Opel posters

The first Opel emblem consisted of initials of Adam Opel. Later, it was an eye, a hood ornament and a coat of arms. The famous lightning logo first appeared in 1950s and got through numerous modifications, the examples of which you can see on the company’s old posters. At the moment it is a silver lighting in a circle with the brand name written on it.

The company was established in 1862 by Adam Opel as a producer of sewing machines. In 1886, Opel started to sell bicycles and in 1899, the first Opel cars appeared. In 1902, Opel presented the cars of its own design and started to produce them in 1906. By 1914, Opel became the largest producer of motor vehicles in Germany. In 1924, the marquee was the first German company that used assembly line in cars production. In 1929, 80% of the company’s shares were sold to General Motors and in two years Opel became its subsidiary. In 1936, Opel was named the biggest automaker in Europe. As Opel plant was ruined during the war, from 1946 to 1979 its workers did their best to restore it.

In 1981, Opel was the first automaker to use ecological water-based paints for its automobiles. In 1984, Opel produced its first turbocharged car, Opel Rekord 2.3 TD. In 2012, Opel formed an alliance with PSA.

Opel cars also take part in motorsports. The most famous victories took place at 1982 World Rally Championship, 1983 Safari Rally and 1996 Touring Car Championship. In 2013, after many years of break, Opel returned to racing.