![]() 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. The rest of the running gear is strong so just check the usual.Parts supply isn’t too bad as the engine also served in the later Vauxhall Carltons and the Frontera of the 1990s. The unusual cam-in-head engine is quite robust although can sound tappety at high miles (it’s not a particularly smooth unit).The B is better served, not least because the majority of panels (apart from the front snout) were also shared with the Cavalier. Replacement panels aren’t easy to come by for the Manta A, so you need to do some searching.The front valance is another vulnerable area. Cosmetically the tops of the front wings are a favourite, as are the rear wheel arches, boot lid etc.That said most now will be riddled with body rot in all the usual places and this includes inner wings, chassis legs, floors and so on. ![]()
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