Adam Opel

1837 – 1895

Adam Opel was a German entrepreneur who founded the Opel company in Rüsselsheim in 1862 to manufacture sewing machines, expanded into bicycle production in 1886, and laid the groundwork for what would become one of Europe's largest automobile manufacturers. By the time of his death in 1895 his company was the largest sewing-machine and bicycle producer in Germany, and his five sons subsequently led Opel into automobile production, building the firm into a major industrial enterprise. The company has since passed through several owners but continues to bear his name more than 160 years after its founding.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM