Description
1985 Opel Manta GTE – 66, 953 Miles – Genuine One-Owner Car
A genuine 1985 Opel Manta GTE, presented as an exceptionally original and remarkably well-preserved example.
The car shows 66, 953 miles and comes with its V5, original manuals, purchase documentation and original tax discs still in the window. I am technically the second owner on the V5, but this is a genuine one-owner-from-new car; I have only registered it in my name in order to obtain the V5 and preserve the car’s provenance.
The Manta was put into garage storage in 1995, where it remained for around 31 years before being removed in July 2026. It has therefore spent the vast majority of its life stored away rather than being used or modified.
It remains remarkably original, including the complete and immaculate Recaro interior, original spare wheel and both sets of headlights, with the original headlights included with the car and in very good condition.
Condition & recommissioning
The shell is genuinely exceptionally solid. The sills, rear pockets and strut towers are solid, with no significant structural corrosion or holes. There is surface corrosion to the shell and running gear, as would be expected from a car that has been stored for so many years, but the underlying shell is unusually good.
The red paintwork would benefit from attention. Some panels may respond well to correction/ polishing and could potentially be retained with their original paint, while other areas will require paintwork. I would personally preserve as much of the original finish as possible rather than simply repainting the entire car.
The engine has now been recommissioned sufficiently to run and starts, idles and sounds very healthy and happy. It runs happily on its own fuel supply and can be started on viewing if required. I also have a video of it running available for genuinely interested buyers.
The car will move under its own power and the gearbox appears to operate correctly. However, I have not driven the car on the road and it should be considered a recommissioning project rather than a road-ready vehicle.
The original fuel tank is currently not trusted due to its condition after decades of storage, so the engine is presently being run from a standalone clean fuel supply. Fresh Mobil engine oil and filter have been fitted and several injector hoses have been replaced.
It will require further recommissioning before being used on the road, including attention to the original fuel system, brakes, tyres and the usual checks expected after such a long period of storage. There is currently no MOT.
Included
* Genuine 1985 Opel Manta GTE
* 66, 953 miles
* V5
* Genuine one-owner-from-new provenance
* Original purchase documentation
* Original manuals
* Original tax discs
* Complete original Recaro interior
* Both sets of headlights
* Original headlights in very good condition
* Original spare wheel
* Exceptionally solid shell
* Original/ unmolested character throughout
This is a particularly unusual opportunity to acquire a genuine, highly original Manta GTE that has been preserved rather than modified, with excellent provenance and an exceptionally solid shell.
The car would suit someone looking for a genuine restoration/ recommissioning project, or a collector who wants to preserve an increasingly rare example in as-original condition.
£7999sensible offers considered.
Viewing is welcome for genuinely interested buyers. The car can be started on viewing and a video of it running can be provided.
