Sunshine, shiny bodies, technical discussions – the first type group meeting for Cascada and Adam shows what connects auto enthusiasts: the passion for character -strong models. The old Opel Interest Group (IG), organized by Harald Mutschler-Selbherr (Typreferent Cascada) and Tobias Gärtner (Typreferent Adam). The meeting point: The Opel Championship seat in Rüsselsheim, the reason: the interest in two Opel vehicles that have one thing in common-they are no longer in the program, but are far from forgotten.
The first cars roll up on Friday afternoon. Among them rare variants such as the Adam S with crisp 150 hp or particularly well-kept Cascada models. Also included is Reinhard Schäfer, long -time deputy chairman of the works council from Eisenach, who traveled with his Adam Rocks: gray with red applications, a vehicle with a personal touch – built in “his” work. “For me, Adam is more than a car. It is a symbol of what we have achieved together in Eisenach.”
“A youngtimer has to provide talkers: the Adam with numerous equipment and the Cascada in top condition-these are perfect candidates.”
– Leif Rohwedder, Head of Opel Classic –
A highlight of the meeting is the exclusive tour of the holy halls of Opel Classic. Head Leif Rohwedder leads the group through the exhibition and workshop areas – with a look behind the scenes and personal stories to the vehicles on display. Especially in focus: an Adam prototype equipped with an electric drive-at that time an attempt, a technical time capsule today. One of the last manufactured Cascada can also be seen. Rohwedder classifies: “Both models have the potential to find a permanent place as a youngtimer. They offer driving fun, individuality and history – that makes them interesting for collectors.”
What distinguishes a youngtimer?
Vehicles between the ages of 20 and 30 are youngtimers. Still too young for the H license plate, but full of character: they are characterized by design with recognition, rarity, originality and well-groomed condition. Above all, they have to trigger something: memories, conversation material, driving pleasure. And both offer that: the Cascada-built from 2013 to 2018-is an affordable mid-range convertible with a premium claim, high-quality equipment and fabric cover. No derivative, but an independent model – today rare and valued. The Adam, produced from 2013 to 2019, is an urban individualist. Colorful, stylish, already a hobby of a particularly individualized era. Above all, the top sporting model Adam S is more than ever.
“For me, Adam is more than a car. It is a symbol of what we have achieved together in Eisenach.”
– Participant Reinhard Schäfer –
The exit leads into the Rheingau, through the Taunus and the Wispertal.
At the Eberbach monastery near Eltville, the participants make a stopover.
Time travel into the 12th century: A guided tour is waiting in the former Cistercian monastery.
On Saturday morning, the participants with seven Adam and seven Cascada models will form a group photo at the Opel tribe seat. The tour together in the Rheingau starts at 9 a.m. The column winds over country roads, through the Taunus, past Eberbach Monastery and down to Rüdesheim. No hurry, no highway – pure driving pleasure. During the lunch break, everything revolves around special models, rare rims and paints. TyProFerent Tobias Gärtner, now responsible for the validation of new Opel models, reports on the developmental process of the Adam in which he was involved. He knows the details-from ambience lighting to the starry sky. He calls the model “a likeable piece of Opel identity on wheels”.
Character meets community
In the end, everyone agrees: this meeting was overdue. The enthusiasm is great, many participants want a repetition. Cascada and Adam are strong and are loved – the best conditions to start their second career as a youngtimer. Anyone who has well-preserved copies today could have a youngtimer treasure in a few years. Leif Rohwedder sums it up: “You not only recognize a good car from design or technology, but that it brings people together.” This is exactly what happened in Rüsselsheim.
June 2025
Text: Tina Henze, Photos: Alt Opel IG/Privat