In 1929, GM acquired the engine producer Adam Opel AG, based in Russelsheim, Germany, and with it, one of the most well regarded manufacturing plants in Europe. In the early 1930's, Opel introduced a fast light truck, calling it the Opel Blitz (Lightning) and in 1935 opened a modern truck factory in Brandenburg. Although light in weight, the Blitz design could carry a considerable payload. A proven six-cylinder engine from another GM company, Buick, provided the power. The payload increased in steps from the original 1.93 tons to 2.76 tons, and finally to 3.31 tons, of which the S type could transport cross-country.

The greatest production figures were achieved by the Opel Blitz 3-ton S with 82,356 units produced with the 3.6 liter engine from April 1937 to the beginning of August 1944. This dependable, light 3-ton truck enjoyed great popularity among the units. The simple, yet robust Opel design proved itself in the confusion of war and was superior to many specially-designed vehicles. The 3-ton Blitz was superior to many other 3-ton trucks on account of its low ground pressure which was a result of the vehicle's low weight.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a German Opel Blitz cargo truck that was attached to the 1.Panzer Division, then deployed to France during the spring of 1940. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/4-inches
Width: 1-1/4-inches

Release Date: August 2010

Historical Account: "Blitzkrieg" - 1.Panzer-Division was formed in Weimar in 1935 from elements of the 3.Kavallerie-Division. It took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland area of Czechoslovakia in October 1938 under the command of XVI Armeekorps. It fought in Poland and later in the West, going through Luxembourg and the Ardennes before breaking through the Maginot line and entering France attached to Panzergruppe Kleist.

Following the campaign in France it supplied Panzer Regiment 2 to the forming 16.Panzer-Division and received Schutzen Regiment to replace the loss. It later fought on the northern sector of the Eastern Front attached to Panzergruppe 4, before being transferred to the central sector and Panzergruppe 3.

It was transferred to France in January 1943 for refitting and was sent to Greece in July where it remained there until November when it was sent to the Ukraine. It took part in the counteroffensive at Kiev attached to 4.PanzerArmee and later took part in defensive actions near Berdichev. Following the massive Soviet offensive June 1944 it took part in the German counteroffensive attached to XLVIII Panzerkorps, but following the failure to hold the southern flank it was forced to retreat back to the Vistula.

It remained there until October when it was transferred to Hungary taking part in the German offensive there until ending the war in eastern Austria where it surrendered to the US Army.