Rescued Manta Rally

The Opel Manta debuted in 1970 as GM Europe's answer to the Ford Capri — a rear-wheel-drive sport coupe built on the Ascona platform, designed to offer driving engagement at an accessible price. The Rallye trim was the performance-oriented variant, distinguishing itself with badging and a sporting character that aligned with Opel's factory motorsport efforts of the era. Powered here by the 1.9-liter four-cylinder paired to a four-speed manual, it's a mechanically honest, driver-focused car. Finding one in any condition in the American market is increasingly difficult — Opel never officially sold cars in the U.S., and survival rates reflect that.

What makes this particular Manta worth attention is that it represents a realistic entry point into a marque that commands serious enthusiasm in niche collector circles. It runs, drives, and stops — no small thing for something that's been sitting for two decades. Rear brake cylinders have already been replaced, the front frame rail rust has been patched by the current owner, and it comes with a clear Wyoming title in hand. The 1.9-liter appears to have a rear main seal or gasket leak, but that leaking oil might be preventing the rest of the car from rusting away. The orange exterior, while showing its age, is period-correct and characterful.

The honest accounting of deferred work is where attention is required. Floor pan rust and a compromised battery tray are the seller's stated reasons for moving it on, and those are legitimate concerns on any vintage unibody car — the scope of that work looks extensive. Add a missing driver's window and door card (might be unobtanium in the US), a driver's seat that needs attention, and tires that are beyond use, and you're looking at a project that will need a full mechanical and structural assessment before any serious road use. Taillight function is also unconfirmed. The seller is clear that it needs to be trailered to its next home.

At $1,400 with a clean title and a powertrain that's reportedly functional, this Manta Rallye sits in credible project territory for an Opel enthusiast with the skills and patience to see it through. The seller is open to trades involving Kadett B cars, Kadett parts, or an Opel GT — which tells you exactly what community this belongs to. If you're already in that world and have a restoration bay with some capacity, this is the kind of survivor that rewards the effort. If you're just Manta-curious, be honest about your bandwidth before pulling the trigger.