The everyman coupé was something Ford had sewn-up in Europe with the advent of the Capri in 1968 – itself inspired by the success of the Mustang in the USA. Other manufacturers were obviously keen to get in on the action and, while Vauxhall had the Viva-based Firenza in the UK, German GM counterpart Opel had its own plans to capitalise on this explosive new market in the form of the stylish Manta.
Although it was engineered and built in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the Manta was styled by George Gallion, an American. There are clear US influences in its look, following on from the earlier Opel GT, often known as the ‘baby Corvette’. The Manta was more grown-up, sharing its platform with the upcoming Ascona saloon. Although externally it was unique, under the skin it was almost identical. Sharing major mechanical components, floorpan, dashboard and even the front seats meant that – like the Capri – it was very competitively priced.
When the Manta was launched in 1970, it was offered with a 68bhp 1.6, 80bhp 1.6 ‘S’ and a 90bhp 1.9-litre version of Opel’s ‘cam-in-head’ engine, hooked up to a four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic transmission. The Ascona’s suspension layout featured double wishbones and coil springs up-front, and a live axle, trailing arms, coil springs and a Panhard rod at the rear.
Two trim levels were offered, the Deluxe the more basic 1.6-powered version, with the SR bringing wider wheels and tyres, stripes, an uprated gauge cluster and, most importantly, the 1.9-litre engine. Better-equipped Berlinetta and Luxus models appeared in late ’72 and ’74, respectively.
Saving the best for last (and sadly never offered officially in the UK) was the 1974 Manta GT/E, featuring a fuel-injected version of the 1.9-litre engine, producing 103bhp. Lowered suspension, Rostyle wheels, an additional gauge pod and a lower front valance completed the package. Later in the Manta A’s life, a 1.2-litre Kadett-engined version was also offered in some European markets.
The Manta was one of the few Opel models that was officially sold in the USA. Offered via Buick dealerships, the Manta was sold only as a 1.9-litre in this market alone, with a few alterations such as a heavy-duty cooling system and slightly different badging. A sportier-looking model, known as the Rallye, was also offered.
Increasingly stringent emissions regulations saw power output drop over the years, making the Manta less appealing after 1973. Bosch fuel injection came in for the 1975 model year, as did the large 5mph-impact bumpers, just before all imports of Opel models to the USA stopped in 1975, around the time Manta A production finished.
The Manta A lasted just five years before it was replaced by the Manta B – a model that lived on until 1988. Yet in those five years, almost 500,000 Manta As were built! Finding a good example today will take some searching though – especially in the UK. There are many more cars in the US and Europe. Engaging with the Opel Manta Owners Club is a good idea if you want to find out more.
Prices remain very tempting, and are considerably lower than for a Capri of a similar age. The humble underpinnings make this a relatively trouble-free proposition, too, with sensible running costs and easy maintenance. Make sure to buy a solid example, and enjoy a slice of 1970s joy.
Opel Manta A common problems
• Structurally, there are several areas that must be inspected on any Manta. Corrosion below the battery tray is common, and not a difficult repair in itself, but the chassis rail and inner wing below this area is also a common area of extensive corrosion, and repair is more involved.
• Sills, wheelarches and suspension mounting points must be carefully inspected – it’s likely they’ve been repaired on a UK car, so you’re checking for the quality of repair more than anything.
• Availability of repair panels is almost non-existent, so finding a solid car to start with is always best.
• Opel’s CIH family of engines is generally very reliable, and they’re chain-driven, so maintenance is generally straightforward. These engines respond well to old-school tuning, with more power easily attained via an uprated camshaft and better breathing through twin carburettors and exhaust modifications.
• The Manta was a sharp-driving car from the factory, so treat any wayward handling with caution. It may need replacement bushes, or potentially a full overhaul.
• Modified cars are less common than they once were, but you might still find the odd example with a larger engine fitted. We’d avoid anything too radical.
What to pay?
While there is some variation in value between basic and higher-spec models, condition is the deciding factor. You can pick up a decent ‘going concern’ from around £4000–6000, with much rarer excellent and close-to-perfect cars commanding anywhere from £12,000 to north of £20k. The left-hand-drive-only GT/E remains the pick of the bunch, so add roughly 20% for one of these.
