6/21/2023 0 Comments Buick opel manta for sale![]() ![]() Opel calls the one-off EV the Manta GSe even though, back in the Manta A's time, the GS and GS/E designations were reserved for the upmarket Commodore range. And so Opel's engineers took a Manta A and turned it into a compact, sporty stand-alone EV that makes us long for a time of smaller, lighter cars-and perhaps even look forward to an electrified future. Prices for vintage Manta A models have long been on the rise, and given its cult status, it was a natural fit when Opel was looking for a suitable candidate for a restomod as a showcase for electrification. But while the Manta B was long seen as a tacky pseudo-racer, its image just recently beginning to recover, the Manta A has always been regarded as a real designer piece: a car priced for the masses, but of almost stunning beauty and sensuality. Too bad Opel has no plans to manufacture one.įew Americans remember the Opel Manta, even though it has been sold here from '71 through '75 and, as we wrote in our November 1976 issue, "has always found favor with this magazine." It's a different story in Europe, where the original Manta had a successor that was built into the late 1980s. It's small, light, and low on horsepower and range, but we love it anyway.The earlier Manta A has become a cult favorite, so it makes sense that Opel chose it as the subject of a restomod to showcase electrification in the Manta GSe ElektroMod.The 1970s-era Opel Manta was mainly a Europe-market car, although it was sold in the U.S.More importantly, it’s well-sorted and ready for weekend canyon runs. However, this one was well-loved and preserved and will likely be the only one to show up at any car show. It was never popular here despite having excellent performance and European cachet. The Opel Manta inhabits an unusual place in American automotive history. But all the hard-to-find vents and interior bits are in place if the new owner chooses to make the system functional. Originally equipped with factory air conditioning, the compressor is missing. Other recent mechanical work includes a new fuel tank, battery, alternator, and voltage regulator, along with a fresh tune-up and oil change. In addition, the original and somewhat problematic fuel injection is replaced with a Weber two-barrel carburetor favored by Opel enthusiasts. The engine was freshly rebuilt and bored for more power, with new pistons and other components. The original 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, matched with a factory four-speed manual transmission, is under the hood. In addition, small bumpers from an earlier Manta are in place instead of the larger government-mandated originals that would’ve been present on a 1974 Manta. The owner lowered the suspension for a more aggressive stance and fitted wide aftermarket mesh wheels. Only a few tasteful modifications enhance its appearance and performance. This Opel Manta GT shows like new, sporting fresh paint in period-correct brilliant blue with contrasting black stripes and trim. It’s fitted with GT/E performance model livery and cosmetic enhancements, including a blacked-out hood, side stripes, and trim.Ī Southern California car, it is virtually rust-free. These factors make the Manta sold on eBay a remarkable find. Inevitable rust issues that plague so many cars from the era make finding a running Manta nearly impossible today. Besides, ambivalent dealers were more interested in moving Rivieras than economy cars. It was hampered by a lack of brand recognition and a relatively higher price tag than its competitors. Nonetheless, the Manta was not a huge sales success. At the same time, the cabin was more upscale than many competitors. Its light weight and sharp handling made it a favorite of showroom-stock road racers, despite having less power than most rivals. The Manta was a surprisingly well-balanced and agile car for its day. Those cars, like the 1974 Opel Manta GT recently sold on eBay, are now highly collectible. One vital source was Opel, the unlikely marriage of Buick and GM’s European firms. ![]()
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