1955 Opel CarAvan - Unique, Adorable and Great Fun

This is an amazing little car. Car History:2002: I purchased it from a Texas collector. placed on an island off the coast of Maine. driven 40-50 miles per year and only on clear days with temperatures over 70. I have had the car maintained and serviced by an antique car specialist. The car was shipped and stored and is now stored in Rehoboth Beach. Delaware. 2000: Purchased by a Texas collector who put it in storage and it was rarely used. 1998: Purchased by a Texas collector who rebuilt the brake hydraulics. including hoses and lines. had a new exhaust system fitted and installed new water and fuel pumps. The gas tank was boiled out and sealed. Refinished and repainted in original grey color1955-1998: Purchased by an army lieutenant stationed in Germany and shipped back to Walla Walla. Washington (which accounts for the lack of rust). 1955: Ordered (supposedly) by German filmmaker Leni Riefensthal to use as a camera equipment van. Shortly before delivery she decided to have a Mercedes 220S modified at Karosserie Binz to suit her special needs. Specifics - Interior:The odometer reads 1. 03 (which would be KMs). but hasn't worked since at least 2000. Speedometer and other gauges work well. Lights. switches and vacuum-operated windshield wipers workingRadio block-off plate present (I have identified the correct radio and can share that information). Seats have been re-upholstered in correct colors. Looks and feel great. Headliner is new and adds a beautiful feel. Tires and battery new in past two years. Rear bench seat folds to accomodate a large. flat. 62" long cargo space which accomodates a load up to 1. 58 pounds. Separate compartment under inside rear "way back" for jacking equipment and spare tire. Specifics - Exterior:Drive-train quite rugged. 1. 5-liter short stroke engine will literally run forever. Column shifted three-speed transmission with 2nd and 3rd gear synchonrizationSoutheastern Washington's unique climate helped preserve this little guy in an amazingly rust-free state. No wholes or preforations. Floors are clean and original - not an ounce of undercoatingAverage life-span in Germany was about seven years - due to road salt rust cancer - were junked in great mechanical conditionMiscellaneous:Comes with the original owner's manual (in English!). factory brochure and rare parts manual. I have been buying any parts I see on eBay and will include those. From the factory brochure: The Car-A-Van is a particularly smart station-wagon. It holds the road even on bad stretches of highway and sharp bends. The good road adhesion. due to wide tread. the well positioned center of gravity. the carefully balanced springing and trustworthy brakes all combine to give a feeling of absolute safety - an advantage which cannot be stressed too much. The Opel is tremendous fun to drive. Wherever you go people admire the car. compliment it. want ot know what it is (a squashed up baby Pontiac?) and how old it is. It is likely the ONLY 1955 CarAvan in America. Opel did not begin exporting their cars (through Buick) until 1957. This is a perfect car to enjoy on weekends. use to advertise your busines. drive daily and cruise around while turning heads. It is a rugged little work horse and drives like a dream. Payment/Shipping Information:$500 deposit required within 48 hours of end of auction. Pay-pal is accepted for the deposit. but the balance must be paid with a cashier's check. personal check or wire transfer. If sending a personal check it must clear before the buyer collects the car. Shipping is responsibility of the buyer. I will help with coordinating with the buyer's hauler/shipper. Car is in Rehoboth Beach. Delaware - zip code 19971. It breaks my heart to part with this loyal friend. but its time. Please contact me if you have any questions.