Bitter Berlina |
1995 (Type 3 Limousine) | 1996 (Berlina) |
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In 1994 Opel replaced the Omega A with the Omega B. The Omega B was not just a further development of the Omega A but a really new car.
Whilst the plans for the Bitter Type 3 Cabriolet were dropped permanently in 1992, Erich Bitter never stopped thinking about a luxury 4-door limousine to follow in the footsteps of the Bitter CD and Bitter SC. As the 1989 Bitter Type 3 Limousine (Type 4 / Diplomat) was based on the Opel Omega A chassis and still had the criticised design, it was clear that they would have to start with a blank page for the successor.
Erich Bitter worked together with Opel designer Hideo Kadama for the design and MGA Developments from Coventry built the prototype of the new Type 3 Limousine based on the Opel Omega B. The car was presented on the 1995 Geneva Motor Show with a champagne metallic body and black leather interior.
The car would of course get the obliged luxury interior with all modern technology. As motorisation a 24-valve V6 3-litre turbo engine with 250 bhp was planned.
In 1996 the Bitter Type 3 Limousine was renamed Bitter "Berlina" and was presented with a turqoise metallic body and a cream leather interior. Compared with the 1995 model the new Berlina received a major facelift with new bonnet, bumpers, grille, lights and wheels.
To raise the necessary funds for the mass production Erich Bitter wanted to bring his company to the New York Stock Exchange. The stock market launch failed because of suspicious transactions of a German investment agent. Another potential investor was shot in the US. A few more attempts to raise the money also failed.
When Karmann, who were going to assemble the Bitter Berlina, also pulled out, it was over and out for the Bitter Berlina. In 1997 all companies and activities around the Bitter Berlina were stopped.
Eventually only one car was built. The turquoise Bitter Berlina is in private hands and can occasionally be seen on car shows.