If you like automatics, then you’re in luck as the GM unit used was one of the very best of its era. The 70bhp 1.6 is willing and possibly a bit smoother but performance is, at best, average, although the later swift and smooth FWD Cavalier-derived 1.8 ‘Family‘ engine fitted to the 1.8 S GT/J goes as well as the old 2.0 (at 113bhp it is slightly higher-powered) and is the most economical. Without doubt the larger 1.9/2.0 engine is the sensible choice for today’s roads. Offering an honest 110bhp, it was the fastest Manta of them all.
OPEL MANTA 400 PLUS
With no V6 flagship like the Ford, the only true performance model was the Manta B GT/E, which used a fair bit of Ascona 400 rally car development, plus fuel injection for the venerable 2-litre cam-in-head (a sort of mid way between ohv and ohc) engine. That said, the Manta B is also a good looker, plus it is decidedly the roomier and can be had in useful sports hatch form. Those sleek, graceful lines look great, more than 40 years on, and this German knocks sports off the Viva-based Vauxhall Firenza which was launched soon after. There’s not as much choice as with a Capri and it may be a case of what you can get hold of – but given the option we’d go for the original Manta A.įor a start it looks really cool, while the car’s rarity now ensures its exclusivity. If you’ve had your fill of the fast-backed Ford, then why not consider the Opel? It’s the superior, classier ‘Capri’ in many ways and a lot more exclusive. Parent company General Motors loved the car even more and, by the mid 1970s, had re-badged it in the UK as a Vauxhall. Us Brits rather took to the car almost as well, despite its high pricing, thanks to the import duties which were in force back then. Launched just after the Ford, the sporty Opel stayed in production the same length of time too, and was hugely popular in its native Germany. We’re not sure if the word Manta is actually German for ‘Capri’ but in automotive terms it certainly was during the 1970s and 80s. Manta B stuff is far more widespread although a lot of it will be GT/E – depends if you’re a stickler for originality.Īlan Anderson reveals why he’s so hooked on opel’s manta – the classier, more sophisticated capri Where you will come unstuck is trim and detailing, especially for Manta A. Parts supply is good (Lotus used the front suspension for its Esprit) and there’s a fair amount of interchange-ability possible.
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