Fernanda Torres' Kadett: A Relic for R$ 170 Thousand

Fernanda Torres shone on Sunday night, January 5, 2024, when receiving the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture for her memorable performance as Eunice Paiva in the acclaimed film “I’m Still Here”, directed by the renowned Walter Salles. The film is a moving tribute to the story of Rubens Paiva, a politician and activist who disappeared during the Brazilian military dictatorship. In addition to its narrative strength, the film impresses with its historical fidelity, with an impeccable recreation of the setting of 1971, including iconic cars of the time, such as Beetles, Opalas and Dodges.

But it was the Red Opel Kadett, used by Rubens Paiva's character in the film, which stole the show for classic car lovers. This Kadett B, as it is known, is a rare, historic and coveted vehicle. Few units still exist today, making the model a true collector's item.

A vehicle with history

O Opel Kadett B, produced by Opel between 1965 and 1973, was the third generation of the Kadett. Before the arrival of the Kadett GSi, which marked the 1980s in Brazil, some units of the model were imported in the 1960s, both by General Motors and by independent sellers. Companies such as Petroleum It is Autobrasil were known for bringing luxury and sports cars to the country, and the Kadett B was among them.

The Kadett in the film is a 1968 model, equipped with a 1.1 engine four cylinders and power of 60 hp. The manual transmission four gears completed the set, ensuring robust and reliable driving, characteristics valued in a car of that era.

In the film, the car is used in a striking scene described in the book that inspired the film, written by Marcelo Rubens Paiva:

“He put a watch on his wrist, some notebooks in his pocket. He went with two agents driving my mother’s Opel. Four guys stayed at home […]. My sister Eliana came back from the beach and thought it was strange that the house was all closed.” — I'm Still Here

This excerpt from the book is portrayed in detail in the film, and the Red Kadett becomes a visual symbol of the narrative, contributing to the faithful recreation of the era and the dramatic events that marked the history of Brazil.

A rare and coveted Kadett

O Kadett B is rare in Brazil. General Motors began importing the model only in small quantities, and many units arrived in the country through independent importers, making its presence even more limited.

Nowadays, finding a Kadett B in good condition is almost like finding a needle in a haystack. The model from the film attracted attention for its impeccable appearance, and it is no surprise that collectors are on the hunt for similar vehicles.

In an online search, we found an advertisement for a 1968 Kadett B in good condition, priced at R$ 170 thousand. This value reflects not only the rarity of the model, but also its historical importance. Cars like this are not just vehicles; they are museum pieces, loaded with memory and meaning.

Technical characteristics of the Kadett B

O Kadett B was known for being affordable, reliable and efficient. Below are some specifications that made it so desired in the 1960s:

• Motor: 1.1-liter, inline four-cylinder
• Power: 60 hp
• Streaming: Four-speed manual
• Bodywork: Compact sedan, with space for up to five passengers
• Dimensions: Approximately 4 meters long
• Weight: About 800 kg

These features made the Kadett an ideal car for families and professionals at the time, especially in a period where accessibility and robustness were crucial.

The cultural impact of the Kadett

In addition to its functional role, the Kadett B played a significant cultural role. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was considered a modern and sophisticated car, compared to other popular models, such as the Beetle.

In the Brazilian context, it represented the rise of a new middle class that wanted something beyond the basics. Its European design, with clean and elegant lines, drew attention on the streets of Brazil, a country undergoing social and economic transformation.

Historical and emotional value

The Kadett used in “I’m Still Here” is not just a car; it is a character in the story that the film seeks to tell. Its role goes beyond transporting the characters; it transports the audience to a crucial moment in Brazilian history.

The film’s faithful recreation of the 1970s, with cars like the Kadett B, reinforces director Walter Salles’ message about the importance of remembering the past. By driving a Kadett B, Rubens Paiva’s character becomes even more human and tangible to the audience, connecting him to the reality of many Brazilian families who lived through the horrors of the military dictatorship.

Conclusion

If you are a classic car enthusiast, the Kadett B is more than a vehicle; it is a living piece of history. The model portrayed in Walter Salles' film not only represents the memory of Rubens Paiva, but also encapsulates a unique moment in Brazil's automotive and political history.

Today, finding a Kadett B in Brazil is a rarity, and the price of R$ 170 thousand reflects its historical and cultural importance. More than that, the film “I’m Still Here” reminds us of the power of memories and the need to preserve both history and the vehicles that represent it.

If you have the opportunity to acquire or simply admire a Kadett B, know that you are looking at a true work of art on wheels, a testament to the years that shaped Brazil.