Overview

The Ascona founded the midclass of Opel in the 70īs intending to fill the gap between the Kadett and Rekord. Itīs named after the town of Ascona which is located in Switzerland, right at Lago Maggiore, a very popular tourist attractive location. The Ascona series splits into types A, B and C.
Type A and B got rearwheel drive with engine positioned longitudinally in the car, the C type has been constructed as a modern frontwheeler with transversal mounted engines.
Ascona A was released in November 1970 available as 2- or 4-door sedan. Also a station wagon (the only Ascona station wagon) had been offered , so called "Ascona Voyage".
In September 1975 the Ascona B was presented at the IAA becoming a bestseller. Available as 2- or 4- door sedan again but no hatchback. Engines had been : 12 N, 12 S, 13 S, 16 N, 16 S, 19 N, 19 S, 2.0 E , 20 D. From 1979 to 1981 the well known Ascona 400 had been built. The street version of a high performance rallye vehicle. For 400 īs in perfect and original shape enthusiasts pay high amounts of money , because this car has become a legend among Asconas.
In August 1981 the C series had been presented. see also here The Ascona C followed the Vectra A ( 88-95 ), which has been replaced by the actual Vectra B (95- ).

units produced:

1970 - 1975 Ascona A : 691.438
1975 - 1981 Ascona B : 1.512.971
1981 - 1988 Ascona C : 1.721.649

Ascona A (rallye version) built from 1970-1975 Ascona A
Ascona B Ascona B built from 1975-1981


Ascona 400 built from 1979-1981 		Ascona 400
Ascona Ascona C built from 1981-1988
Irmscher "sprint" Ascona Ascona

Ascona C convertible

more info: convertible page

The export versions of the Ascona C:

To meet individual requirements for specific countries the j-car has been sold in several modified versions under different names.
Here is a little overview:

Cavalier Vauxhall Cavalier built from 1981-1988, UK version of Ascona C. Also available as Estate.
Holden Camira , australian J-car type
more info: camira page.
Monza

Chevrolet Monza, south america J-car more info: Monza page.
Isuzu Aska, asian J-car Aska
Daewoo Espero A revival has granted to the Ascona with the Daewoo Espero, which ist smiliar to the Daewoo Nexia (Kadett-E) based on the Ascona C.