapitan was truly a symbolic vehicle at that age and managed to set new standards in the car market. But the best part was that even though its popularity soared, Opel didn’t hike its price.