Auction Car of the Week: 1972 Opel Manta A

The Manta looks set to join the Ford Puma and Mustang Mach-E as a modern sports-car-turned-SUV – previewed in a new concept shown off by Vauxhall earlier this month. But if an electric Manta SUV doesn’t light your fire, you might be interested in what Car & Classic has to offer.

The original Opel Manta A was launched in 1970 and shared many similarities with its 1968 arch-rival, the Ford Capri. Both were mildly sporting, front-engined, rear-driven coupes, and both proved to be a commercial success.

However, time has been harsher to the Opel than to the Ford, and only around 60 remain on British roads. That makes the Manta a rare sight – especially in this kind of condition.

A manual Manta

This Manta’s 1.9-litre cam-in-head motor was the most powerful engine available in Europe, serving up around 90hp. The four-speed manual transmission is another sought-after option, being far more suited to sporty driving than the three-speed automatic.

First registered in 1972, the Manta was purchased for £1,315.98, and has only seen one additional owner since then. As such, its history has been well preserved, and the car comes with the original sales invoice, manufacturer owner’s manual and service portfolio.

Among the paperwork are invoices for an extensive restoration over 11 years, which was finally completed in 2014, returning the car to excellent condition. The odometer reads 125,757 miles, but the car has clocked up less than 2,500 miles during the past decade.

Cooler than a Capri?

The Manta’s muscular styling is shown off by bold yellow paint and rechromed bumpers. Inside, the sporty, very 1970s interior is highly original, and shows signs of minor wear, but is in impressive condition overall.

Rare, stylish and sporting, an electric SUV this certainly is not. Car & Classic’s auction for the 1972 Opel Manta A, in association with Retro Motor, goes live today and runs until 30 August 2023. When the bidding finishes, the car is expected to fetch between £12,000 and £18,000.

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