opel
ascona
19 sR

At the end of the 1960s, Opel faced a challenge. The popular Kadett was too small, while the Rekord was growing larger and more expensive. A mid-size model was needed that could appeal to both families and those who wanted a bit more sportiness.
The answer came in the fall of 1970: the Opel Ascona A. The name was taken from the picturesque town of Ascona on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland – a place that symbolized elegance and joy. The design was led by Charles "Chuck" Jordan, and the car was given clean, timeless lines with rear-wheel drive and robust engines.

The Ascona 19 SR quickly became a rally icon. Right from the start, it had genes that suited the forest roads. Walter Röhrl, the legendary German driver, competed in an Ascona A and took home the European Rally Championship in 1974. The car proved to be durable, balanced and easy to push hard – perfect for both Group 2 and private teams. Tuners such as Steinmetz and Irmscher built more powerful versions with dual carburetors (up to 125 hp) or rally-prepared cars with up to 200 hp. The simple design made it accessible and popular among amateur drivers in Sweden, Finland and all over Europe. Anders Kulläng and other Swedish drivers competed successfully in the Ascona SR.

The Ascona A was produced until 1975 (about 692,000 units in total), and the 19 SR became one of the most sought-after versions. It was not just a "Svensson car" but a machine that could take home victories on weekends and drive to work on Monday. Later generations (Ascona B and C) built on the legacy, and the Ascona 400 took rallying successes to World Championship level with Röhrl as world champion in 1982. But it was the first generation 19 SR that laid the foundation – a car that showed that Opel could build something more than just reliable family cars.
Today, the Opel Ascona 19 SR is a relatively hard-to-find classic that evokes nostalgia. It symbolizes the rally spirit of the 1970s: simple mechanics, raw driving pleasure and a touch of adventure. Whether it stands polished in a garage or thunders along a historic rally route – it reminds us of a time when cars had to be both practical and passionate.

We can now present a fine example of Opel's Ascona 19SR from 1973. This Ascona was sold new on November 24, 1972 by GM Stockholm, to B. Johansson living in Småland. Already in January 1973, Johansson entered the Monte Carlo Rally with this particular car. Together with co-driver P. Toorell, they made it all the way to the finish line in an honorable 46th place. In May of the same year, the car was also in the Akropolis Rally where the car with T. Hansson behind the wheel landed an impressive 11th place.
The car has since lived most of its life in Småland. 
Now the car has just undergone a careful restoration where the engine has been renovated and the entire car has been painted in Opel's characteristic period orange color. Several hours have been spent restoring this Opel Ascona 19SR. The car runs incredibly well and is both fun and fast to drive.