Opel Manta

Lore & Background

The Manta A debuted in September 1970, two months before the Ascona on which it was based. It featured distinctive round tail lights similar to those on the Opel GT, and took styling cues from the 1961 Manta Ray concept car, which also influenced the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3. In the United States, Opels were sold through Buick dealerships; the Manta was initially marketed as the '1900 Sport Coupé' or '1900 Rallye' before the Manta nameplate appeared in 1973. US models received the 1.9 L engine only, with a heavy-duty radiator, and from 1973 were detuned to 75 hp due to emissions regulations. The 1974–75 models gained large aluminium 5 mph bumpers to meet US crash standards. European markets offered a 1.2 L engine and various trim levels, including the Berlinetta and the fuel-injected GT/E. The Turbomanta, built by Broadspeed and D.O.T., saw limited production of 33 cars: five yellow prototypes and 28 black Berlinetta-based cars with automatic transmissions. The TE 2800, built by Transeurop Engineering, fitted a 2.8 L Commodore six-cylinder engine into the Manta A; Opel did not endorse the project.

Reader's Guide

The Opel Manta holds significance as a successful rally car in both Europe and the United States, winning numerous events. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and robust CIH engine made it competitive, while special editions like the GT/E and the rare Turbomanta demonstrated performance potential. The Manta's US market presence, though brief (ending in 1975), introduced American buyers to Opel engineering through Buick dealerships. The TE 2800, though not factory-approved, showed the adaptability of the platform. The Manta's legacy is tied to its role as a sporting alternative to the Ford Capri, and its name—inspired by the manta ray—remains recognizable among enthusiasts. Production of the Manta A totaled nearly half a million units, underscoring its commercial success.

Did You Know?

• The Manta A's round tail lights were also used on the Opel GT in 1973.
• The Turbomanta had only 33 examples built, five of which were prototypes.
• In the US, the Manta was sold as the '1900 Sport Coupé' or '1900 Rallye' before 1973.
• The TE 2800 used a 2.8 L inline-six engine from the Opel Commodore.