From 1952, the Opel Blitz, which had been built since 1930, received a new, contemporary look. The design closely resembled the American pickups of that time. The vehicle, now designed for a payload of 1.75 tons, was available as both a box van and a flatbed truck. Additionally, special builds such as turntable ladders, tow cranes, and beverage flatbeds were also offered. Commonly referred to as the "Weichblitz," the vehicle was powered by a six-cylinder gasoline engine that delivered a respectable 58 horsepower.