Opel Manta A. 1970–5 (prod. 498,553). 2-door coupé. F/R, 1196 cm³ (I4 OHV), 1584, 1897 cm³ (I4 CIH). GM’s response to Ford Capri Mk I, based on Opel Ascona platform, though GM insisted that it was on the drawing board before the Capri’s release—George Gallion, head designer at Opel at the time, admits otherwise. Chuck Jordan styling fashionable at the time. Smaller-engined model from 1972. Top 1·9s had fuel injection. Sold for two years in US as Opel 1900 coupé before Manta tag added in 1973. Thirty-three Turbomantas built by Broadspeed, including five prototypes, for UK only. Started a strong following and had competition history.

Manufacturing location: Rüsselsheim, Germany

Marque: Opel | Model: Opel Manta | Predecessor: Opel GT (1968–73) | Successors: Opel Manta B, Buick Skyhawk (1975–80)

Off-site link

• T. Pennington: ‘A conversation with … George Gallion, General Motors/Opel’, Products Finishing, July 1, 2012