Opel P4

Written by Administrator    Monday, 01 September 2008

Car : Opel P4 Year : 1935 Engine : 4 cylinders in line Bore and stroke :67.5×75 mm Cylinder capacity : 1074 cc Gears : 3 forward Brake horse power : 23 Maximum speed : 57 mph Wheelbase : 7 ft 6 ins (2.3 m)   Suspension : front and rear : semi-elliptic leaf- springs   The P4 dates from 1935 and its production was based on American methods. Opels had been sold to General Motors in 1929. The particularly attractive price of DM 1,450 made the P4 highly successful but it only remained in production for two years. The reason was probably because it overshadowed the Hitler régime’s  ‘people’s car’  or Volkswagen. Technically there was nothing outstanding about the P4, indeed it was rather behind its time. However, Opel and its new owners had an entirely practical objective; this was a sturdy car which lacked frills and was cheap. In this they were imitating the approach of Ford in England. The P4 derived from cars that were already in production by 1929 and 1932; it differed only in having a shorter piston stroke than its stable mates. It developed 23 bhp at 3,600 revs. It had pumped water cooling, a 6 volt electrical system , mechanical brakes, a 3-speed gearbox (a 4-speed gearbox was an extra) and a 2- or 4-door body. Aside from these features, which admittedly do not place the P4 in the forefront of progress, the P4 occupies a place of great importance in the history of Opel. The P4 was the inspiration for the Kadett manufactured by General Motors which has sold around the world.