Adam Opel

Adam Opel (May 9, 1837 - September 9, 1895) was the founder of the German car-maker Opel.

Related Topics:
May 9 - 1837 - September 9 - 1895 - German - Car - Opel

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Born in 1838 in the town of Rüsselsheim, Germany near Frankfurt, he began his carreer in a locksmith apprenticeship. He traveled across Europe as a teenager, and became fascinated by sewing machines. In 1863 he opened a factory in Rüsselsheim to mass-produce these machines.

Related Topics:
Rüsselsheim, Germany - Frankfurt - Locksmith - Sewing machines - 1863

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In 1868, Opel married Sophie Marie Scheller. They would have five sons: Carl, Wilhelm, Heinrich, Friedrich and Ludwig. All five would eventually become involved in the growing family business.

Related Topics:
1868 - Sophie Marie Scheller

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In 1885, Opel expanded into building pre-assembled bicycles.

Related Topics:
1885 - Bicycle

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He died in 1895, with his company the leader in European sewing machines sales and producing over 2,000 bicycles yearly.

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