Opel Manta GT/E (1979-88)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Opel Manta GT/E from 1979-1988 is a classic car with a dedicated following, but like any vehicle of its age, it has some common faults. Here are a few issues that owners often encounter:

1. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the turn signals and hazard lights are common. These can often be traced back to faulty switches or poor grounding.
2. **Rust**: The bodywork, especially around the wheel arches, sills, and floor pans, is prone to rust. Regular checks and maintenance are essential to keep rust at bay.
3. **Fuel Injection System**: The Bosch LE Jetronic fuel injection system can sometimes be problematic, leading to rough idling or poor performance.
4. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components, particularly the rear trailing arms and front wishbones, can wear out over time, leading to poor handling.
5. **Cooling System**: Radiators and water pumps can fail, leading to overheating issues. Regular maintenance of the cooling system is crucial.

Despite these issues, the Opel Manta GT/E remains a beloved classic with a lot of character.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The Opel Manta was produced in two main generations:

1. **Manta A (1970-1975)**:
- This first generation was introduced in 1970 as a competitor to the Ford Capri.
- It featured a sleek, sporty design with round tail lights similar to the Opel GT.
- Engine options included 1.2L, 1.6L, and 1.9L inline-four engines.
- The Manta A was known for its excellent handling and was available with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.

2. **Manta B (1975-1988)**:
- The second generation, Manta B, was launched in 1975 and continued production until 1988.
- It was available in both coupé and three-door hatchback body styles.
- Engine options ranged from 1.3L to 2.0L inline-four engines.
- The Manta B was praised for its practicality and sporty appeal, maintaining rear-wheel drive throughout its production.

Both generations of the Opel Manta have a strong following among classic car enthusiasts.
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Body Styles
The Opel Manta was available in two main body styles:

1. **Coupé**: This was the classic two-door coupé design, known for its sleek and sporty appearance.
2. **Hatchback**: Introduced with the Manta B, this three-door hatchback offered more practicality while maintaining the sporty look¹².

Both body styles were popular and contributed to the Manta's reputation as a stylish and versatile car.
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Trim Levels
The Opel Manta B was offered in several trim levels, each catering to different preferences and needs:

1. **GT/J**: The entry-level model, offering basic features and a 1.8L engine.
2. **GT**: The base model with slightly more features than the GT/J.
3. **Berlinetta**: Focused on luxury and comfort, this trim included fancier trim, headrests, and a vinyl roof.
4. **GT/E**: The sports model, featuring a 2.0L engine with Bosch fuel injection for better performance.
5. **GT/E Exclusive**: An upgraded version of the GT/E with additional features.
6. **i200, i240, i300**: Special editions with enhanced performance and unique styling elements.
7. **Manta 400**: A high-performance model designed for rallying, featuring a powerful engine and advanced suspension.
8. **Courtenay Turbo**: A turbocharged variant offering increased power and performance.

These trim levels provided a range of options from basic to high-performance, making the Manta B a versatile and appealing choice for many drivers.
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Engines
The Opel Manta B was equipped with a variety of engines over its production run. Here are the main options:

1. **1.2L Inline-Four**: Available in mainland Europe, this was the smallest engine option.
2. **1.6L Inline-Four**: A common engine choice, known for its reliability.
3. **1.8L Inline-Four**: An overhead-cam engine introduced later in the production run.
4. **1.9L Inline-Four**: A cam-in-head unit that was popular in both Europe and the United States.
5. **2.0L Inline-Four**: This engine came with Bosch fuel injection in the GT/E models, providing better performance.

These engines offered a range of power and performance options, making the Manta B a versatile and appealing car for many drivers.
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Performance
The 1979 Opel Manta GTE offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key specifications:

- **Engine**: 2.0-liter inline-4
- **Horsepower**: 109 HP (110 PS / 81 kW) @ 5400 rpm
- **Torque**: 119 lb-ft (162 Nm) @ 3400 rpm
- **Top Speed**: 116 mph (187 km/h)
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h)**: 10.0 seconds
- **Fuel Consumption**: 26 MPG (9 L/100 km)

The Manta GTE was known for its balanced handling and sporty character, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
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Rivals
Here are the performance details of some of the main rivals to the 1979 Opel Manta GTE:

### Ford Capri 2.0
- **Engine**: 2.0-litre inline-4
- **Horsepower**: 98 HP (73 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 108 mph (174 km/h)
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h)**: 10.5 seconds

### Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6 GLS
- **Engine**: 1.6-litre inline-4
- **Horsepower**: 75 HP (56 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 95 mph (153 km/h)
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h)**: 13.5 seconds

### Triumph TR7
- **Engine**: 2.0-litre inline-4
- **Horsepower**: 105 HP (78 kW)
- **Top Speed**: 112 mph (180 km/h)
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h)**: 9.6 seconds

These rivals offered competitive performance, making the Opel Manta GTE a strong contender in its class.
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Designer/Dimensions
The 1979 Opel Manta GTE was designed by George Gallion. Here are its dimensions:

- **Wheelbase**: 99.21 inches (252.0 cm)
- **Length**: 174.8 inches (444.0 cm)
- **Width**: 65.75 inches (167.0 cm)
- **Height**: 51.97 inches (132.0 cm)
- **Curb Weight**: 2205 lbs (1000 kg)
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can find spare parts for the Opel Manta B in several places across the UK, Ireland, and Germany. Here are some options:

### United Kingdom
1. **Autodoc UK**: They offer a wide range of spare parts for the Opel Manta.
2. **eBay UK**: A good place to find both new and used parts from various sellers.

### Ireland
1. **eBay Ireland**: Similar to the UK, eBay Ireland has a variety of parts available for the Opel Manta B.
2. **Local Classic Car Clubs**: Joining a local classic car club can be a great way to find parts and connect with other enthusiasts who might have spares.

### Germany
1. **EU-Spares**: They have a comprehensive catalogue of parts for the Opel Manta B.
2. **Opel Classic Parts**: Specialises in parts for classic Opel models, including the Manta.

These sources should help you find the parts you need to keep your Opel Manta B in top condition.
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Specialists
There are specialist garage services available in Northern Ireland to maintain a 1979 Opel Manta GTE. Here are a couple of options:

### McMillan Specialist Cars
- **Location**: 3, Plasketts Close, Antrim BT41 4NN
- **Phone**: 028 9335 4911
- **Services**: Maintenance, repair, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations, and more.

### Commons Brae Garage
- **Location**: 188 Saintfield Road, Breda BT8 6NN
- **Phone**: 028 9543 8739
- **Services**: General car repair and maintenance.

These garages have experience with classic cars and can provide the necessary services to keep your Opel Manta GTE in top condition.
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Racing
The Opel Manta B has had notable success in racing, particularly in rallying. One of the most famous versions is the **Opel Manta 400**, which was developed for Group B rallying. This model saw significant success in the early 1980s, driven by rally legends like Russell Brookes and Jimmy McRae.

ICONIC MOMENTS
The Opel Manta B has had several iconic moments in its racing history, particularly in rallying. Here are a few highlights:

1. **Ari Vatanen's "Dear God" Moment**: One of the most memorable moments was during the 1983 Manx International Rally. Ari Vatanen, driving the Opel Manta 400, had a dramatic tyre puncture and narrowly avoided a major crash. His exclamation of "Dear God" became famous among rally fans³.

2. **Success in the British Rally Championship**: The Manta 400, driven by Russell Brookes and Jimmy McRae, achieved significant success in the British Rally Championship. Their performances helped solidify the Manta's reputation as a competitive rally car².

3. **Endurance Racing at Nürburgring**: The Opel Manta has also made a name for itself in endurance racing. A particularly iconic moment was its participation in the 24-hour race at Nürburgring, where it has been a regular competitor since 1994⁵.

These moments highlight the Opel Manta B's legacy in motorsport and its enduring appeal among racing enthusiasts. Are you interested in any specific races or drivers associated with the Manta B?

The Manta 400 was known for its robust performance and handling, making it a competitive choice in the rally scene. It helped cement the Manta's reputation as a capable and sporty car.

The **Opel Manta 400** is a legendary car, particularly known for its role in Group B rallying during the early 1980s. Here are some key details about this iconic model:

### Engine and Performance
- **Engine**: The Manta 400 was powered by a 2.4-litre inline-four engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. It featured a 16-valve DOHC setup, producing around 144 hp in its road-going version.
- **Racing Specs**: For rallying, the engine could be tuned to produce up to 275 hp, making it a formidable competitor.
- **Transmission**: It came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the car was rear-wheel drive¹.
- **Performance**: The Manta 400 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in about 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of around 210 km/h (130 mph).

### Design and Features
- **Body**: The Manta 400 featured a distinctive wide-body kit designed by Irmscher, with flared wheel arches and a prominent rear spoiler.
- **Interior**: The interior was equipped with Recaro seats and other sporty touches, making it both functional and stylish.
- **Weight**: The car had a relatively low weight of around 1,128 kg (2,487 lbs), contributing to its agility and performance.

### Racing Heritage
- **Group B Rallying**: The Manta 400 was developed for Group B rallying, a category known for its high-performance and often dangerous cars. It competed against legendary models like the Audi Quattro and Lancia Delta S4.
- **Success**: While it faced tough competition from four-wheel-drive rivals, the Manta 400 still achieved notable success in rallying, driven by famous drivers such as Ari Vatanen and Jimmy McRae.

### Production and Rarity
- **Homologation**: To meet Group B homologation requirements, Opel produced 245 units of the Manta 400.
- **Collectability**: Today, the Manta 400 is a highly sought-after classic car, prized for its racing pedigree and distinctive design².

The Opel Manta 400 remains a beloved icon among classic car enthusiasts and rally fans.
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Valuation
As of 2025, the value of a 1979 Opel Manta GTE in the UK can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and any modifications. Generally, you can expect prices to range from **£6,525 to £17,500**.
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Clubs
There are clubs and communities for Opel Manta GTE owners in Northern Ireland. One notable club is the [Opel Manta Owners Club](https://mantaclub.org/forums/topic/34462-opel-mantas-in-northern-ireland/), which has a presence in Northern Ireland. They organize events, meetups, and provide a platform for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion for the Opel Manta GTE.
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