Hemmings Find of the Day – 1959 Opel Olympia Caravan

Published by Mike on September 19, 2014

Much of the hard work has already been done on this 1959 Opel Olympia Caravan for sale on Hemmings.com, a car that’s still with its original owner and that has been apart for its restoration since the late 1970s. Since then, the owner has done the body and paint work, rechromed the trim, and apparently collected the necessary parts to put it all back together. Basket cases – particularly those involving uncommon cars – tend to be more of a headache than they’re worth, but this Opel seems rather far along and the original owner seems to have been particularly devoted to doing this car up right. From the seller’s description:

I”m the original owner and started restoring about 36 yrs ago, has been in storage all these years, Paint job is new at that time and is in excellent condition. All brite parts have been replated as shown in photos. Replaced engine with factory new 1969 opel engine, 23,900 miles is what is on this engine. Electrical system was changed to 12 volts, there is a stainless steel muffler and tail pipe. The car will need rediator recore and brake work, have original tool kit and jack, Also includes extra windshield with minor damage (small stone chip), box of extra misc. parts. I will state that I just turned 80 and its time to sell. Egine was shut off 36 yrs ago and hasn’t run since, also include the original dealer parts book and service manual.