Born: May 9, 1837. Birthplace: Rüsselsheim, Hesse, Prussia. Zodiac Sign: Taurus. Died: September 8, 1895 (aged 58). It was Adam Opel who established Adam Opel AG. It wasn't until after Opel passed away that the company began producing automobiles; before to that, it had specialized on sewing machines and bicycles. At first, Opel took his cues from his father and became a locksmith. After developing an interest in sewing machines during his travels, he established his own workshop to manufacture them in 1862. Opel wed Sophie Scheller in 1867. By 1899, the firm had produced more than half a million sewing machines, thanks in large part to the investments made by her and her sisters. Bicycles piqued Opel's interest in the 1880s. In 1886, he began production and sent his son Carl to England for further training. Among bicycles and sewing machines, Opel's firm had already established itself as the market leader when he passed away. Despite difficulties, Opel's wife and sons continued to run the business until his death in 1895. Eventually, the Opel family sold the business to General Motors once it started making cars in the 1930s.