1984 Opel Manta 400

The story of the Opel Manta 400 is a familiar one to anyone who was a follower of the crazy days of 'Group B' rallying and their sibling road cars built by the major manufacturers in whatever homologation quantity was required. Developed from its Ascona predecessor, the Manta was always popular with the crowds - lots of power, not much weight and a propensity to attack stages sideways. However by the time it was ready to rally, the game had moved on, the Audi Quattro showing the rest of the field that four-wheel drive was going to be a requirement in the WRC. Nevertheless, that didn't stop the Manta from achieving cult hero status on British and European stages, with its raspy sound, lively handling and iconic liveries, the Andrews Heat for Hire with Russell Brookes and Mike Broad being a particular favourite and winning over a lot of fans.

The homologation Manta road car was named '400' because that was the number of examples of the old Ascona that were required by the regulations at the time, however when the Manta was ready to compete, only 200 road cars were required and having built a total of 245 examples of the Manta 400, production ceased. Even 40 years ago, therefore, it was a very rare car. The notable mechanical upgrade was a Cosworth head for the 2.4-litre engine (originally meant to be 2-litre, but that wasn’t powerful enough), although it was the looks that really made the Manta stand out as a road car. The white-on-white colour scheme with '400' decals of most cars, the bulked-up arches for wider tracks, the incredible Irmscher interior and the battery of fog lights all look just as good now as they did in the 1980s.

The car we present here is a very rare example and is one of only 12 understood to have been finished in Astral Silver with the Opel Blitz Logo interior trim. It's also one of only 59 road-going cars fitted with the with the Irmscher wide wheel-arch extensions and the later four-slot grille and three-piece spoiler however, most importantly, it's the only right-hand drive Manta 400 having been professionally converted in Northern Ireland by Pentlands Vauxhall when it was imported. All original parts were used for the high quality conversion that looks totally standard and when it was inspected by the Opel Manta Owners Club in 1986 for valuation purposes, they noted 'a conversion has been carried out to such a high standard it is impossible to see due to the high level of craftmanship'.

A huge (ten page) history file accompanies the car, far too long to detail here, but a copy is available at the Sale or can be sent to interested parties in advance. A short summary is below;

• Imported by Tony Fall (Opel Director of Motorsport) to Northern Ireland in Feb 1984
• GM/Opel specification RHD conversion undertaken at main Vauxhall Opel dealer Pentlands
• Sold to its first registered owner, Mr David Lyttle in Northern Ireland, V5 in paperwork
• Used as a weekend/special occasions car from 1984 to 1990 when it was put into storage until 2005
• Complete renovation to show standard in 2005/6 by its second owner Mr Martin Drennan with an associated photographic record, published magazine articles and parts invoices. Very occasional use from 2006 to 2017
• Only three owners to date (two on the V5), present owner since 2017
• Extensive history file including Manta 400 workshop manual, import documentation, original 400 brochure, Manta handbooks, various articles on 400, copies of correspondence between Opel corporate marketing and motorsport on the Manta 400, old Tax Discs, Vehicle Test Certificates and MOTs and a validated mileage history file

This is an important car from GM/Opel's back catalogue and we welcome your interest at our Silverstone Festival sale.