Opel Manta: a serious classic

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Purchasing classics there

On the cover of Auto Motor Klassiek number 7 is a red Opel Ascona with a young driver. This proves that sporty Opel cars with young drivers have become mature classics. Because there has been a time when, for example, the Manta / young driver combination was a source of jokes. You can still find 'Manta Witze'. The green Manta (it was actually a whole couple of Manta's) in the New Kids films relied heavily on that old Manta reputation. But the current Manta enthusiasts are now laughing about it. And the owner of the Ascona on the cover and in AMK number 7? Rick Booij thinks everything that is old is beautiful. He doesn't like plastic. He is the shining proof that classic enthusiasts are not yet a dying species.

Of course, the Opel Manta was actually an official in a jogging suit

100% Solidity in a fresh packaging. There were 1200 cc Mantas on a soup plate thin straps. Six-cylinders were introduced. The concept of the front engine and rear leg drive also made the Mantas suitable for the fastest work: driving rallies and on circuits. And because everything was possible within Opel's kit system, all kinds of exciting mixes were made between engine blocks, transmissions, final drives, wheel suspensions and brakes. You can do a lot of work on a Manta yourself. That is another benefit. But in order to achieve the best results, you naturally need more than just enthusiasm.

Counterfeiting the green Manta from New Kids is a breeze. But making the top, rally or racing versions (or a correct replica thereof) of a Manta? That is serious work. This requires time, attention and craftsmanship. Oh yes: and still quite a bit of money.

We were recently in Dirksland. There is someone whose field of interest is in a very broad position. Kees van Rumpt is convinced Citrofiel. And Manta adept. He 'makes' Mantas and drives into it. And he does that impressively. He slalom three times in a row became champion with one of his Mantas. And his passion for those Opels goes so far that he now has so many that he lacks space. Because the garage company in Dirksland may of course not only serve as storage for anabolic Mantas.

Opel Manta i300R PR-86-FX

The masterpiece from its collection is a real powerhouse: This Manta is a replica of the Irmscher i300 that is as correct as possible.
Six-cylinder engine, five gears, 40% limited slip differential, 5-hole chassis with the real "400" wheels. Furthermore, the Opel Motorsport seats and a full roll bar. The chassis is equipped with yellow Koni shock absorbers, PU bushes in all suspension arms and springs specially made for the extra weight of the six-cylinder engine.

Opel Manta i240R FF-98-VY

This Manta has an 2500 cc CIH engine with 48 mm Weber carburetors and a well thought-out chassis. He is simply very fast. Lap times from under the 2.05 at Zandvoort / Assen are not cat water.

With all that dynamism, such a Manta just remains huge Opel. Robust, reliable, easy to maintain and with an optimum technical component. In addition, it is nice to put things into perspective that Manta circles are often very relaxed with the concept of 'factory original'.

But a nice standard Manta? It is also highly valued in those circles.

 

 

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5 comments

    • 100% agree! Nicer lines, more surprising and derived from the first Ascona, which I also find more beautiful (tougher) than the second ...
      The model in this article is actually a Chevy Vega. ?
      (Tastes differ fortunately!)

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