The german movie star on four wheels – the Opel Manta

The Opel Manta is a legend – nothing more, nothing less. Or let’s put it this way, it has become a legend. The Manta B followed the first Manta generation in 1975 – and was based on the rather humble Opel Ascona. Unlike the Ascona, however, the Manta remained a true rear-wheel drive car. And perhaps this was the beginning of the rather colorful history of the Manta B. When the last Manta rolled off the production line in Antwerp in 1988, it had undergone several performance upgrades and had arrived at the tuning madness that was soon to reach its peak. At the top was the limited Manta 400 with a good 144 hp – part of the glorious rallye history the Manta has to offer.

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And those who couldn’t afford it resorted to spoiler kits, which Opel itself, together with #Irmscher, brought to the people. In 1985 there was the Manta GSi. With the help of Irmscher, the Manta was once again upgraded and given a facelift. The „Exclusiv“ was introduced as a regular model in 1987. From model year 1988 onwards, the GSi Exclusiv received a new Irmscher rear skirt as the crowning touch. And with that, the Manta looked great, even if I would prefer a discreet, early CC.

This fantastic Irmscher GSi is parked at www.mondaenmobil.de – and already sold. One of a few, largely original GSi – with those great red Recaros.

Most Opel Mantas went a different way. In 1991, two films were released in German cinemas that focused on the Opel Manta. „Manta, Manta” in particular became a massive success. The Opel Manta, in bright colours, XXL spoilers, questionable rims and a foxtail on the antenna, becomes the ultimate German douchebag cliché. Manta jokes are all over the place. Don’t expect too much: this is German humour. Anyway, it made the Manta a movie star (along with a flock of actors, still very popular in Germany). With a new “Manta, Manta” film in the wings, there will probably be a Manta revival. But it’s getting harder and harder to find beautiful ones like this one.