HERE'S MORE proof that not every Cuban old-timer ticks along on some
replacement Russian or Japanese diesel engine. A 1956 or '57 Opel
Kapitän, this German sedan is propelled by the same six-cylinder
gasoline engine with which it left the factory.
The
Kapitän has had a few useful modifications: an alternator in place
of a generator, an added console, a set of aftermarket
gauges. But after nearly 60 years of service, it remains remarkably
close to stock.
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEmMQR6lJj8/VP4596iSPWI/AAAAAAAADdg/hsmacKjhblc/s1600/1-sm-P1090902-opel%2B-%2BCopy.jpg) |
Sold new by General Motors dealers, Opels were popular with Cuban car buyers in the 1950s. |
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6oswHgWsJQ/VP46-DItRII/AAAAAAAADeA/_QtApeykCv0/s1600/1-sm-P1090914%2Bopel%2Bengine%2B-%2BCopy.jpg) |
Triple air horns are a Cuban addition, but six-cylinder engine is original. |
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQBNd9vty1E/VP46-wNOlDI/AAAAAAAADeI/eLHRqKDEuUg/s1600/1-sm-P1090915-opel%2B-%2BCopy.jpg) |
Column-mounted shifter, and a great big wheel. |
See also:
O Kapitän
CubanClassics: 1958 Opel Kapitän P1 L
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