Bel Kits 1/24 Opel Ascona 400 MC 1981 Klein/Wagner # 019

The Opel Ascona 400 is a legendary rally car, introduced in the late 1970s and built to compete in Group 4 rallying.

The "MC 1981 Klein/Wagner" designation refers to a specific iteration of this model driven by the German rally duo Jochi Kleint and Gunter Wagner during the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally (MC stands for Monte Carlo).

The Ascona 400 was based on the Opel Ascona B but was significantly modified for rallying. It was powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder Cosworth engine, delivering around 240 horsepower in competition trim.

This robust engine, combined with its rear-wheel-drive configuration, made it a formidable opponent in rallies of the early '80s, particularly on mixed and gravel surfaces.

Kleint and Wagner piloted the Ascona 400 in the challenging Monte Carlo Rally of 1981, one of the premier events in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

The Ascona 400 featured a lightweight body, flared wheel arches, and advanced suspension tuning for optimal handling on tricky rally terrain.

It was fitted with a distinctive blue and white livery with Opel’s classic sponsor logos.

While the Ascona 400 didn’t dominate the Monte Carlo Rally, it proved its capability and laid the groundwork for Opel's success in rallying, which culminated in Walter Röhrl’s World Championship title in 1982 driving an Ascona 400.

The car remains a classic in the rally world, remembered for its toughness and performance.