Now here’s a neat little treat that you don’t normally see the likes of. Between 1971 and 1975, the Opel Ascona A was imported to the United States as the Opel 1900. It packed a fuel-injected four-cylinder, came with either an automatic or four-speed, and was meant to be the small car that GM hoped it could be…maybe something that could slot in underneath the Vega’s shadow, which had yet to grow dark with trouble. By 1975 the exchange rate between Germany and the U.S. forced GM’s hand and the Ascona was replaced with Isuzu Geminis wearing either the “Opel by Isuzu” or “Buick Opel” badge. 
While finding a two-door body would be an excellent find for a rally car build, I’m kind of digging this wagon form. I’m seeing it in the same light as I do a Vega wagon. More sport wagon than just mundane pre-Cavalier material. Picture a Group 2-style build, with the flared wheels and the mesh BBS-style wheels on all four corners. I could dig that in a heartbeat, if my tall frame can fit in it.
“Rarely-seen 1973 Opel Sports Wagon (VIN code L15), Between 1971 and 1975 they were sold through Buick dealers in the United States, Unrestored, two-owner car, 1.9L Opel CIH four-cylinder engine (VIN code N), Three-speed automatic transmission, Sunset Copper exterior with copper interior, Air-conditioning and Sold on California Actual Mileage Title! Finished in Sunset Copper, the wagon’s paint and trim are in overall great condition, with a few minor blemishes visible upon close inspection. The wagon’s windows, including the flip-open side panes, are clear and intact while the lights are haze-free and intact. This wagon’s bodywork is straight and solid, the chrome-bladed bumpers fit tightly to the body and look fantastic.”
My parents had the same car even same color back in ’74 when they had to deal with the gas crisis. Traded there ’65 Buick Wildcat 4-door for this car.
When I was 19 I purchased new (less than $2000 with trade out the door) a white 73 4 speed (much better than the 3 speed auto, I had a 69 wagon I traded in with the auto). Named it “The Shuttle Craft” A great party machine. My friends had quite a few trips in it.
the 4 spd’s were 1/2 vega parts and blow easily. the automatic(unbreakable) converters were one of the first ones used for race (8″)converters. the axles were huge, never broke. the 1.9’s were great engine. there were one of the fastest 4 cylinders in their time. had a great time racing mine.
only problem is the tin worms.
A late buddy of mine had a ’72 Manta with an auto, that little thing was a tank. Tim was one of those people that could destroy a car just by looking at it but that little Opel put up with everything he could throw at it.