Opel Ascona B 2-door Polycarbonate Windows

The Opel Ascona B may not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of legendary rally machines, but make no mistake, this unassuming two-door coupe had serious motorsport credentials. Launched in 1975, the Ascona B was the second generation of Opel’s mid-size saloon, designed to take on cars like the Ford Cortina, BMW 3 Series, and Volkswagen Passat. But while it started life as a practical, everyday coupe, its true claim to fame would come on the world rally stage.
Opel built the Ascona B with simplicity, durability, and driver engagement in mind. The design was straightforward, clean lines, a wide stance, and a no-nonsense attitude. Under the bonnet, the standard road-going versions came with a range of four-cylinder engines, ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres, offering modest but reliable power. The rear-wheel-drive layout gave it an edge over its front-wheel-drive rivals, making it more engaging to drive, especially in spirited conditions.
The real magic, however, happened when Opel decided to take the Ascona B into rallying. By the late 1970s, Group 4 rallying was heating up, and Opel wanted a piece of the action. Enter the Opel Ascona 400, a homologation special designed specifically to take on the toughest rally stages. This beast packed a 2.4-litre DOHC engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth, pushing out 144 horsepower in road-going form, but capable of over 240 horsepower in full rally spec.
In the hands of drivers like Walter Röhrl, the Ascona 400 proved it was more than just a competitor, it was a winner. Against all odds, it managed to beat the might of Audi’s four-wheel-drive Quattro, securing the 1982 World Rally Championship in what is often regarded as one of the greatest underdog victories in rally history. This was a rear-wheel-drive car competing against the dawn of all-wheel-drive dominance, and yet, with Röhrl’s legendary skill behind the wheel, it outperformed some of the most technologically advanced machines of its time.
On the road, the Ascona B had a no-frills, driver-focused experience. It wasn’t packed with luxury features, but it had a well-balanced chassis, precise steering, and a lightweight feel that made it a joy to push hard. The rear-drive layout meant it could slide through corners with ease, making it popular among enthusiasts who wanted an affordable coupe with genuine motorsport DNA.
Visually, the Ascona B had a muscular yet understated presence, but the rally-bred Ascona 400 stood out with its wide arches, aggressive stance, and purposeful styling. It looked like it was built for action, and that’s exactly what it delivered.
Today, the Opel Ascona B is a rare but highly respected classic, especially among rally enthusiasts. The standard versions are still appreciated for their simplicity, durability, and classic coupe styling, while the Ascona 400 is a legendary piece of rally history, cherished by collectors and motorsport fans alike.
For those who love raw, rear-wheel-drive performance with a touch of 1970s Opel charm, the Ascona B is an underrated gem that deserves far more recognition than it gets. Whether on a twisty backroad or a dirt-covered rally stage, it remains a true driver’s car, one that proved you didn’t need all-wheel drive to be a champion.