The Blitz, Opel's legend

During the interwar, Opel became the largest truck manufacturer in Germany. The Blitz (German for "lightning"), coined in a prize competition, became a brand name for various light and middle-weight trucks, right up to 1975. The logo created for this brand, two stripes arranged loosely like a lightning symbol in the form of a horizontally stretched letter "Z", became the Opel logo. During WW2, the Opel Blitz became the prime utility truck of the Wehrmacht, deployed in every front.


Opel Blitz 1.5 tons pickup (1932), one of the three body style available with the van and bus to the civilian market.

The origins of commercial automotive venture by the pioneer Fritz Opel dated back 1899. Delivery and transport vans were built, based on “System Lutzmann”, patent created the first automobile in Rüsselsheim. In 1907, the first truck was added to the portfoli, a 3/4 tonne vehicle with pneumatic tyres, propeller shaft drive and 2-4 cylinder engines. During WW1 already the military standadized the type to four tonnes, driving Opel to devise a larger and more reobust “standard truck”, produced and sold until the early 1920s. From 1923, Opel started to introduce lighter trucks, short-wheelbase and vans with a payload of 1-2 tonnes.

For the 1931 model exhibitions, a new model was prepared by Opel's engineers, which succeeded in creating a sturdy and affordable “express transport truck” with an excellent, yet simple design in a times of vivid economical crisis. Tp promote it, Opel's advertising department had the idea of creating a short term pronounced in German as well as in any modern language, composed of only five letters. To find the name, they choose an avantgarde method at that time, but both high-profile and effective. It was sought throughout Germany in a competition, with the prize being an Opel... Dr. Wilhelm von Opel headed the ads campaign and eventually proposed as grand prize a 4/20 hp limousine, and for others, Opel Motoclub motorbikes. Closing date was October 6, 193. Afterwards, the sales Manager Andersen announced the winner at the Opel Dealer Conference, on November 24, 1930, helf in Frankfurt, in the prestigious "Ufa-Palast". The name chosen was “Blitz” among 1.5 million entries. The brand used it already on its bicycles range from 1889 and it was now associated with Opel commercial vehicle, and stuck for 60 years.

The new model had a payload of either 1.5 or two tonnes, three different wheelbases, and two engines. The “express transport truck” used a 2.6-litre 4-cylinder while the more powerful Blitz “6” was given the 3.6-litre “Marquette” six-cylinder engine or US origin. The range was refined and after five years, in 1935, debut, the company receive funds to buult a dedicated brand new plant.

The military is interested

The first Opel Blitz was presented in November 1930, in November. Over the years until 1975 it became a legend, a fantastic success story for an European Manufacturer with a grand total of 442,312 Opel Blitz vehicles built in Germany alone. Soon, within the context of Nazi economy and re-armament, the authorities funded Opelwerk Brandenburg to radically expand its facilities for mass-production in 1932. Capacities reached their peak in 1939, and until 1944, more than 130,000 Blitz trucks and chassis were delivered. If they shared many components all these trucks differed by many details. The 1935 Blitz had two engines, the heavy one being equipped with a flathead 61 PS (45 kW) 3.5-liter petrol, straight-six engine (a licence version of the 1930 GM Marquette). It was a direct result of General Motors' takeover of Opel in 1929. The "smaller" version was given the domestic Opel 2.6-liter 4-cylinder 40 PS (29 kW).

By 1934, four versions of the Blitz were offered:
-1 tonne basic model
-2 tonnes
-2½ tonne (both having 14 sub-versions).

The Marquette engine was judged obsilete and in 1937 it was replaced by a more modern overhead valve model 75 hp (56 kW) straight-six engine. It was the same used in the high-end Opel Admiral passenger cars, and very similar to Chevrolet engines of the time. This was this version that was widely used by the Wehrmacht. In 1937, the four wheel drive became mandatory, and is used throughout the military production.

The new plant Opelwerk Brandenburg an der Havel, inaugurated in great pump with nazi officials, was covering 850,000 square metres, and designed specifically and exclusively for truck manufacturing, at large scale. No time was wasted: In July 1937 already the plant celebrated its 25,000th Blitz express transport truck leaving its assembly line.

Wehrmahcht's Kfz.305

Opel Blitz engine, tech manual, published 27 August 1942

From 1939, the Blitz 3.6 3-ton appeared; It soon became the staple of Opel production, entirely absorbed by the army. Variants included an elongated version, and a four-wheel drive, "Blitz A". In the waffenwamt, this model was identified as Kfz.305.

From 1940 a new standard light model was manufactured, the Blitz 2.5. It was produced in Rüsselsheim facility until 1942 with a 55hp Opel Super 6 engine.

On 6 August 1944, Opelwerk Brandenburg was obliterated by RAF bombing and ceased production. Circa 2,500 Blitz 3.6 trucks were ordered by Minister of Armaments Albert Speer at the Mannheim plant (which belongs to Daimler Benz AG) and production of the Mercedes-Benz L3000 stopped as a result. Brandenburg facilities were completely dismantled by Soviet Military Administration after the war, while Daimler-Benz Mannheim, in the west, resumed manufacturing of the the Blitz 3.6, renamed L 701 until 1949.

The Opel Blitz in action

Opel Blitz in Italy, 1944

Use by the wehrmacht

Contrary to popular opinion, the bulk of the Wehrmacht comprised foot infantry, with horse-drown artillery. They generally operated to reduce pockets previously created by the swift panzerdivisions. The Opel Blitz was used by the latter, as part of its supply train. It was adopted as standard due to a competition for military cargo trucks with off-road capabilities. The 3-ton "Blitz" won and the Opel factory received a massive order for what became the standard Wehrmacht truck. The Kfz.305 (4 x 2) was intensively used in many types with the three-tone being the most famous of all Wehrmacht vehicles. About 100,000 were delivered to the Heer, displaying their characteristic lightning emblem on the radiator front panel, often associated with the "blitzkrieg". Its tire tracks soon became known all around Europe, from the fields of France to the endless sands of the African desert and the Russian mud.

Aside their production and availability, what made these trucks immortal was their reputation of hardiness and ease of maintenance and repair. The European conflict saw huge numbers of trucks needed. In addition t military production many thousands of prewar civilian Opel "Blitz" S were drafted into army units as well. These were also brought up to army standard under the same denomination, Kfz.305, the sole official military designation for the Opel "Blitz", whatever the type. In fact in total about 140 different army modifications were made on the Opel "Blitz" chassis, frome radio cars to repair workshops, fuel trucks, mobile laundries or printing-trucks and staff buses or fire trucks as well.

From 1937 up to 1944 of the 140,000 vehicles built, 82,356 were listed as standard army Blitz S trucks, 14,122 as long wheelbase 3-tons and 8,363 with with a shorter wheelbased, 2.5 tons. In 1942 Daimler Benz AG was involved under license manufacturing and these Mercedes-built "Blitz" were visually identical, called Mercedes L701. License production started only in 1944, after the destruction of the Russelheim plant by RAF night raids.

These Blitz became an integral part of the organization of Panzer Divisions, using gasoline, to keep a common supply with the tanks the followed, unlike other trucks types, most often running on diesel oil. That was anoyther particular of the type. They Ground pressure was low, despite a 2x4 drive, allowing them to overcome many obstacles and soft ground, even competing with three-axle trucks. The Eastern campaign fully took advantage of the Opel "Blitz". Unlike diesel, their gasoline engine could be started with just boiled water in very cold weather conditions. Large numbers of these wete also captured by the Red Army from 1943 as trophies, and they went on to serve with the Russians until parts fatigue and cannibalization went to an end. The Russians loved them for the same reasons. Many of these Russian "Blitz" took part in the great offensive in August 1945 against the Japanese in eastern China. In the end, the "Blitz" became an absolute favorite among drivers and some even argued that if most has been produced, Germmany would have not lost the war.


Opel Blitz 3.5 during a reenacment

Another interesting point was that the commonality of Opel trucks with GM trucks was a benefit for the Wehmacht: In North Africa they could captured lend-lease British GMC trucks and reuse their parts and engines on the Blitz, same in Russia. In the other sens, disabled Blitzes, abandoned by retiring Germans in 1943-45 could be easily put back in service by the allies, using Chevy/GMC and Bedford parts. This even sparked controversy: Indeed Opel was formed as a General Motors subsidiary and experts had strong reasons to believe that Opel used forced labor. GM of course defended its case, arguing it shad no control over this particulra subsidiary during the war. They were only administratively attached to the American company. In the press, GM communication departments also stressed, from the numerous reports received from the front, that during the rapid Allied advances on both fronts seized trucks were easily put to use again, just because of the commonality. Opel Blitz trucks were also made under license from General Motors. All in all, between the regular Blitz and Maultier, the Opel truck provided a comprehensive and welcome addition to German motorized units until 1945. Production of the Blitz, disrupter by bobings, ceased in 1944, but the brand was revived in the post-war context and the Blitz went on in production until 1975

The "Mule" eastern front half track

To cope with the bad road conditions and the rasputitsa mud seasons on the Eastern Front, a half-tracked Maultier (mule) Sd.Kfz. 3 version was built using tracks and suspension based on the British Universal Carrier. Among others, these were used as service vehicles for the Messerschmitt Me 323 military transport aircraft.

Specs Opel Blitz 36-6700A (Model 1937)
Dimensions :	5.95-6.02 x 2.26-2.34 x 2,17-3,18 m (19.8 ft x 7.4 ft x 9 ft)
Total weight:	2,100-3,350 Tonnes max. (4,630 Ibs)
Payload :	2.3 to 3.5 tons ()
Crew :	1 driver
Propulsion :	Opel 4 cylinders, 3626 cc, 68- hp at 3800 rpm, or 6-cyl 74 hp
Speed :	80 km/h (50 mph)
Range (road/off road) :	300 to 400 km (255 miles)
Total production	82,000

Opel Blitz Kfz 305 variants designations

• 305 Mittlerer Lastkraftwagen (o) mit geschlossenem Einheitsaufbau: Middle lorry (o) with standard box body
• 305/1 Fernschreibanschlusskraftwagen (KW): telex termination motor vehicle (KW)
• 305/2 Fernschreibanschlusskraftwagen G: telex termination motor vehicle G
• 305/3 Fernschreibvermittlungskraftwagen: telex relaying station motor vehicle
• 305/4 Fernschreibwartungskraftwagen: telex maintenance motor vehicle
• 305/8 Fernschreibvermittlungskraftwagen: telex relaying station motor vehicle
• 305/10 Verstärkerkraftwagen: amplifier motor vehicle
• 305/11 Leitungsmesskraftwagen: cable measuring motor vehicle
• 305/15 Funksendekraftwagen: radio broadcast motor vehicle
• 305/16 Funkkraftwagen: Radio motor vehicle
• 305/17 Funkkraftwagen: radio motor vehicle
• 305/18 Funkkraftwagen (Kzw./Lgw.): radio motor vehicle (SW/LW)
• 305/19 Funkkraftwagen (Kzw.): radio motor vehicle (SW)
• 305/20 Funkkraftwagen: radio motor vehicle
• 305/21 Funkbeschickungskraftwagen: radio feeding motor vehicle
• 305/22 Funkpeilkraftwagen: radio bearing motor vehicle
• 305/23 Funkempfangs Kw./Horchfunkempfangs Kw./Funkbetriebs Kw: radio reception/interception radio reception/radio operation motor vehicle
• 305/25 Funkmastkraftwagen: radio mast motor vehicle
• 305/26 Radiosondekraftwagen: radiosonde motor vehicle
• 305/27 Radiosondepeilkraftwagen: radiosonde bearing motor vehicle
• 305/29 Ansteuerungssendekraftwagen: Approaching signal sending motor vehicle
• 305/30 Voreinflugzeichen- od. Haupteinflugzeichensendekraftwagen: Outer marker or main marker transmitter motor vehicle
• 305/32 Leuchtfeuerkraftwagen für schweren Leuchtfeuertrupp (mot.): Beacon light motor vehicle for heavy beacon light squad (mot.)
• 305/33 Leuchtfeuerkraftwagen für leichten und mittlerer Leuchtfeuertrupp (mot.): Beacon light motor vehicle for light and middle beacon light squad (mot.)
• 305/34 Richtverbindungskraftwagen für schweren Richtverbindungstrupp: radio relay motor vehicle for heavy radio relaying squad
• 305/35 Richtverbindungskraftwagen für schweren Richtverbindungstrupp: radio relay motor vehicle for heavy radio relaying squad
• 305/36 Richtverbindungs-Tf-Betriebskraftwagen: radio relay Tf operating motor vehicle
• 305/37 Richtverbindungs-WTZ-Betriebskraftwagen: Radio relay WTZ operating motor vehicle
• 305/38 Richtverbindungs-Antennengerät-Kraftwagen: Radio relay aerial device motor vehicle
• 305/40 Richtverbindungsmesskraftwagen: Radio relay measurement motor vehicle
• 305/41 Geräteprüfkraftwagen 293: Instrument testing motor vehicle 293
• 305/42 Bordfunkprüfkraftwagen: Radio equipment testing motor vehicle
• 305/43 Entstörkraftwagen: Interference suppression motor vehicle
• 305/44 Elektrischer Störsuchkraftwagen: electrical interference searching motor vehicle
• 305/60 Bordgeräteprüfkraftwagen: On board devices testing motor vehicle
• 305/61 Zellen-Werkstattkraftwagen 1: Air frame workshop motor vehicle I
• 305/62 Zellen-Werkstattkraftwagen II: Air frame workshop motor vehicle II
• 305/63 Triebwerks-Wartungskraftwagen: Propulsion unit maintenance motor vehicle
• 305/64 Bordgeräte-Werkstattkraftwagen: On board devices workshop motor vehicle
• 305/65 Wetterkraftwagen A: Meteorological motor vehicle A
• 305/66 Wetterkraftwagen B: Meteorological motor vehicle B
• 305/67 Triebwerk-Werkstattkraftwagen 1: Propulsion unit workshop motor vehicle 1
• 305/68 Triebwerk-Werkstattkraftwagen II: Propulsion unit workshop motor vehicle II
• 305/69 Steuerungsprüfkraftwagen: Piloting testing motor vehicle
• 305/70 Fallschirmlagerkraftwagen: Parachute store motor vehicle
• 305/73 Befehlsstellenkraftwagen: Command post motor vehicle
• 305/74 Geschäftszimmerkraftwagen: Office motor vehicle
• 305/75 Bekleidungskammerwagen: Clothing chamber vehicle
• 305/76 Sanitätsgerätekraftwagen: Medical equipment motor vehicle
• 305/77 Marketenderkraftwagen: Canteen proprietor motor vehicle
• 305/78 Elektroküchenkraftwagen: Electrical kitchen motor vehicle
• 305/79 Geschäftszimmerkraftwagen: Office motor vehicle
• 305/80 Waffenwartungskraftwagen: Weapons maintenance motor vehicle
• 305/83 Kfz-Werkstattkraftwagen: Motor vehicle workshop motor vehicle
• 305/84 Kfz-Ersatzteillagerkraftwagen: Motor vehicle spare parts depot motor vehicle
• 305/85 Prüfkraftwagen für Drucköl- und Luftversorgungsanlage: Testing motor vehicle for pressure oil- and air-supply device
• 305/86 Zahnklinikkraftwagen: Dental clinic motor vehicle
• 305/87 Zahnlaborkraftwagen: Dental laboratory motor vehicle
• 305/88 Röntgen-Schirmbild-Kraftwagen: Roentgen screen photo motor vehicle
• 305/89 Röntgen-Schirmbild-Dunkelkammer-Kraftwagen: Roentgen screen photo darkroom motor vehicle
• 305/90 Bildkraftwagen: Image motor vehicle I
• 305/91 Bildkraftwagen II: Image motor vehicle II
• 305/93 Wasseraufbereitungskraftwagen I: Water preparation motor vehicle I
• 305/94 Wasseraufbereitungskraftwagen II: water preparation motor vehicle II
• 305/95 Wasseraufbereitungskraftwagen III: water preparation motor vehicle III
• 305/96 Wasserentsalzungskraftwagen: water desalination motor vehicle
• 305/98 Sauerstoff-Instandsetzungskraftwagen: oxygen maintenance motor vehicle
• 305/99 Sauerstoffumfüllkraftwagen: oxygen decantation motor vehicle
• 305/100 Navigationskraftwagen: navigation motor vehicle
• 305/101 Navigations-Vermessungskraftwagen: navigation survey motor vehicle
• 305/102 Lagerkraftwagen: warehouse motor vehicle
• 305/103 AF Messgerätekraftwagen: AF measurement instruments motor vehicle
• 305/104 Lagerkraftwagen KTZ: warehouse motor vehicle KTZ
• 305/105 Werkstattkraftwagen für Klempner und Schweißer: workshop motor vehicle for tinsmith and welder
• 305/106 Werkstattkraftwagen für Hydraulik und Schlosser: workshop motor vehicle for hydraulics and locksmith
• 305/107 Werkstattkraftwagen für mechanische Werkstatt: workshop motor vehicle for mechanical workshop
• 305/108 Werkstattkraftwagen für Waffen und Elektrik: workshop motor vehicle for weapons and electronics
• 305/109 Werkstattkraftwagen für mechanische Werkstatt I: workshop motor vehicle for mechanical workshop I
• 305/110 Werkstattkraftwagen für mechanische Werkstatt II: workshop motor vehicle for mechanical workshop II
• 305/111 Werkstattkraftwagen für Schlosser und Schweißer: workshop motor vehicle for locksmith and welders
• 305/112 Werkstattkraftwagen für Klempner I: workshop motor vehicle for tinsmith I
• 305/113 Werkstattkraftwagen für Klempner II: workshop motor vehicle for tinsmith II
• 305/114 Werkstattkraftwagen für Hydraulik und Schlosser: workshop motor vehicle for hydraulics and locksmith
• 305/115 Werkstattkraftwagen für Tischler, Maler, Sattler: workshop motor vehicle for cabinetmaker, painters, saddler
• 305/117 Werkstattkraftwagen für Schweißer und Schmied: workshop motor vehicle for welders and blacksmith
• 305/118 Kfz-Werkstattkraftwagen für Motor, Fahrgestelle und elektrische Anlagen: motor vehicle workshop motor vehicle for engine, chassis and electrical installation
• 305/119 Kfz-Lagerkraftwagen: motor vehicle warehouse motor vehicle
• 305/120 Mannschaftskraftwagen für I-Dienst: personnel carrier for maintenance service
• 305/121 Gerätekraftwagen für I-Dienst: equipment motor vehicle for maintenance service
• 305/122 Entgiftungskraftwagen: decontamination motor vehicle
• 305/123 Entgiftungsgerätekraftwagen: decontamination equipment motor vehicle
• 305/124 Pressluftgerätkraftwagen: compressed air equipment motor vehicle
• 305/125 Flugbetriebskraftwagen: air traffic motor vehicle
• 305/126 Startkraftwagen: starting motor vehicle
• 305/128 Kraftfahrspritze KS 8: fire tank wagon KS 8
• 305/130 Werkstattkraftwagen für Abwurfwaffen: workshop motor vehicle for bombs
• 305/131 Werkstattkraftwagen für Schusswaffen: workshop motor vehicle for fire arms
• 305/132 Waffenwerkstattkraftwagen! weapons workshop motor vehicle
• 305/135 Werkstattkraftwagen mechanische Werkstatt: workshop motor vehicle mechanical workshop
• 305/136 Motorenwerkstattkraftwagen: engines workshop motor vehicle
• 305/137 Werkstattkraftwagen für Flugzeugschlosser, Rüstschlosser (TMZ): workshop motor vehicle for aircraft locksmith, equipment locksmith (TMZ)
• Kfz. 305 als Fledermauskraftwagen
• Kfz. 305 as bat motor vehicle

Links/resources

int-media.opel.com/
On tankograd publishing
On warhistoryonline.com
On militaryfactory.com
Group on Facebook
On Kfz. der wehrmacht
On ww2db.com
Kfz designations
On pinterest
More photos

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Recommended read: The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Military Vehicles (Ian V Hogg & John Weeks,-Hamlyn, 1980), Armoured Fighting Vehicles (Philip Trewbitt, Dempsey-Parr,1999).

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On the model kits side, the 1/35, 1/48 and 1/72 has been well served, from Italeri and Esci to Matchbox, and many others. See more on worthpoint.com and on scalemates.

Videos

Blitz 1-Ton model 1936


Blitz 1.5 Ton model 1938


Opel Blitz 3 Tons "S", flatbed, model 1936


Same model, with wooden panels


Blitz in Feldgrau, campaign of Poland, September 1939


Opel Blitz in North Africa, March 1941


Blitz in Greece, July 1942


Blitz 305 in north Africa, 1942


Blitz 305, Italy 1944


Opel Blitz winter, south eastern front campaign 1942/43


Opel Blitz Flakvierling


Opel Blitz carrying a 40mm FLAK


Blitz 37 mm FLAK with armored cab, russia, southern front 1942


Camouflaged Blitz with tarpaulin, Eastern front 1943


Opel Blitz C Command Car 11Pzd, Ukraine June 1941


Opel Blitz Einheitskoffer Field Radio Truck, 116 PZD, Panzr Regiment 16, Normandy 1944


Opel Blitz 3 tons with tarpaulin, Eastern Front 1941


Opel Blitz ambulance cab


Blitz 3 ton 1st Bat. 33rd AA Regiment, North Africa 1942, note the sandy paint wearing out over the original feldgrau


Partiall camouflaged Blitz 3 Ton used by the Totenkpf Division, eastern front 1943


Blitz with canvas, Russia winter 1943


Blitz Panzerlehr Division, Normandy 1944


Blitz of the 5th Army, Tunisia, Nov. 1942


Blitz in Tunisia, 1942


Blitz with the FFI, Paris, September 1944


Blitz type C used by the Luftwaffe with an amazing camouflage


Blitz with the 8th Gebirgsjager Division, Bologna Feb-Apr. 1945


Blitz 21th Panzerdivision, North Africa 1942


Blitz with the 19th Panzerdivisions Kursk, Russia 1943


Blitz in Italy, 26th Panzerdivision, july 1944


Blitz Type A, with tarpaulin and snow paint 1945


Opel Maultier, the half-track variant of the Blitz

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Sd.Kfz 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 were half-tracks designed just before the war as prime movers, to carry supplies, ammunition, personal, and tow artillery. Many were also converted during the war as armored versions carrying AA FLAK guns (Flakvierling, 37 mm, or the legendary 88 mm Rheinmetall als used as tank hunters), or were converted as nebelwerfer (rocket launching armored vehicles). They were built by Hanomag, Steyr, Mercedes-Benz, Bussing and many other manufacturers until 1945, over 20,000 half-tracks.

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