Bel Kits 1/24 Opel Ascona 400 MC 1982 Rohl/Geistdorfer # 020

The Opel Ascona 400, driven by Walter Röhrl and co-driver Christian Geistdörfer, made rallying history in 1982, particularly at the Monte Carlo Rally (MC).

The 1982 season was a landmark year for Röhrl and the Ascona 400, as it helped him secure his second World Rally Championship (WRC) title.

The Ascona 400 was Opel’s top contender in Group 4 rallying, developed to compete against formidable rivals like the Audi Quattro.

Unlike the Quattro’s advanced four-wheel-drive system, the Ascona 400 remained a rear-wheel-drive car, yet it excelled due to its superior handling, reliability, and Röhrl's exceptional driving skills.

The car was powered by a 2.4-liter Cosworth-developed 4-cylinder engine, producing around 240 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Its lightweight construction, aerodynamic enhancements, and rally-specific tuning made it a competitive force, especially on the mixed terrains of the Monte Carlo Rally.

The 1982 Monte Carlo Rally was a crucial event, and despite the challenging conditions—snow, ice, and narrow mountain roads—Röhrl and Geistdörfer’s flawless driving and tactical brilliance enabled them to outperform their 4WD competitors.

The Ascona 400 wore its signature Opel livery, typically with yellow, white, and black accents, and looked both aggressive and sleek on the rally stage.

This victory was pivotal for Opel and marked the peak of the Ascona 400’s rally career. Röhrl’s triumph in Monte Carlo contributed to his ultimate success in clinching the 1982 World Rally Championship, cementing the Ascona 400’s legacy as one of the great rally cars of its era.