That’s true Opel love: It’s been 40 years since Christian Krauß began his apprenticeship as a toolmaker, on September 1, 1984. And to properly celebrate this anniversary, the colleague has organized a spectacular Opel tuning meeting placed. Among the visitors: tuning specialists such as Günther Irmscher and Dr. Oliver Steinmetz, son of Klaus Steinmetz, and former mechanic of the famous Steinmetz team. Leif Rohwedder and Jens Cooper from Opel Classic are also there.
But it’s not just the invited guests who are spectacular, the lined up fleet is also spectacular – it’s the “who’s who” of the Opel tuning scene. The Opel Classic representatives brought the “Black Widow” with them as a “gift”. This causes a sensation as soon as you drive into the farm in Bischofsheim. Another highlight is owned by the host himself: the only remaining Opel Manta “SI”. Only two examples were ever built. Christian Krauß uncovered eight layers of paint during the restoration of this rare vehicle – “each one tells an exciting story.”
Escape vehicle: The space under the converted parcel shelf offered enough space, while the exterior of the Steinmetz Commodore distracted the border guards.
Manta from Irmscher: More sportiness was not possible in the 1970s. The only remaining manta “SI” (right) belongs to the host himself.
Must not be missed: Petrol talk with the hood of a Kadett B Coupé open.
Lively conversations: Dr. Oliver Steinmetz (right) is among the guests.
Vehicles that never existed: This prototype is a unique piece from the Opel Design Center.
But the Manta is just one of many high-quality, historic Opel sports vehicles that have come together. Another rarity is a converted Opel Commodore that once served as a getaway car. Hans-Jürgen Krysak, the current owner of the vehicle, likes to tell the story of the Commodore with whose help a GDR citizen managed to escape to the West: “To do this, the back seat of the car was moved forward by about 15 centimeters to be behind it To create space.” In this hiding place the woman hid from the eyes of the border guards. Krysak: “They were probably distracted by the spectacular stonemason Commodore anyway.” In any case, the escape was successful.
But rare prototype vehicles can also be admired at the meeting in Christian Krauss’ yard. These exclusive models, which are rarely shown to the public, are fascinating and invite you to talk shop. For the man celebrating his birthday, Opel is more than just an employer – this becomes clear in his short speech to the guests: “My deep connection to the brand has lasted for many decades – it has shaped my professional career.” And this meeting on his 40th anniversary For him, the anniversary is a look back – “on Opel’s sporting successes in general and my personal passion for the brand.” In his current role as Body Geometry Synthesist, Krauß is introducing new Opel models, but also models from the Stellantis family the way.
Irmscher boss Günther Irmscher junior (right) also came to the meeting at the anniversary’s invitation.
The most beautiful tail in the world? Among the vehicles on display are quite a few from the Opel refiner in Remshalden.
The impossible made possible: Christian Krauß has brought together the “who’s who” of the Opel tuning scene.
A Manta A Turbo? These rare pieces were built in England. Owners Manfred Henning and Leif Rohwedder in conversation.
The tuned classics present themselves: There has never been a meeting of this quality and variety before.
For his anniversary, Christian Krauss doesn’t just want to spend a nice day with people who share his Opel passion. He called for people to donate money to a good cause. In the end, 4,215 euros were raised, which the jubilarian will hand over to the children’s cancer charity. And quite a few guests expressed the wish that this Opel tuning meeting should not be a one-off event. Christian Krauß, overwhelmed by the positive response, is now considering organizing the meeting regularly. Maybe a solid tradition in the Opel scene has been brought to life here? It would be the icing on the cake for this completely successful, extraordinary anniversary celebration.
November 2024
Text and photos: Stephan R. Arnold