Opel Admiral

The first Admiral was unveiled at the Berlin Motor Show in early 1937, but manufacturing did not commence until the end of the year, with only eight made that year. The vehicle was an effort to compete with premium automobiles like Horch, Mercedes-Benz, and Maybach in the expanding 3.5-litre class. However, it was far less expensive than comparable-sized and powered vehicles from these premium manufacturers, which along with its generously proportioned but technically uncomplicated chassis made it popular among coachbuilders.

The car was driven by a newly built 3,626 cc straight-six engine with a maximum output of 74 horsepower and a claimed maximum speed of 82 mph for standard-bodied cars. With the onset of the war in October 1939, production ceased more suddenly than in the case of several smaller Opel passenger vehicles. The military required that every 3,626 cc engine produced by Opel be installed in an Opel 3.5 tonne Blitz vehicle for military usage.