1901 Opel has finished the chapter Lutzmann and Patentmotorwagen. One is looking for new, more effective ways of automobile production. The view is to France where the construction and manufacturing makes bigger jumps, starting around the turn of the century.

Excellent example here is Marcel Renault, the with front engine, geared transmission, cardan shaft and ring and pinion drive on the rear axle is very close to the later standard drive. Unfortunately he has problems to fulfill the contract concluded with Opel. The factory can not reach the expected quantities.

The now completely unknown company Darracq seems to be better prepared. Technically similar to Renault, they can cover the needs of Opel even with several models. The Germans will add to this variety many of their own modifications in the coming years. By the way Alexandre Darracq is involved a little later in the founding of Alfa.

In the beginning Opel produces for the imported vehicles only the bodies. As early as next year Opel can express obviously wishes towards its French partner. So there are special versions of the Opel-Darracq. Because the contracts are negotiated in line with prudent, in Germany one wins more and more room to manoeuvre.

The first Darracqs still have, known from the Renault the in gentle arcs forward sloping bonnet because below it, the cooling is realized by tubes with attached fins. Later, at Opel there is the honeycomb radiator with fan as to see in the above shown vehicle from 1904.

Even with the manufacture of the build one has enormous scope for design. Sun vehicles are produced with up to three rows of seats, later also closed, and flatbed trucks. But early one changed also e.g. the motor mechanism. This includes via a second camshaft from below operated inlet valve.

As a result, from one be two cylinder, later these doubled, initially placed one behind the other and then even cast together. With the displacement the performance climbs almost to the upper class. In addition to the Opel cars according to the system Darracq are created almost the same number of own developments, which are also sold as such.

One can suspect, the momentum of Opel leads to a gradual separation from the French partner. Actually, the contract should run in any case only to 1906, but will be extended again until 1908. Then is the end of the cooperation. Opel is on his own and no longer needs the Darracq basics ... 06/12