Celsan CEK-Class factbook [CLOSED]

[Astholm]

The Celsan CEK-Class was a mid-size sporty coupe, launched in the 1980s by Celsan Automotive LLC.
It is now in its sixth generation, and has sold many worldwide.

MkI
MkII
MkIII
MkV
MkIV
MkV
MkVI

[Astholm]

Celsan CEK-Class MkI

Produced: September 1978 - April 1981
Production figures: 368,924

The Celsan CEK-Class was a luxury/sport coupe produced by Celsan Automotive LLC in September 1978. Inspired by Europalistrian designs of the era, it was spacious, stylish and comfortable.
The aim was to provide a sport/luxury car, rather than one or the other, in coupe form.

Engines were, at first, a 3.3-litre/110bhp and 4.1-litre/126bhp 6-cylinder, and these were sold in CEK 410, CEK 410 GL and CEK 410 Ghia versions. All were luxuriously appointed, with the Ghia model being the only model to get air-conditioning as standard, and a drinks cooler was optional for $500 more! Also available from November 1978 was an entry-level 2.0-litre/100bhp 4-cylinder engine, which was available on all three spec levels.

From June 1980, a 3.3-litre/112bhp and 4.1-litre/126bhp replaced the original engines. The 2.0 continued unchanged. But, new for 1980 was a V8, sourced from GTB Engineering of Holmforth, which supplied them with a 5.0-litre/148bhp V8. This was sold as the CEK 500 SLE (Super Leicht), and only 1,300 were made. There was also a sporting 2000 S model, utilising a 2.0-litre/125bhp 4-cylinder, which was fast for its day, and is now sought after by collectors. The 3.3 got a new uplevel 3300 GXL, which was aimed at businessmen, and the 4.1 got the new 4.1 GLT model, which was aimed at buyers who needed more luxury than a GL, but found the Ghia too expensive. Both were launched in March and April 1980, respectively.

Towards the end of its run, in March 1981, the range was reduced to Base, GL, S and Ghia trim, plus run-out special-editions "Final Edition" and "Luxline" - based on the 2.0 S and GL models.

From March 1981, the range would be redesigned, losing its boxy look.

[Astholm]

Celsan CEK-Class MkII

Produced: April 1981 - February 1986
Production figures: 425,928 (1,350 specials)

Redesigned for the 1981 model year, the boxy styling was phased out, and it took on a newer, sleeker look, reminiscent of contemporary Audi or BMW vehicles. Rather than looking like a misshapen Mercedes, - the predecessor was dubbed "Merc-in-waiting", or "Mercord" (due to being a mashup of Merc looks with Ford engines), it was 100% Celsan, with original designs, and original engines. Nothing was shared with the predecessor except the name.

It became longer, and got a range of new engines. Entry-level models were powered by a 2.0-litre/113bhp 4-cylinder, but there were also 2.3-litre/135bhp 4-cylinder and 3.9-litre/184bhp V8 engines available. This was the first generation to get a V8. The 3.3 and 4.1 6-cylinder models were also available, but these would no longer be offered after 1986.

Versions available were basic, GL, S, GXL, De Luxe, Sport and Ghia. Any engine could be specified with any trim, except there were no basic-specification models with the 2.3, nor could the GXL and De Luxe be specified with the 2.3, and the 4.1 GXL was no longer offered from February 1983.

In February 1983, the range got a facelift, which saw a new line-up:
2.0 Base 2-door
2.0 Base 2-door 5-speed automatic
2.0 GL 2-door
2.0 S 2-door
2.0 GXL 2-door
2.0 De Luxe 2-door
2.0 Sport 2-door
2.0 Ghia 2-door
2.3 GL 2-door
2.3 S 2-door
2.3 Ghia 2-door
3.3 GL 2-door
3.3 De Luxe 2-door
3.3 Sport 2-door
3.3 GXL 2-door
3.3 Ghia 2-door
4.1 GL 2-door
4.1 Sport 2-door
4.1 Ghia 2-door

Then, again, in July 1985, another facelift, came, with a new line-up:
2.0 Base 2-door
2.0 GL 2-door
2.0 Sport 2-door
2.0 Ghia 2-door
2.3 Ghia 2-door
3.3 GL 2-door
3.3 Sport 2-door
3.3 Ghia 2-door
4.1 Sport 2-door
4.1 Ghia 2-door

Equipment levels progressively improved, and by 1986, the range was still available alongside its very different successor.

[Astholm]

Celsan CEK-Class MkIII

Produced: March 1986 - August 1989
Production figures: 534,664

Redesigned for 1986, it got a softer look to the bodystyling, looking like this vehicle below but as if it was enlarged on a photocopier, then restyled in Photoshop!

Engines were now 2.0-litre 4-cylinder,