Perhaps one of the most interesting concept cars to grace @rarecarsonly thus far will be this one shown here today, the 1969 Opel CD (Coupé Diplomat) Concept, a unique one-off canopy-roofed concept that made a major splash during the 1969 AA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. The CD Concept was designed under the supervision of American automotive designer, Charles Morrell ‘Chuck’ Jordan, and was based on a shortened chassis borrowed from an Opel Diplomat B, which was a luxury car manufactured by Opel from 1969-1977. While Diplomat B was a rather average looking sedan, a talented Opel design team worked hard to create a stunning sports car concept with the CD. The CD measures just 43 inches in height, and features intriguing styling elements such as an ‘wraparound’ windscreen, an individually-adjustable cockpit, retractable headlamps and notably, a canopy-like opening in replace of traditional doors. The interior of the Opel CD Concept featured an aircraft-inspired instrument cluster, a two-spoke steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats amongst other features and technology. After an extremely positive reaction during the IAA Frankfurt show, Opel reached out to one of the leading Italian coachbuilders and car designers at the time, Pietro Frua, to have him develop a less futuristic, toned-down, functional version of their concept. After only several prototypes were completed, the project was eventually canceled. This however, was not the end of the road for the CD. Former racing driver turned automobile tuner, Erich Bitter, saw great potential in the CD, and actually formed his own company (Bitter GMBH) in 1971 to produce a limited-run of the CD, dubbed simply the Bitter CD. Bitter’s target was to produce 200 units per year, however, only 365 total examples were ever produced, mostly due to the 1973 oil crisis.
How many made? 1 concept - 2 prototypes - 365 continuation ‘Bitter CD’ examples
Engine: 5.4 L 54S V8 - around 230hp
Debut: 1969 IAA Frankfurt
Top speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly
1969 Opel CD (Coupé Diplomat)
03.04.2025
Opel