" The original Opel GT was a quirky piece of design. When it was presented at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show it was the manifestation of a real tangent for a European company. There were low front-end with pop-up headlights, flared arches "
Opel Manta
pic: Influx
There’s a lot of chatter here and elsewhere about what makes a car definitive of its era. For the 1980s, cars like Porsche’s 959, the Audi Quattro and the Escort XR3i usually get the shout. But having stumbled upon a beautifully crisp, body-kitted Opel Manta last night in the frozen wastes of East London – we reckon we’ve a new addition to our list.
Interestingly this Germanic cousin to a legion of less rakish Vauxhall kin kept its ‘Opel’ badge in all trims and engine sizes: with rear end drive and by all accounts a lively suspension and steering set up (with roll bars and rack & pinion respectively). Engines ranged from 1.2 all the way up to 2.0.
The car we spotted (perhaps a GTV?) had been customised with a light hand (we think) although in a form : with period correct alloys, Recaros and a cleaned, kitted exterior that look as if it could well have emerged from the factory a few months ago.
Bravo, dear owner, and if you spot this post, please get in touch to receive some print magazines from us …
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