Opel 1900 Gt Gruppo 4 Conrero 1970 for sale

OPEL 1900 GT GROUP 4 TEAM CONRERO OFFICIAL – 1970 1 OF 4 OFFICIAL CARS OF TEAM CONRERO Brand: Opel Model: 1900 GT Group 4 Conrero Year: 1970 Chassis: VIN 941906704 Engine Capacity: 1900 cc Interior: Black Fusina The history of the Opel GT Group 4, plate MN150252 and chassis 941906704, represents one of the most glorious chapters of the collaboration between the German manufacturer and the legendary Turin preparer Virgilio Conrero. Here are the key details of the story of this car and its challenge to the Porsches: The Genesis and the Challenge to the Porsches In 1970, the Opel dealer Artioli entrusted Virgilio Conrero (nicknamed the Wizard) with the task of transforming the small and elegant Opel GT into a real giant killer. The declared objective was to counter the dominance of the Porsche 911 in national and international competitions. Despite initial skepticism — due to the fact that the Opel GT was not yet homologated in Group 4 and had to initially race as a prototype — Conrero managed to perform a technical miracle. The 1900 engine was increased from 90 hp to over 180-190 hp (later versions reached 225 hp) thanks to the adoption of special heads, Kugelfischer mechanical injection, and meticulous balancing. Giampaolo Benedini and the Success at Mugello The specimen with plate MN 150252 is historically linked to the name of Giampaolo Benedini, a Mantuan driver and architect (also known for having subsequently designed the factory and aesthetics of the Bugatti EB110). 1970: At the Mugello Circuit (the road one of the time), Benedini masterfully drove this Opel GT winning the 2000 class of Group 4. It was a fundamental victory that demonstrated how the small European Corvette could actually stay ahead of the Porsche 911 S. Targa Florio: Although the MN150252 was a protagonist in 1970, the Conrero-Opel GT duo reached its peak the following year (1971) at the Targa Florio with the crew Calascibetta-Monti, who triumphed over numerous official and private Porsches. Historical References and Documentation This specific vehicle is listed in the historical motorsport registers of Opel (such as the sacred text Opel GT Motorsport: 1968-1975 by Maurice van Sevecotte) as one of the official units managed by the Conrero Racing Team. Articles of the time in publications such as Autosprint or Ruoteclassiche (in monographic issues dedicated to Conrero) describe the surprise of Porsche drivers when they found themselves being chased or overtaken by a car that, on paper, started as an outsider. Documentation and Articles of the Time The exploits of this car have been widely documented by the Italian specialized press, particularly between 1970 and 1971. Autosprint (1970): The magazine dedicated several short articles and reports to the races of the Italian Speed Championship. In particular, after the Mugello Circuit of 1970, it was emphasized how the Opel GT prepared by Conrero and driven by Giampaolo Benedini managed to break the hegemony of the Porsche 911 S in the class up to 2000cc. Quattroruote: In some issues of the period, the Conrero Opel GT was presented as an example of total transformation, where a road GT derived from the Kadett mechanics became a true track beast capable of 190 hp. Ruoteclassiche (Special Issues): More recently, the magazine has dedicated extensive coverage to the history of Virgilio Conrero, citing the plate MN150252 as one of the official cars of the Mantuan team, often photographed with its characteristic riveted fender flares. Curiosities about Giampaolo Benedini The Mantuan driver was not only fast on the track but had a keen eye for design. His experience with the Conrero Opel GT helped create that bond between extreme engineering and aesthetics that led him years later to define the style of the Bugatti EB110. The MN150252 remains one of the most significant specimens of his racing career. The racing biography of Giampaolo Benedini with the Opel GT C