Opel marks the 90th anniversary of the Type Olympia, the first German mass-produced car with a self-supporting all-steel body, a groundbreaking innovation that reshaped automobile manufacturing.
Unveiled at the 1935 Berlin Motor Show, the Olympia revolutionized vehicle design, paving the way for modern production techniques still in use today.
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With its lightweight construction, the Olympia improved both performance and fuel efficiency.
Weighing just 835 kg—135 kg less than its predecessor—it reached a top speed of 95 km/h with a 1.3-litre, 24 hp engine while consuming just 9.5 litres per 100 km.
Its aerodynamic design also enhanced safety and stability, setting new standards for passenger protection with early crumple-zone concepts and a rigid roof structure.
Beyond engineering achievements, the Olympia made history in 1936 as the first car to cross the Atlantic by airship, traveling to Brazil aboard the Hindenburg. It later became a cinematic icon in the 1947 film In Those Days, where it symbolized a decade of German history.
The Olympia’s legacy continued with later Opel models bearing its name until the 1970s. Today, Opel carries forward its innovative spirit with the Astra, offering state-of-the-art technology and electrified powertrains while maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Source: 90 Years of Opel Olympia: A Pioneer in Modern Car Manufacturing
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