Torana Hybrid - well actually a late 60s Opel Kadett hybrid.

[Jag530G]

Here's an interesting story on one of GM's many electric/hybrid prototypes from the 1960s. The Stir-Lec is an Opel Kadett, the German equivalent to our LC Torana, powered by under the bonnet mounted Lead acid batteries feeding an electric motor driving the rear diff and the whole system is recharged on the go by a boot mounted Stirling engine.

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/vintage-ads-and-brochures/vintage-ad-gms-hybrid-stir-lec-1-1969-chevy-volt-predecessor/

Cheers, Matthew

[sjhugh]

The front looks like a miniature Nova.


http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GM-STIR-LEC-II-300.jpg

[Jag530G]

Its funny how different styling ideas find their way around GM's various divisions. The front end of the HK/T/G Monaros exported to South Africa also had a similar (but larger) front end to this Opel as well.

Cheers, Matthew

[Ausmartin1]

Ta Matthew,

It's the predecessor of the EV1and the VOLT / ELR / Volt 2 and soon Bolt.
Unusually the Opel engineers are always involved - they once against supported and held project management positions with GM for the 1st Generation Volt.

Funny how history / people repeats its self as new technology becomes affordable to manufacture.