Better to drive than a Capri, and significantly cheaper, too – if you can find a good one
THE EVERYMAN COUPÉ was something Ford had sewn-up in Europe with the advent of the Capri in 1968 – itself inspired by the success of the Mustang in the USA. Other manufacturers were obviously keen to get in on the action and, while Vauxhall had the Viva-based Firenza in the UK, German GM counterpart Opel had its own plans to capitalise on this explosive new market in the form of the stylish Manta.
Although it was engineered and built in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the Manta was styled by George Gallion, an American. There are clear US influences in its look, following on from the earlier Opel GT, often known as the ‘baby Corvette’. The Manta was more grown-up, sharing its platform with the upcoming Ascona saloon. Although externally it was unique, under the skin it was almost identical. Sharing major mechanical components, floorpan, dashboard and even the front seats meant that – like the Capri – it was very competitively priced.
When the Manta was launched in 1970, it was offered with a 68bhp 1.6, 80bhp 1.6 ‘S’ and a 90bhp 1.9-litre version of Opel’s ‘cam-in-head’ engine, hooked up to a four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic transmission. The Ascona’s suspension layout featured double wishbones and coil springs up-front, and a live axle, trailing arms, coil springs and a Panhard rod at the rear.
Two trim levels were offered, the Deluxe the more basic 1.6-powered version, with the SR bringing wider wheels and tyres, stripes, an uprated gauge cluster and, most importantly, the 1.9-litre engine. Better-equipped Berlinetta and Luxus models appeared in late ’72 and ’74, respectively.
Saving the best for last (and sadly never offered officially in the UK) was the 1974 Manta GT/E, featuring a fuel-injected version of the 1.9-litre engine, producing 103bhp. Lowered suspension, Rostyle wheels, an additional gauge pod and a lower front valance completed the package. Later in the Manta A’s life, a 1.2-litre Kadett-engined version was also offered in some European markets.
The Manta was one of the few Opel models that was officially sold in the USA. Offered via Buick dealerships, the Manta was sold only as a 1.9-litre in this market alone, with a few alterations such as a heavy-duty cooling system and slightly different badging. A sportier-looking model, known as the Rallye, was also offered.
Increasingly stringent emissions regulations saw power output drop over the ye
