The Opel Blitz was a series of light commercial trucks produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel. Production began in 1930 and continued, with various revisions, until the early 1970s. The vehicle served both civilian and military roles, most notably as a transport and support vehicle for the German armed forces during World War II.
Development and Production
- The original model, designated the Opel Blitz 1930, was introduced as a 1½‑ton payload truck, employing a 2.5 L (2,496 cc) inline‑six gasoline engine.
- In 1934, Opel launched an updated version (often referred to as the “Blitz 35”) that featured a more powerful 3.5 L (3,506 cc) inline‑six engine, delivering approximately 70 PS (horsepower). This engine became the standard for most wartime variants.
- Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, multiple body configurations were produced, including chassis‑cabs, flatbeds, box trucks, and specialized bodies such as fuel tankers, ambulances, and mobile workshops.
Military Use
- The German Wehrmacht adopted the Opel Blitz as a primary medium‑weight transport vehicle, designated the “Opel Blitz (3.5 t)”, for tasks such as troop and equipment transport, artillery towing, and logistical support.
- Production for military contracts increased sharply after 1939, with several hundred thousand units manufactured across German armament factories and subcontractors.
- Variants used by the military included the “Blitz S” (standard cargo), “Blitz K” (quarter‑ton cargo), and “Blitz F” (fuel tanker). Some were equipped with radio or command‑post equipment.
Civilian Use
- In the pre‑war period, the Blitz was marketed as a robust commercial vehicle suitable for delivery services, agriculture, and municipal duties.
- Post‑war, Opel resumed civilian production under the name “Opel Blitz V” and later “Opel Blitz Van,” featuring modernized bodywork, updated electrical systems, and, in later years, diesel engine options.
Technical Characteristics
- Common engine: Opel 3.5 L OHV inline‑six gasoline, ~70 PS at 3,200 rpm.
- Transmission: 4‑speed manual gearbox, rear‑wheel drive.
- Maximum payload: 1.5 ton (civilian) to 3 ton (military) depending on configuration.
- Braking system: hydraulic drum brakes on all wheels.
- Dimensions (typical model): length ≈ 5.6 m, wheelbase ≈ 3.2 m.
Post‑War Evolution
- After 1945, Opel’s production facilities were placed under Allied control; limited production of the Blitz continued for reconstruction efforts.
- In the 1950s, the Blitz series was gradually replaced by newer Opel commercial models such as the “Opel Kommandeur” and later the “Opel Camper” series.
- The last Blitz‑derived vehicles were produced in the early 1970s, after which the name was retired from Opel’s product lineup.
Legacy
- The Opel Blitz is recognized as an iconic German truck of the mid‑20th century, notable for its extensive wartime service and long production run.
- Surviving examples are displayed in automotive museums and military vehicle collections, where they serve as representatives of pre‑ and post‑war German commercial engineering.
