Opel Diplomat - Diplomat B

In March 1969, Opel introduced a new line of KAD models with new bodies and a more sophisticated chassis with a De Dion tube rear axle. These cars were slightly smaller than their predecessors. While the lesser models (Opel Kapitän and Admiral) were also available with a carburetted 2.8 l-inline six, the Diplomat could be had with either a fuel-injected version of this engine (Diplomat E) or with Chevrolet´s 327-V8 (Diplomat V8), now coupled to a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic.

The new body was a typical General Motors style and bore a strong resemblance to the contemporary Statesman of Australia.

The Diplomat V-8 was hoped to compete with Mercedes' new 350 and 450 SE; from May 1973 Opel even offered a long-wheelbase version of the V-8 to keep up with Mercedes' SEL models.

In October 1971 the Diplomat's list of standard features included H1 halogen headlamps, radio antenna integrated into the windscreen and remote-controlled rear view mirror. From January 1972 the 4-speed manual gear box was no longer offered on the Diplomat E. September 1972 saw the introduction of a modified grille with OPEL script relocated from its left side to its central portion. A number of the 'lesser' Admiral cars had their car boot lid fitted with Diplomat lettering/badges. This led to some confusion by today's car buyers, even in the TV series Der letzte Bulle (German), but the cars are easily identified by their vertical headlights for the Diplomat, horizontal ones for the Admiral.

Opel kept building these models until 1977, but found little success in the market; only 61,559 KAD cars were built from March 1969 to late 1977 (of which 4,976 Kapitäns, about 33,000 Admirals and about 23,500 Diplomats). They were superseded in 1978 by the new Opel Senator of a somewhat reduced size and more modern, European styling.

In the 1970s GM considered the use of Opel Diplomat of the KAD-line of vehicles as the base of the new Cadillac Seville. However due to the probable costs caused by the re-engineering of the Diplomat, the in-house Chevrolet Nova was selected instead.

The Diplomat V8 furnished the technical base for the Bitter CD, a limited-production GT. The production of the handbuilt german car, copying the lines of a Ferrari 400i, even as a convertible and a four door saloon, was using the foolproof chassis, drivetrain, mechanicals and even the dashboard of an Opel Diplomat. The whole Ferrari looks with Opel inerts enterprise for Bitter, came to an end in the early eighties, when the Opel Diplomat chassis was no longer available to buy from Opel.