Opel 4 PS
The 'Tree Frog' that brought mass motorisation to Germany.
- Power
- 12 bhp
- Top speed
- 41 mph
- Est. value
- $12k–$22k
About the Opel 4 PS
Introduced in 1924, the Opel 4 PS was the first German car to be manufactured on a moving assembly line, revolutionising the nation's automotive industry. Affectionately nicknamed the 'Laubfrosch' (Tree Frog) due to its standard green paint and small, hopping appearance, it was a direct response to the Citroën 5CV, leading to a famous but unsuccessful plagiarism lawsuit. The 4/12 PS trim features a 951cc sidevalve engine and a simple two-seater torpedo body. Its robust, affordable design made it the 'car for everyone' in the Weimar Republic, eventually selling over 100,000 units across all variants.
Opel 4 PS specs
The Opel 4 PS produces 12 bhp (9 kW). It has a top speed of 41 mph (66 km/h).
| Make | Opel |
|---|---|
| Model | 4 PS |
| Trim | 4/12 PS |
| Years | 1924–1926 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Germany |
| Engine | 1.0-litre sidevalve inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 951 cc (1.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 12 bhp (9 kW) at 2,200 rpm |
| Top speed | 41 mph (66 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 570 kg (1,257 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 21 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Opel 4 PS worth?
A typical Opel 4 PS is estimated to be worth $12,000 – $22,000 (about £8,900 – £16,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Opel 4 PS rarity in CarSpot
The Opel 4 PS is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Opel 4 PS fun facts
- The Laubfrosch was only available in green for its first few years of production to distinguish it from the yellow Citroën 5CV it was accused of copying.
- By 1930, efficient assembly line production allowed Opel to slash the car's price from 4,500 Rentenmarks to just 1,990 Reichsmarks.
- The '4 PS' in its name refers to its tax horsepower rating, while the '12' denotes its actual brake horsepower output.