The German automaker’s compact sedan is the mainstay of its business.

Opel Kadett celebrated its 80th birthday, a significant milestone. Although its name has been changed to Astra in recent times, few models can trace their history back that far.

In 1936, the first of 11 generations was released. The unitary body was unique at the time. It also featured independent front suspension and faired-in headlights. When production ceased in 1940, just over 100,000 were built. The factory was then turned over to war production.

After the war, the car survived behind the Iron Circuit, East German producer Moskwitch, which produced nearly a quarter of a million. The Kadett name didn’t return until 1962, when it was renamed the Kadett A.

The compact sedan was a very conventional design. It had a 1.0-liter engine with 40 horsepower (30 kilowatts) and a large trunk. When the Kadett B took control, 650,000 were built in just three years.

The new car was larger, more powerful, and featured fashionable, American-inspired styling. It was hugely successful, with 2.6 million units sold over its eight-year lifespan.

The Kadett C, Opel’s version the popular T-Car chassis, was the beginning of General Motors’ platform-sharing age. It was also available in GT/E form. The rocketship’s 1.9-liter fuel-injected engine produced 105 horsepower (78 kW) and allowed for a speed of 114 mph (184 km/h). It was inevitable that it would be a huge success in motorsport.

In 1979, the Kadett D went front-wheel-drive with a hatchback body. This was another revolution. The 1984 Kadett E retained many of its predecessor’s chassis, running gear, and body but was the most aerodynamic in its class.

Kadett was renamed Astra in 1991 by Opel. Vauxhall had given the Kadett twin to Opel for the previous two generations. (Before then Vauxhall’s model was largely bespoke). The new model was considered a continuation of the original line. It was the most-sold Opel ever, with 4.13 million Astra Fs sold in six years.

In 1998, 2009, and 2015, new generations of Astra were introduced. The Astra K is the second vehicle in the line to win European Car of the Year. It is undoubtedly more competitive than its predecessors.

Over the years, 24 million Kadetts or Astras were sold. This is quite a lot for a car that was largely sold on one continent. While there are some rivals that may be more popular elsewhere in Europe, none of them date back as far. A car that is aimed at the exact same market has never been made by another manufacturer.