Monday, September 7, 2009
Family resemblance
Noticed this 1974 Opel Manta Rallye adverised in Washington state for $1500 a couple of days ago. It's minus its bumperbars but can't you see LH Torana in the front bit? The back half looks Vauxhall Vivaish. Apparently powered by some funny little 4 cyl. they reckon it goes pretty well.
This is an Opel Manta "A" (first version of this type) that was highly popular in Europe and specifically in Germany. Millions have been built I think. Engines ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 liter (roughly 50 to 100 HP). It was the "coupé" of the people who could afford it, but were far away from buying a Porsche or something like that. The Manta was based on the Opel Ascona from which it shared everything except the body and parts of the interior.
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