Walter Röhrl in the Irmscher cockpit - 50th anniversary

The multiple world rally champion completed his first WM rally as a professional 50 years ago. The young man from Regensburg caught the eye of company founder Günther Irmscher back in 1972 and the terms were finalised and the contract signed at the Jochen Rindt Show in Essen.

From then on, Walter Röhrl was a professional rally driver and under contract to Irmscher - what followed was an unrivalled rally career with countless victories and two world championship titles.

Not only Walter Röhrl made his debut at the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally, but also the Irmscher Opel Commodore B GS/E - this large car was chosen for marketing reasons.

It was a sensation to start this rally full of bends with the Commode, as the car was affectionately called, and immediately won the hearts of the fans.

The reunion of Walter Röhrl and his rally car took place in 2023 and was very emotional. After the first few laps in the Irmscher Commodore B GS/E, he felt like he had been transported straight back in time.

The first European Championship title in an Opel Ascona A followed in 1975 and the World Rally Championship title in an Opel Ascona B 400 in 1982.

The Opel Commodore B GS/E is on display alongside many other vehicles in the Irmscher Museum in Remshalden and is regularly used at classic car events.