1971 Opel Manta – Classified of the Week

Ford’s Capri was a mighty machine and one that proved with some gusto that the buying public wanted their pound of sporty metal. Billed as ‘the car you always promised yourself’ the Capri was a sales hit. It flew out of showrooms as fast as Ford could fill them up. It was impractical, it wasn’t all that fast, but it didn’t matter. That coupe design fired us up and got us reaching for our wallets. This was of course music to the ears of Ford bosses, but less so to the aural receptors of Ford’s rivals. The biggest rival to the Capri on UK soil was the Vauxhall Firenza, but only by virtue of it being a two-horse race. The sales gap between them was considerable. Over in Europe, it was even worse, as Opel – Vauxhall’s European arm – didn’t even have the ageing Firenza. It had nothing. Until, that was, 1970. You see, that’s when Opel dropped the Manta on the world, and oh what a looker it was.

Based on the Ascona (though it actually pre-dated it) the Manta A Series, as it’s known, was a sleek and very pretty machine. Twin headlights, ‘afterburner’ rear lights, a flowing roofline and a pointed nose gave it some real road presence. Like the Capri, Opel was keen to make the Manta all things to all drivers and offered it with all manner of engines. You could have a 1.2, 1.6 or a range-topping 1.9. The transmission was either a three-speed automatic or the more common four-speed manual. Both drove the rear wheels, naturally.

Did it beat the Capri in the sales stakes? No, it did not. The Capri was a wholly more impressive car and was made available as a more obvious performance model what with the inclusion of a V6 option. Still, the Manta did well enough for Opel and would pave the way for future models (though these would be based on the Cavalier). The A was definitely a high-point for Opel and is a car that still enjoys a passionate following today. Though they are becoming increasingly hard to find, which is why the 1971 car we have here is so special.

Rust was a massive, massive killer of the Manta A. Built with rust protection no more significant than paint, they would dissolve at the mere mention of moisture. This is why UK cars are so hard to find. First of all, they were rare, to begin with. Second of all, British weather was the Freddy Krueger to their vehicular dreams. If you do find one today, it will have almost certainly have been restored at some point. And while there is no problem with it, there is no denying that original is best. Happily, that’s what we have here.

This 1971 Opel Manta A Series is, according to the light on information seller, an original car. Rescued from France and brought to the Netherlands where it currently resides, this Manta has never seen a sparkly spanner, it’s never been bent, it’s never been painted (apart from the bonnet). This is an original, survivor car. And that is quite a find. It’s rust-free and in incredible condition throughout. If you want a Manta A, and you should, this is arguably one of if not the most original one out there. Priced at £15,950 it’s not the cheapest car in the world, but it’s also unique in its condition. Just think how much fun the drive back from the Netherlands will be in this blue beauty. Go on, you know it makes sense.