Description
Opel Speedster Compressor | 2002
Highlights:
- Fitted with an Eton supercharger, boosting power to approximately 250 hp
- Lightweight construction at only 850 kg, delivering impressive agility
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds
- Fully repainted in factory white for a refreshed exterior appearance
- Chassis and body free of corrosion
The seller offers for sale this 2002 Opel Speedster Compressor, an appealing lightweight sports car originally developed in partnership with Lotus. Powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, this example benefits from a significant performance enhancement. At 60000 km, it received an Eton supercharger, raising the power output from the original 147 hp to an estimated 250 hp. Coupled with the low kerb weight of only 850 kg, this modification results in notably quicker performance, with the car reportedly achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.
This Speedster has a manual transmission, providing direct driver engagement and precise gear changes. It features power steering and ABS, which enhance usability compared to many lightweight sports cars of its era. The car currently shows 74162 km and is presented with its original service book and documented history, indicating careful ownership.
Externally, the car has undergone a complete repaint in standard white due to the typical ageing of paint on its polyester body. The respray has been professionally executed, leaving the paintwork in clean condition, aside from some scratches on the underside of the front bumper, a common area for minor road rash on low-slung sports cars. The body and aluminium chassis are reported to be in good shape and free from corrosion.
Inside, the interior is described as being close to new, with all components intact and no signs of significant wear. The original steering wheel with airbag is still present. Mechanically, the engine starts easily, runs smoothly, and pulls strongly across the rev range. Fluids have recently been refreshed, brakes are reported to function properly, and the gearbox operates crisply without issue. Overall, the vehicle presents as a well-maintained, significantly uprated version of Opel’s unique sports car, blending the Speedster’s pure driving dynamics with substantial power gains.
Condition-wise, the exterior benefits from the fresh paint, though light scratches under the front bumper remain visible if inspected closely. Panel gaps and body lines appear consistent, and there are no indications of accident damage or repairs beyond the cosmetic respray. The interior is in impressive shape for its age, showing minimal use. Switchgear, seats, and trim are reported as fully functional. Technically, the car is noted as mechanically solid with no pressing service needs beyond the typical maintenance expected of a performance car of this type and age. Nonetheless, prospective buyers should remember that a tuned sports car like this may require attentive upkeep to ensure ongoing reliability and performance.
The Opel Speedster was introduced in 2000 as part of an unusual collaboration between Opel and Lotus, with the aim of injecting excitement into Opel’s line-up. Built at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England, the Speedster shared its architecture with the Lotus Elise, including its aluminium chassis and composite body panels. While the original 2.2-litre naturally aspirated engine produced 147 hp, the car’s appeal lay in its lightweight construction, razor-sharp handling, and open-top driving experience.
Despite being marketed under the Opel badge in mainland Europe and as the Vauxhall VX220 in the UK, the Speedster retained a distinctly Lotus-like character: minimalist, raw, and focused on driver involvement. Compared with the Elise, the Speedster offered slightly more practicality and a marginally larger footprint, though still far removed from typical comfort-oriented sports cars.
A few special editions and higher-performance versions were produced during the model’s short life, notably the Opel Speedster Turbo introduced in 2003. That factory turbo model delivered 200 hp, but the example offered here significantly surpasses even that, thanks to its aftermarket supercharger upgrade. Such conversions were popular among enthusiasts seeking more straight-line performance without sacrificing the car’s nimble handling.
Over the years, the Speedster has developed a dedicated following for its unique blend of Lotus engineering and Opel’s accessible ownership costs. Today, the model is viewed as a modern classic, prized for its rarity and distinctive place in sports car history. Its bonded aluminium structure resists corrosion, helping many examples age gracefully when properly cared for. For driving enthusiasts, the Speedster remains an affordable entry into a pure, analogue sports car experience, offering remarkable performance and agility that rivals far more expensive sports cars of its era. The rarity of supercharged conversions like the one in this example further increases its appeal for collectors or those seeking a standout driving machine.
Noted imperfections include light scratches under the front bumper, typical for a car with low ground clearance. Otherwise, the paintwork appears fresh, and there is no visible damage or significant wear beyond normal signs of use. Mechanically, the car is reported to be in working order, but as with any modified vehicle, buyers should expect to verify the condition and quality of any aftermarket upgrades to ensure future reliability.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Zuid-Holland, Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
