Opel P4 – the “people’s car” of 1935

In the early 30s, the German automobile industry experienced a significant upswing. And it is not surprising, because it was at this time that the design that received the popular name in many countries, the "people's car».


But other companies located on the territory of the leading European manufacturer of four-wheeled vehicles also presented their good versions. This can be attributed to the popular today Opel, which worked closely under the leadership of General Motors.


In mid-1931, they presented a model with a six-cylinder engine of 1,8 liters. But a more affordable alternative was needed. It was the Opel 1,2 Liter with a four-cylinder engine. It also had a concept of rear-wheel drive, rigid front and rear axles, drum brakes with cable drive. The overall picture was completed by semi-elliptical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers.

Considering the fact that the model was essentially an American copy, its name simply reflected the engine capacity. This car was very popular for its time. By the fall of 1935, 101 units had been assembled at the Rüsselsheim facilities.

The onset of the global economic crisis prompted the company to create a model with an even smaller engine (1 liter). Despite very difficult times, it did not take root on the factory conveyor and in 1933 it completely disappeared from the Opel model range.


Another interesting experience was the cooperation with Steyr-Werke from Steyr. Having received a license, they tried to master the production of Steyr-Opel 4,5/22 HP at their own facilities. After assembling only 496 units, the company faced catastrophically slow sales, which led to the cancellation of the license at the end of 1932.

A worthy successor in the face of the Opel P4

In September 1935, the plant in Rüsselsheim am Main decided to homologate the production line. Thus, the then successful car with a 1,2-liter engine gave way to a new model, which was supposed to continue the dynamic development of the brand.



The new model turned out to be quite good, and its average annual circulation exceeded 30 thousand copies. The car remained on the factory conveyor until the end of 1937. Here are some of its features:

✅ two-door body
✅ four-seater salon
✅ complete lack of luggage compartment

This inexpensive Tudor passenger car with a classic concept and a four-cylinder SV engine became a popular model in the mid-30s. Its assembly was carried out at the company's main plant for 27 months. Below you can see the main characteristics of the engine installed in it:

✅ liquid cooling
✅ working volume - 1074 cubic meters. cm
✅ power – 23 l. s (17 kW) at 3400 rpm
✅ torque – 60 N*m at 2000 rpm
✅ three-speed manual gearbox

Depending on the driving mode, fuel consumption was 7-9 liters/100 km. The car's engine was located in the front, with a rear-wheel drive layout. The cylinder diameter was 67,5 mm, and the piston stroke was 75 mm. There were two valves per cylinder and a proprietary carburetor of our own production, there was no turbocharging. Let's also pay attention to the physical parameters of the car in question:

✅ length - 3,34 m
✅ width - 1,425 m
✅ height - 1,64 m
✅ wheelbase - 2286 mm
✅ Front track – 1118 mm
✅ rear track – 1168 mm

The car also received front and rear solid axles, longitudinal springs with oil shock absorbers and drum brakes. Steering is worm, segmental. Gear ratio is 1:15, the steering wheel is located on the left.


The rectangular frame of the car is made of a U-profile with 7 rods, and the front one-piece forged axle is made of an I-profile. The foot brake is mechanical with a servo drive (cables act on all wheels), the hand brake is of the same type, but with an effect only on the rear pair.

The chassis lubrication is individual pressure lubricators. The wheels of the Opel P4 are made of solid steel disks, secured with four small step bolts. The rims are deep, size: 3,00 x 17 inches. They were assembled with tires 4,25 x 17.

Other car features

The two-door body of the model was made of strong types of wood, with the addition of several steel elements. It was placed on the frame, and the side windows of the cabin were removed using handles. They, unlike others, were made of ordinary material. At the same time, the front and rear ones were made of hardened safe "Securit".


Initially, the car was available in only two colors: gray or dark blue. In each case, they were accompanied by black fenders. The central part of the roof was a permanently made plastic insert.

In addition to the standard sedan, the manufacturer offered a more expensive modification of a special convertible sedan. The folding top of the latter was made of light gray fabric with an insert from the rear window. When closed, it was held in place by arcs inserted into the body frame and fastened to the windshield frame with two clamps. Other characteristics of the car were:

✅ net weight – 755 kg (maximum permissible – 1,15 tons)
✅ speed - 85 km / h
✅ fuel reserve - 25 liters

The gas tank was located under the rear wall (later the volume was increased to 31 liters). In the standard configuration, the Opel P4 instrument panel consisted of two large round instruments with green backlighting. Among the measuring sensors were the following elements:

✅ speedometer
✅ odometer
✅ fuel level indicator
✅ oil pressure indicator

In addition, there were also windshield wipers, lighting switches and direction indicators. The front seat backs could only be adjusted when the car was stationary. They could be folded completely. Additional equipment included an interior rearview mirror, a pair of door pockets, an open glove compartment and interior lighting.

The battery that supplied the electrical system of the Opel P4 was located under the driver's seat. There was also a 6 V alternator. Foot switches for the starter and lighting were used. In the rear of the car (in addition to the standard lights) there were brake lights and a license plate light. After a change in German federal laws, additional "cat's eyes" and a blue indicator for the high beam were added.


The total production period of the model lasted from September 1935 to December 1937. During this period, 65 cars were produced. It gave way on the conveyor to the first Opel Kadett, presented a year earlier. In the mid-864s, the Opel P30 was valued at 4 (a special convertible – at 1650) Reichsmarks.