The Opel Blitz project was set up with the aim of mass producing a robust and reliable commercial vehicle that could be used for different applications and tasks. Opel began production of the early trucks, based on a typically US "layout", in its Russelsheim plant in the early 1930s. This was a success story that evolved over time and continued until the mid-1970s. The Opel Blitz's sturdy structural characteristics were noted by the Wehrmacht and subsequently deployed by them during the Second World War, in both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. However, its wartime role was later to be eclipsed by its the great commercial success as a civilian vehicle. During the post-war reconstruction period the Opel Blitz was indispensable to Germany's recovery, being used by merchants, craftsmen, industrialists and many others to rebuild the country. Numerous outfitted versions were also made, including the fire-fighting one.