Comprehensive history file with original brochures and press release photos
Recent bare metal/glass out repaint
Four registered keepers from new
MOT valid until September 2025
The Appeal
The 'B2' Opel Manta veered the droop-snooted, elegant Manta into a distinctly more brash direction in more ways than one. The era was in a world of pure excess, with 80s cars growing increasingly charismatic spoilers and skirts. This new car matched that ably, and for many Europeans even summated it. The 'B2' Manta offered pure, unbridled, 1980s charisma - an angular, deep-chinned bit of retro glamour that perfectly hit the zeitgeist. It was fast on its feet, it had a certain level of rebellion in its styling and, frankly, it was just outright fun.
By 1986, the car had hit its ultimatum. The Sportier GT/E had transformed into the GT/E Exclusive, thanks to a redesign and tune-up courtesy of Irmscher Automobilbau. Inspired by the Manta 400 Rally car, the Exclusive boasted quad halogen headlamps, and an impressive deep boot spoiler - while packing the cabin with Recaro cloth-and-leather seats. It was an immediate hit, and turned out to be the final edition of the Manta's impressive market run.
This fine example of the Opel legend is boasts a remarkably low mileage of just 40,100 miles, and is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, along with a recent out-and-out refresh of its paintwork. It's a superb, highly potent and no doubt very seductive classic for any enthusiast seeking to recapture that very distinctive era of 80s sports and rally driving.
History and Paperwork
Registered on 30/03/1988
Four registered keepers from new
1st owner: Cathedral Properties Ltd of Jermyn Street, London
2nd owner: Mr W of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire (owned for 28 years)
3rd owner: CSD Vehicles of Edinburgh, Scotland (purchased via ACA auction)
4th owner: Mr J of Lytham St Annes, Lancashire (purchased via Car Cave)
Advisory-free MOT valid until September 2025
Supplied with:
V5C logbook and old style V5C including 1st issued
VCheck Report
Current and old MOTs
Original press release photos
Vauxhall-Opel Model line up brochure
Original Manta Exclusive Sales brochure
Manta Exclusive Price list
Original Operation-Safety-Maintenance book plus Maintenance Programme/Service booklet
Various invoices and Tracker documentation including registration document
Bare metal/glass out repaint by LD Automotive Ltd in May 2020, with less than 200 miles covered since
Paintwork is still in utterly excellent order with a lovely shine
Decals are all present and correct
Sliding steel sunroof in good working order with no leaks
Tinted glass
Four headlights all in good order
Manta 400 rally rear spoiler
Exclusive Anthracite & Silver alloys look in very good condition
Underside is in fine condition
Grey Chicago velour Recaro trim in very good order
No sign of any rips or tears
Carpets are clean and well-kept
Door cards are very well presented
All instruments are clean and legible
Original media player still in situ
Boot is clean and solid
The Mechanics
2.0-litre CIH four-cylinder powerplant
5-speed manual transmission
Uprated suspension
Recent service, including water pump, spark plugs, and battery at 40,014 miles by Appreciating Classics
New vacuum hose and re-set timing at 40,014 miles by Loddon Motortec Ltd
New battery installed by GSF in August 2024
Engine bay in excellent order
We've no reports of any mechanical issues
We understand the car to still be driving exactly as it should
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
