1938 Opel "Blitz" | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 104

The National Military History Center

1938 Opel "Blitz"

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$12,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Opel Division of General Motors, Germany

Production Year: 1938

Engine: Opel, 2.5-liter, 53-hp, six-cylinder, liquid-cooled, gasoline

Transmission: 4F1R

Brakes: Hydraulic

Length: 18-feet

Width: 6-feet, 5-1/2-inches

Height: 7-feet, 7-inches (to top of cargo area bonnet)

Weight: Approximately 2-tons

Armor: None

Armament: NONE on this example - Could be fitted with a 7.92-mm MG34 or MG42 machine gun

Maximum speed: Approximately 50-mph

Maximum Payload: 1-1/2-tons

Markings: German “Herman Goering” Division, Flak unit

Production of the Opel Blitz (Lightning) 2,5-32 began in 1938 at the Opel Russelsheim/ Main and the Brandenburg/Havel plant under the direction of Heinz Nordhoff whom, after WW II, became head of Volkswagen. Opel built 1-1/2-tons were, initially, one of many commercial type truck models which were procured by the German military prior to 1938. Since Opel was acquired by General Motors in 1931, many of the components were nearly identical to Chevrolet light-duty trucks manufactured in the United States and Canada during the same time period, including a reliable Buick motor. As a result of American engineering, Opel trucks featured a high-load-limit to low-net-weight ratio superior to Opel’s competitors of that era. In 1938, the Schell-Program introduced by General Adolf von Schell, Director of Motorization for the Wehrmacht (German military), cut back procurement of vehicles of all types to just a few standard models (from 113 to 30). The Opel 1-1/2-ton series survived the standardization, with only minor changes, to become the Opel Blitz 2,5-32, 4x2, cargo truck. The 1-1/2-ton Opel design was so successful, that production continued until 1951, with 15,000 units built.

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