The Opel Manta was a sporty coupe produced in Europe and sold through Buick dealers from 1970 to 1975. While the company built half a million copies overall, the number that hit U.S. shores was only a small portion of the total. As Buick got into building smaller cars of their own, demand for the Opel in the States trickled way off. This 1973 Manta, a Rallye edition, is a running project located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $1,600. Thanks for the cool tip, “Happy Howard A”!
Opel was part of General Motors’ global footprint for many years. Several Opel models were offered at one time or another by Buick dealers, including the Kadett and this car, the Manta. The German vehicle was based on the Ascona, a family car, and employed conventional engineering, such as rear-wheel drive. Only one body style was offered, the coupe like we see here. The only engine choice in the U.S. was a 1.9-liter inline-4, and – typically – a 4-speed manual transmission was included.
U.S. Mantas were initially marketed as 1900 Sport Coupés. In 1973, the Rallye model (like the seller’s car) was also offered, but was really just an appearance and gauge package. We’re told this 53-year-old Opel runs, drives, and stops, but has issues. The tires are worn out, and the engine may have a leak in the back. But some brake work has been done. The body is far from perfect, with rust in the “usual” areas (I guess Open fans would know where they are).
The interior is pretty much toast, and the driver’s bucket seat is down to the springs. One piece of glass is missing, along with a door panel. The seller is an Opel guy, but this one has more rust on the floors than he wishes to fool with. The asking price is simply an attempt to recoup costs and the seller would entertain a trade for another Opel, either a Kadett or GT.
Nice to see one of these still around. I worked on many of these back in the day. You just don’t see them anymore. This obviously needs work, but would make a good conversation piece at the local cars and coffee.
Pretty much the same drive train as the early 70s Kadett, of which I had one. I drove it for a few years and I liked it.
Had a Manta Luxus in dark blue with 4 speed. Factory new tires were horrible. Michelin radials one size larger transformed the car into a great car. It really needed the european 5 speed transmission version. Huge trunk, great seats. Good for 29 mpg on open road. Much better car than the Ford Capri with the 2000 cc engine. Upstate New York salt ate mine in 5 years.
This is pretty much a Kadett with a snazzier body. They were more than decent cars of the day. GM even toyed with the idea of rebadging them as Buick Manta. I’m surprised they didn’t as it may have helped sales.