Being in love with a car, is that possible? From the stories we have recorded, we dare to say a wholehearted 'yes'. Daniël is a good example of this. For him, his new possession is not only a feast for the eyes, but also the exciting story of a “Sporty Coupé with large Spa Factor.”. The Opel Manta B 19 S.
The quest
Daniël had had a preference for youngtimers and classics from the 70s and 80s for years, especially sporty models such as the Ford Capri and the Opel Manta B. During his searches on the internet, the focus eventually came to lie on the Manta: the successor to the popular Manta A. Although the Manta B is a completely different car, with tighter, angular lines, the appearance remained exceptionally beautiful.
The new young generation
Daniël is only 20. Cars get older, and so do their original owners – often they give up their hobby at some point. That was the case here too. The Opel Manta B came from an Opel mechanic who bought it new in 1976. Back then it was just a good, reliable car for everyday use.
Together with his brother-in-law Robert and his father Eelke, Daniël undertook the journey to The Hague to view the mid-range car from times gone by. The fatherly advice was important: Eelke knew the Opel Mantas from the time when they were rarely preserved. They were cars that changed owners frequently and eventually ended up in the scrapyard.
Impeccable condition
When the garage door opened, Daniel couldn't believe his eyes. The quality of the car radiated out at you. It was still in its first pastel blue paint, perfectly maintained and with a detailed maintenance history. The seller had only one wish: that the Opel Manta B would end up with a true enthusiast. And that says enough.
The bodywork had been treated with Tectyl, even in the engine compartment. The anti-rust agent had done its job well. What still needed to be done? A new radiator and a spring… on the window winder. Then this classic was ready for a second life. The powerful four-cylinder engine ran like a charm.
The car had always been inside – for almost 50 years, in a heated garage. That Daniël can now keep it running is pure luxury.
What will the future bring?
Plenty of plans: visiting classic car events, giving the engine a beauty treatment, joining the Opel club for advice and parts – and of course going on summer rides with friends.
Auto Motor Klassiek has been on his parents' table for years, so that condition for enthusiasm in the classic car world has also been met.
The Opel Manta B 19 S is now in a well-ventilated, heated garage under a special dust cover. And when we ask Daniel about the value? Then he says without hesitation: "Enthusiasm and pride!"
(The photos continue below.)
Beautiful car, nothing to say about it except for the engine compartment, but if that's all it is, it's not that bad, right?
I have never owned a Manta myself, but I did own an Ascona B… In the only good blue color, that is 😉‼️
I bought that car from the "redundancy bonus" you got when you served as a KVVer for 4 years. Unfortunately I don't have room for such a car now, otherwise I would have one! In Germany they can still be found for "a reasonable price", and they are then well to very well maintained.
Anyway, back to this Manta, I hope you will have many safe kilometers with it and remember: keep the shiny side up 😉…
Have fun driving…
Definitely not my color but still a beautiful car. Only one point of criticism. The engine compartment actually looks awful. Just start by cleaning the engine compartment properly. It deserves to be just as beautiful as the entire car itself. See it shine. See the interior radiate with splendor. And then see the engine compartment. Spending a lost afternoon on a thorough cleaning will work a small miracle. That Manta is really worth it. A car to fall in love with.
Beautiful Manta.
I have a 1.9 SR (1977). Always many reactions on the way. Have fun Daniel !!
In the 80s I drove a yellow 1.6 N and then a blue 1.9 S. Wonderful, still genuine Opels!
my grandpa had one too, a GSI, shifting was very precise and a bit stiff but otherwise a great car, I even got my driver's license in it. After that I went for a Porsche
These were real Opels, from the GM flag, and not derivatives of French cars as is now the case 50 years later under Stellantis.
After the Manta A and the Opel GT, Opel, in my opinion of course, has not built a single beautiful car. The Rekord from that period was also not a sight to behold… No wonder that a brand that once built a Captain and Diplomat (of the first generation) eventually de facto went out of business in Stellantis.
Suc6 Daniel, in the future there will be big V-8's from GM ready for you! Good job!