In the early 90s, a stylistic revolution was underway at Opel’s Design Centre in Rüsselsheim; following the success of the Opel Calibra, a risky project that had paid off handsomely, the decision was made to replicate the formula, this time transforming the Corsa supermini into a compact coupé.  The most daring project was chosen, that of Japanese designer Hideo Kodama, who designed a 2+2 with a unique silhouette, aiming to capture the hearts of young drivers. The red prototype was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show; flowing lines and curves on a low, compact body, characterised by a prominent B-pillar and a huge black rear window that almost entirely enveloped the cabin. Opel realised they’d struck gold again and began production a few months later, creating a new market segment.  Two Ecotec engines were available: a 1.4 16v 90bhp and a 1.6 106bhp. Dynamic, rebellious, eccentric: the Tigra, produced at the Zaragoza plant, was based on the “Corsa B” and followed in the footsteps of the Calibra, but in a younger, more accessible guise. Opel’s engineers and designers, despite constraints on cost and shared platforms, managed to produce a commercially perfect product, driven by a relentless marketing strategy that linked the car to sporting champions, rock bands (e.g., Litfiba), and youth-oriented TV programmes (e.g., Jammin Italia).  Despite the Opel Corsa being an equally successful but more practical model, offering more space at a lower price, many couldn’t resist the Tigra, willing to squeeze friends and teenage children into the tiny rear seats just to have the little coupé in their garage.  A real craze that involved adults and ‘daddy’s boys’, the ‘yuppies’ of the 90s ready to do anything to drive it.

The competition?  Simple: there wasn’t any.  The Ford Puma arrived in 1997, but it didn’t in the slightest threaten the supremacy of the little German car.  The Tigra was sold in Australia, Latin America, Great Britain and, of course, Europe, eventually exceeding 250,000 units produced. A true icon of the 90s, still followed by a large community of enthusiasts today.