After selling my Bedford I was on the look for a new personal project and this old truck popped out on the local car ads. At the same day me and my friends went to look at it. Winter weather was really cold, while driving it got dark. Truck in the ad was Opel Blitz 1968 with BMW turbo diesel fitted. It was last on the road in 1995, just stood in field for years. Old Opel was ruff, but frame was in great shape, original 6 cylinder 2,5l petrol engine was resting in the back. So we shake hands and after few days Blitz arrived at our workshop. I have to tell you, in day light it was even worse.
Work started in spring. Blitz got fully disassembled till the last bolt. All metal sent to sandblasting. First we got frame and suspension back. I was really pleased about how they look. Just needed new paint, no welding at all. Then we got the cab back. That was when we saw true age of this truck. Whole 50 years of neglecting, 50 salty winters and quick repairs with attitude, that will be good enough.
While we were cutting every rust and previous repairs and replacing with new panels made in house. Suspension and frame got painted and assembled with all new parts. Afterwards cab got prepared and painted in two tone paint scheme. That was chosen to visually make the truck shorter looking from the side. And it was a good choice, it turned out just right.
Original 2,5l 6 cylinder carburated engine had only 51kW. I knew it will not be enough to drive in today’s traffic. Other engine from Opel Monza was bought. They shared same block design, so we could build Monza engine into original block, keeping factory engine number. Result was mostly factory looking engine with fuel injection, a lot more reliable than carb, better fuel millage, meeting today’s pollution standard and most importantly double the original power.
Factory interior was really boring, just a flat seat and some cardboard panels on the sides and roof. It was completely redesigned keeping vintage vibe and using way better materials and attention to details than factory did.
Everything topped with fully wooden american style flat bed, making the truck look really cozy.
I participated in some classic car shows with it, won a few. Had some nice moments driving, used in family photo shoot. Now it’s time for new projects, so it is for sale. If you are looking for something really different to stand out from a crowd, use as promo vehicle for your business, maybe convert it into food truck or camper. Contact us with your offer.
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