• Part of The Road and Track Collection
• Rally prepared by the legendary Italian company Tuning Carenini in 1979
• Fielded in 31 period rallies from 1979 to 1984 by Luigi Zandona and Aldo Fasan
• Subject to a complete nut-and-bolt restoration from 2019 to 2021
• Retains its period-correct Group 2-spec fuel-injected Cavicchiolo-tuned engine
• Highly eligible for historic rally events

Founded by brothers Gino and Silvano Carenini in 1974, Tuning Carenini became known as the leading Italian workshop for Opel rally cars. Gino had previously worked for Walter Röhl as his master mechanic in the Opel Works team when he won the World Rally Championship in 1974.

This Opel Kadett C GT/E was first registered on 20 February 1979 in Treviso, Italy before being sent to Tuning Carenini to be converted into a Group 2 car for the Piave Jolly Club. The engine was stamped not with a number, but its maker: Cavicchiolo.

The Kadett’s first owner, Luigi Zandona, made his debut on 3 March 1979 at the San Marino Rally. The car wore Piave Jolly Club livery and was sponsored by the luxury Italian brand Gucci. San Marino was the first of many rallies, with Zandona competing nine times in 1979, notably finishing 5th overall and 1st in class at the Rallye del Bellunese.

In February 1980, Italian rally driver Aldo Fasan purchased this Opel Kadett and subsequently competed in 22 different Italian rallies from 1980 to 1984. He raced under the Bassano Corse and Venezia Corse banners, and was always accompanied by navigator, Reginato Silviano. Highlights include a 1st-place finish at the 1980 Rallye Due Valli, and 1st in class at the 1981 Rallye Valsugana Neve; a complete list of race results is held on file, along with a host of period photographs from 1979 to 1984. In 1984 Fasan ceased racing, and by 1988 he had sold the car.

Acquired by the consigning owner as a period competition example with unknown provenance, the car was subject to a complete restoration from 2019 to 2021. It was only when the Kadett had been refinished in yellow that its Italian Group 2 history was uncovered, and a “Carenini” sun strip was fitted to pay homage to its competition past.

As a restored, rediscovered example of an Italian Group 2 rally car, this Carenini Kadett presents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a rare and interesting period competition car, which is highly eligible for historic rallies.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mu23.