1970's Izusu Gemini - aka the "Buick Opel"

Does anybody know anything about these goddamn 70's Isuzus? They seem to be a tragically overlooked way to get into a 1970's Japanese RWD coupe - somehow I don't think I'm the only one who wants a TE27/RX3/etc but cannot dream of affording one. Suffice to say, I have a great line on a late 70's model, and it's extremely hard to pass up given the condition and price. I'd imagine parts sourcing is...difficult, but I'm sure there are sources.

BTW, here is what I'm talking about:

US spec:

ROW spec:

Buy first, ask questions later.

I'm sure parts will be available through the hardcore network.

I still regret not buying the super clean Plymouth Arrow's I could have had 10 years ago for $300

They were sold over here in large numbers under the GM Holden brand. I remember my parents went through a few, and they were the go-to tuner car for a long time in the '80s/early '90s. I've not looked into it, but I imagine parts would be readily available here in Australia, if need be.

I don't know if this is true, but that thing looks amazingly like an early Isuzu I-mark. I think there was a Solo 1 national champ a few years back using an early I-mark.

It's about half way down this page.

http://archive.grassrootsmotorsports.com/board/viewtopic.php?pid=207388

edit. Not a national champ, a northern California champ.

AKA the Opel-Isuzu. Kissin' cousin to the US Chevette and Isuzu Impulse RWD GM T-body. Wide range of engines and body styles from all over the world but pretty rare here. Anything that applies to a Chevette (both good and bad) should apply to these. Do a search for Opel Kadett C and be prepared to drool.

MrBenjamonkey wrote: I don't know if this is true, but that thing looks amazingly like an early Isuzu I-mark. I think there was a Solo 1 national champ a few years back using an early I-mark. It's about half way down this page. http://archive.grassrootsmotorsports.com/board/viewtopic.php?pid=207388 edit. Not a national champ, a northern California champ.

The white car featured in your link almost took one of our Nor-Cal hot-shoes, Ben Martinez, to his first national solo II championship. I seem to remember he came in second. IT was after that he decided to build his DSP championship wining Mercur.

SlickDizzy wrote: They seem to be a tragically overlooked way to get into a 1970's Japanese RWD coupe -

See I think of these as a way to get into a 70's RWD German coupe. I really like the Opel kadett C styling and only recently realized that these were just licensed versions of them.

There have been none on CL within 250 miles of me for the last 4 months of searches though.

Toughest thing would be finding one. I don't believe these where ever sold in Canada - never seen one.

There's one on Chicago CL that has been for sale since the Paleolithic Era.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/2197628248.html

Lugnut wrote: There's one on Chicago CL that has been for sale since the Paleolithic Era. http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/2197628248.html

My neighbor had one just like it when I was growing up! I wonder if it would make it to Louisville.....

Joe Isuzu? Anybody remember? They were boring to drive appliances. If you like the body style, and want the oddballness of owning one now, rip out the stock engine and replace it with anything. They were horrible little cars.

Do not equate these with the Opel Manta era or quality of car. Or fun to drive factor.

Considering I can basically trade my E36 M3heap Super Beetle for this thing, I'm looking at it as a BABE car. I think it's awesome for the sheer weird factor. Also, this:

Diz, I assume this is the one you found, but if not, here's another one that is close to you

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/2197628248.html

FYI this is on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Opel-OPEL-KADETT-C-RARE-ORIGINAL-CONDITION-5-SPEED-OPTION-/130486626564?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1e619be904

1978 Opel OPEL KADETT C RARE ORIGINAL CONDITION 5 SPEED OPTION

ditchdigger wrote:

SlickDizzy wrote: They seem to be a tragically overlooked way to get into a 1970's Japanese RWD coupe -

See I think of these as a way to get into a 70's RWD German coupe.

That's some sweet assed PWNAGE right there, I tell you what!