Opel Blitz
Encyclopedia
Opel Blitz was the name given to various German light and middle-weight truck
s built by Opel
between 1930 and 1975.
During the years preceding the Second World War Opel was Germany's largest truck producer. The Blitz name (German for lightning) was first applied to an Opel truck in 1930 and by 1934 there were four base versions offered of the 1 tonne model along with fourteen versions of the larger 2/2½ tonne trucks.
From 1939 onwards the 3-ton version was used frequently throughout World War II
, among other things as service vehicle for the Messerschmitt Me 323
.
A half-tracked version, using tracks and suspension based on that used on the Universal Carrier
, was also produced as the Opel Maultier
(mule). In Europe this truck was considered General Motors
contribution to German successes.
It is also argued that Opel, a subsidiary of GM, used forced labor to reap unprecedented profits. However, to what degree GM controlled Opel at the time can be argued, but it is clear that GM did in fact play a role in giving Nazi Germany the Opel Blitz truck.
From 1973 to 1987 a successor vehicle produced by Bedford Vehicles
of Luton
, and based on the Bedford CF
, was sold in some markets as the "Bedford Blitz".
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
s built by Opel
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
between 1930 and 1975.
During the years preceding the Second World War Opel was Germany's largest truck producer. The Blitz name (German for lightning) was first applied to an Opel truck in 1930 and by 1934 there were four base versions offered of the 1 tonne model along with fourteen versions of the larger 2/2½ tonne trucks.
From 1939 onwards the 3-ton version was used frequently throughout World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, among other things as service vehicle for the Messerschmitt Me 323
Messerschmitt Me 323
The Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant was a German military transport aircraft of World War II. It was a powered variant of the Me 321 military glider and was the largest land-based transport aircraft of the war...
.
A half-tracked version, using tracks and suspension based on that used on the Universal Carrier
Universal Carrier
The Universal Carrier, also known as the Bren Gun Carrier is a common name describing a family of light armoured tracked vehicles built by Vickers-Armstrong. Produced between 1934 and 1960, the vehicle was used widely by British Commonwealth forces during the Second World War...
, was also produced as the Opel Maultier
Maultier
Maultier is the name given to series of half-tracked trucks used by Germans during World War II. They were based on Opel, Mercedes-Benz or Ford trucks.-History:...
(mule). In Europe this truck was considered General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
contribution to German successes.
It is also argued that Opel, a subsidiary of GM, used forced labor to reap unprecedented profits. However, to what degree GM controlled Opel at the time can be argued, but it is clear that GM did in fact play a role in giving Nazi Germany the Opel Blitz truck.
From 1973 to 1987 a successor vehicle produced by Bedford Vehicles
Bedford Vehicles
Bedford Vehicles, usually shortened to just Bedford, was a subsidiary of Vauxhall Motors, itself the British subsidiary of General Motors , established in 1930; and constructing commercial vehicles. Bedford Vehicles was a leading international truck manufacturer, with substantial export sales of...
of Luton
Luton
Luton is a large town and unitary authority of Bedfordshire, England, 30 miles north of London. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 250,000....
, and based on the Bedford CF
Bedford CF
The Bedford CF was a model of light commercial vehicle produced by Bedford Vehicles for almost twenty years from the late 1960s.In Germany and certain other continental markets, the CF was sold through Opel dealers as the Opel Bedford Blitz from 1973 on....
, was sold in some markets as the "Bedford Blitz".