1985 Opel Manta GT/E

A legend of the 80s

Looking back now, it's like each decade brought big changes in how the cars looked and felt. Same with the late 70s-80s. These were the years when cars became more "straight", manufacturers were starting to give up on extremely complex lines and curves and adopt straighter lines. This made the whole process of building a car a lot faster. Easier to fix too. The 80s were the "German years", when almost all manufacturers tried to either copy or beat the German cars. Except for Porsche, they were always weird....in a nice way.

One of the German cars of the 80s that remained imprinted in the memories of kids growing up in that era, is the Opel Manta, the predecessor of the Opel Calibra. Although the first Manta came out in the 70s, some say that the Manta B2 (1982-1988) is the most popular one.

Tim's Manta

Contrary to the mainland, in Ireland and the UK, the Opel Manta was never as popular as the, let's say, Ford Capri. But there are some people that have a soft spot for the GM car. One of the is Tim, who was gracious enough to show us his pride and joy and tell us a few words about it.

In his own words:

I have been asked a few times why I love the Opel Manta so much, and there are a few reasons, mostly sentimental but reasons none the less. I remember as a child seeing the manta 400 white in colour with the Rothmans logos coming over Molls Gap, four wheels in the air, in the Rally of the Lakes and saying to myself: "I will have one of those someday!". For me, this is the type of car that is up there with the MK1 Escort, Porche 911, Audi Quatro, BMW M3/M5, not everyone's choice for a classic but still maintains shear class and elegance.

I became an adult, and now I could afford my dream car. I set out to look for one and, after searching far and wide and seen some with lotto number type prices, I had given up on finding one I could really afford. Just when I thought all hope was lost, I found this beauty, admittedly not a 400 but even better, a classic Manta GT/E untouched and immaculate. The car was for sale in Killarney, at a reasonable price too. I figured it will not be that good but after two very extensive chats with the owner and reassurances that it was good, I went to see it. And boy, was I surprised, it was everything I was told it was and more, words cannot explain how good this classic is but the pictures certainly tell the full story.

I am of a group that think it is a crime to butcher and modify a classic like this and would intend, in future, to preserve this as a standard Manta and keep its originality and beauty. I have always been of the opinion that the original GT/E recaro bucket seats were the most comfortable seat of any car, with an amazing low down driving experience. When you are self employed and spend your days in a van it is the greatest feeling of all to sit into this car, go for a spin and when you park it somewhere there is always a few people looking at it even when it is among the modern cars, there is a sense of pride knowing that I am the owner of such a beautiful classic car.