The Opel Darracq 9 PS, produced between 1902 and 1907, was Opel’s first mass-produced car. This model was created as part of a licensing agreement with the French automaker Alexandre Darracq, allowing Opel to produce cars based on Darracq’s designs. This partnership marked a significant step in Opel’s transition from sewing machines and bicycles to automobiles.

The Opel Darracq 9 PS was powered by a 1.2-liter, two-cylinder engine that produced 9 horsepower (hence the name “9 PS,” with “PS” standing for “Pferdestärke,” the German term for horsepower). This power output allowed the car to achieve a top speed of approximately 45 km/h (28 mph), which was respectable for the early 1900s. The engine featured a simple, reliable design and was mated to a three-speed manual transmission with a rear-wheel-drive setup.

The car’s design was reminiscent of the carriages of the era, with large spoked wheels, an open-top body, and seating for two to four passengers. The Opel Darracq 9 PS was relatively lightweight, which helped its modest engine provide adequate performance. It had a hand-crank starter, rudimentary suspension, and braking systems typical of the period.

The Darracq 9 PS provided Opel with valuable experience in automotive manufacturing and was well-received in the German market. Though limited in numbers, it helped establish Opel’s reputation as an automobile manufacturer and was a stepping stone for the company’s development of independent designs after the licensing agreement with Darracq ended. Today, the Opel Darracq 9 PS is a rare and valued collector’s item, representing the early days of Opel’s automotive journey.