Opel Manta (1971–1976)
Two doors in place of fins
Model: Opel Manta 1900 0–100 km/h: 12,1 seconds Top speed: 164 km/h Fuel consumption: 12,6 L/100 km (index) Price: R2 766 CAR test: August 1971 (and two others)
Following the release of the futuristic-looking Opel GT in 1969, the more reserved and, ultimately, more refined Asconabased Manta was released in 1971.
PACKAGING
Garnering plenty of praise from the editorial team, CAR
magazine’s first new Manta test car arrived in the form of the 1600 S. “The greatest GM car we have ever driven and one of the finest cars available to South African motorists,” was how a team member described this vehicle in the review.
Vinyl-covered roofs were very much in vogue in the ’70s and on the Manta, it was a R41 option. Sporty-looking bucket seats were fitted in front and the rear could accommodate two adults. To liven up the fascia, supplementary
instrumentation including an ammeter, clock and oil-pressure gauge was fitted ahead of the gear-lever console.
POWERTRAIN
The 1,6 models were known as ‘GT’, while the 1,9 adopted ‘de Luxe’. The 1 584 cc engine had a single cam located in the cylinder head alongside, instead of over the valves. Driven by a double roller chain, it produced 59 kw with 129 N.m of torque. The 1900 version had the same layout, only with a larger bore to produce 76 kw and 156 N.m. The beauty of this camshaft layout is that it has no pushrods. The fuel pump, oil pump and distributor are all driven in front via a helical gear. Single, doublebarrel downdraft Solex carburettors were installed on all Manta models: 23/28 mm on the 1,6 and 24/28 on the 1,9-litre. Gearboxes were either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic, both strong units sourced from General Motors in Germany.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
The Manta’s braking setup used discs in front and drums at the rear, including vacuum servo boosting. The suspension had upper and lower control arms with coil springs in front and trailing arms with a Panhard rod and coil springs at the rear. Electrics are either Bosch or Delco
Remy and steering is unassisted rack and pinion.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR?
To work on a Manta, you will need to own a set of splined sockets. Even back then, Opel discouraged DIY repairs by using these instead of hex or Allen bolts. These are still used today, but the sockets are now much cheaper. Most maintenance work is straightforward.
Rust is not a big issue with the well-made Manta and the metal seems quite solid. That said, the door bottoms and wheel arches are likely to be the first spots to show signs of wear.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
Mantas in good running condition are dwindling in number. Sadly, most are now used for spare parts, meaning the remaining examples are becoming collectables.
These are sturdy vehicles that give little trouble. They are quite easy to maintain and can viably be used as daily transport. Sales started off well at 2 000 for the year in 1971, though this number would taper off to 300 in 1975.
Prices should vary between R15 000 and R80 000 depending on the condition and originality. If you can locate one that was modified by Rory Byrne and friends, it will likely command a premium.