Matchbox 1909 Opel Coupe YMS03

When the Opel brothers first considered automobile production, they had already established themselves as esteemed manufacturers of bicycles and sewing machines. After several years of producing cars with the Lutzman company and importing Daracg chassis, Opel introduced its first original automobile design and soon enjoyed great success. In 1905, Opel automobiles earned 100 victories in sporting and racing events and, for the next six years, the company was one of Germany's leading automobile manufacturers. One of the most popular models was the 1909 Opel Coupe, called the Doktorwagen or "Doctor's Car". A Two-seater with a two-cylinder engine, the 1911 Opel Coupe sold for a mere 3,950 German Marks, four times less expensive than Opel's costliest vehicle. In 1911, the Opel factory was destroyed by fire, and the rebuilt plant housed all the latest technology and techniques. Nevertheless, the pre-fire coupe, the 1909 Doktorwagen, remains an undeniable classic.