Opel contributed to democratizing the automobile through a historic decision made in August 1923: to build, on an assembly line, a single model, smaller in size than those produced until then.
It was the 4/12 HP, for which new plants were set up, thanks to most of the export proceeds left abroad, specifically in Dutch and American banks.
Robust and elegant, the "Laubfrosch", or the frog, as it was nicknamed for its green paint, was suitable for mass production and sported an attractive design.
Powered by a 951 cc inline 4-cylinder, with side valves and screw-in head, coupled to a 3-speed gearbox, the 4/12 HP delivered 12 HP at 2,200 rpm and, with a weight of just 560 kg, this 2-seater with rubberized canvas "top", it reached a speed of 60 km/h.
In 1924 the variant with 14 HP and 70 km/h top speed arrived.
With the contribution of assembly line production Opel managed to reduce the price of the "Laubfrosch" from 4,500 to 4,000 marks, becoming a protagonist of the market even in the following years, in which several manufacturers declared bankruptcy.
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