Chevrolet Opala

Timeline

• 1968 - Standard e Luxo:
  With round headlights and small square taillights, the first generation of the four-door is launched with a four-cylinder (2.5-liter) or six-cylinder (3.8-liter) engine, a three-speed gearbox on the steering column and options such as disc brakes and a vinyl roof.
• 1971 - Gran Luxo:
  The top-of-the-line version was the first to feature a four-speed floor-mounted gearbox in the SS sport configuration. The sports model had four-door and four- and six-cylinder coupe versions, and this was the first to receive the iconic 4.1-liter 250 engine. In addition, it had several attractions, such as the first four-speed gearbox on the floor, three-spoke steering wheel and sports strips.
• 1975 - Comodoro:
  Debuting the classic rear with four round taillights, with rosewood accents, a beltline stripe, vinyl midroof (the famous Las Vegas roof, in the coupe version) etc., the version replaced the Gran Luxo as the top of the line.
• 1980 - Diplomata:
  In the renovation in which the Opala debuts with square headlights and rectangular lanterns, in addition to the emblematic checkered steering wheel, the new top of the line causes frisson by bringing hydraulic steering, air conditioning and a curved interior as standard.
• 1988 - SL, SL/E e SE:
  With the end of the coupe version, the sedan and the Caravan receive their new entry-level version, the SL; the intermediary is renamed Comodoro SL/E and the main one, Diplomata SE. The headlights acquire a trapezoidal shape and, between the Opala's two lanterns, a plastic panel is inserted that gives the impression of continuity between the two pieces.
• 1991 - Último facelift:
  A year before it was discontinued, the model underwent a subtle but impressive restyling, with black and red taillights, octagonal headlights, alloy wheels and a smooth steering wheel; The 6-cylinder version now has a five-speed gearbox.
• 1992 - Collectors:
  Even before saying goodbye, Opala won a farewell edition, with 100 units manufactured, in blue, black and red. It came with a leather folder containing a letter of introduction, a magazine and a VHS tape telling the story of the model, in addition to a pen and stylized key chains.