Description
The Bitter Diplomat CD is a luxury grand tourer that was produced between 1973 and 1979 by the German automaker Bitter. It was based on the Opel Diplomat B platform but featured an entirely unique design and styling, thanks to the vision of Erich Bitter, the founder of the company. The design of the car was heavily influenced by the 1969 Opel CD concept, which was created by Charles M. “Chuck” Jordan and David Holls. With its sleek, elegant lines and fastback coupé body, the Bitter CD was a car that exuded sophistication and exclusivity.
Under the hood, the Bitter CD was powered by a 5.4-liter Chevrolet V8, which delivered about 230 horsepower. This engine was the same as that used in the **Opel Diplomat**, providing the CD with a blend of power and reliability. Buyers had the option of either a 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual transmission, making the driving experience adaptable to personal preferences. With a top speed of approximately 200 km/h (125 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time of around 9 seconds, the car had respectable performance for its class.
Inside, the Bitter CD featured a richly appointed interior, reflecting its grand tourer nature. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and a range of luxury features made it a comfortable place to spend time on long journeys. The car was designed to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz SL and Jaguar XJ-S, targeting wealthy buyers who wanted a unique and stylish car.
Despite its impressive design and performance, the Bitter CD was produced in very limited numbers, with only around 395 units made. This makes it a rare and desirable collector’s car today. Its combination of Italian-inspired styling, American power, and German engineering gives it a distinct character in the world of classic cars.