Description
Opel 1932 – When the automobile helped build everyday life
In 1932, Europe was not dreaming of speed.
It was trying to stand on its feet.
This Opel was born in a harsh, unstable era, when the automobile was not a pleasure object but a tool of work and freedom. You did not buy it to show off. You bought it because you needed it.
To deliver goods.
To cross the countryside.
To connect a village to the world.
Its four-cylinder engine did not promise excitement, but consistency.
Starting every morning. Moving forward, even fully loaded. Coming back in the evening. That is precisely why Opel established itself at the time: simple, robust mechanics that anyone could understand. A car designed to last, not to impress.
The anecdote
The wooden barrel at the rear is no coincidence.
Vehicles like this were commonly used by craftsmen, wine merchants and local brewers. It is said that similar Opels served not only for deliveries but also to seal deals, shared over a drink right on site. The automobile became a meeting point — almost a mobile office ahead of its time.
Inside, the exposed wood, Bakelite steering wheel and minimalist dashboard speak of an era where every element had a clear purpose. Nothing superfluous. Nothing artificial.
A survivor
What makes this Opel exceptional today is not only its age.
It is the fact that it has crossed nearly a century without losing its soul.
Not transformed.
Not over-modernised.
Not betrayed.
It has remained faithful to what it has always been: a rolling witness of 1930s Europe.
A unique piece in French-speaking Switzerland
Very few Opels of this generation remain.
In this configuration, with this level of authenticity and presentation, it stands today as a unique example in French-speaking Switzerland.
This is not a car to “run errands”.
It is a car to tell a story.
To embody a vision.
To remind us that the automobile was first a vehicle of human progress — long before it became an object of performance.
Exclusive sale – Classic-Vintage-Car.ch
A car with character. A story ready to continue.
Opel – 1932
Saloon / Light Utility Vehicle – Germany
General
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Make: Opel
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Year: 1932
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Origin: Germany
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Body style: Closed saloon / period light utility configuration
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Construction: Separate chassis, steel and wood bodywork
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Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Mechanical
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Engine: Inline 4-cylinder
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Displacement: approx. 1,200–1,300 cc (depending on exact version)
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Power output: approx. 22–24 hp
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Fuel system: Carburettor
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Cooling system: Water-cooled
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Gearbox: 3-speed manual
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Starting: Electric starter (hand crank typically retained as backup)
Performance (period figures)
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Top speed: approx. 80–85 km/h
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Driving character: Smooth, strong low-end torque, designed for reliability rather than speed
Chassis & Running Gear
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Front suspension: Rigid axle with leaf springs
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Rear suspension: Rigid axle with leaf springs
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Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels
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Steering: Non-assisted worm-and-sector steering
Dimensions & Design
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Silhouette: Typical early 1930s profile
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Grille: Vertical chrome Opel grille
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Fenders: Separate, sculpted wings
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Roof: Fabric-covered roof
Notable Details
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Wooden interior trim
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Bakelite/wood steering wheel
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Minimalist dashboard
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Period-correct two-tone paintwork
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Hand-painted door decoration (artisan authenticity)
Collector Interest
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Opel was the first German manufacturer to industrialise mass-market automobiles.
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This model represents the transition from craftsmanship to modern automotive production.
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A rare and historically significant vehicle, ideal for:
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museum or private collections
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Oldtimer and pre-war events
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static exhibitions
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strong brand or lifestyle positioning within a vintage project
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