1974 Opel Manta

1.9 L

Automatic

Clear

There's really not much I can say about the Opel Manta that hasn't already been said in the last 40 years. I think it was very well-stated in this article: www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2007/08/01/hmn_feature7.html What you want to know are specifics concerning this particular vehicle. It was originally purchased by my grandmother, as a fuel-efficient replacement for her '63 Chevy (talk about the automotive equivalent of culture shock!). She drove it mostly short distances around Fargo, ND for about 9 years, when my uncle took it to Bismarck for a couple of years before I acquired it. For the past 20+ years it has been driven in nice weather and freakishly-well maintained. Garaged for its entire life, the paint has held up reasonably well for its age... some lacquer cracking in places... and normal dings and dents. If you're at all familiar with these cars then you're wondering about rust. Yes, it has some. The front jacking points (of course), the driver's floor pan and battery tray have patches... all the usual suspects. However, I can tell you the car is watertight; does not leak when caught in the rain. Many parts of the underside have their original grey paint on them. Mechanically, it has always been dependable. With regular maintenance on the ignition points, it runs like the proverbial sewing machine. The carburetor has been replaced with a donor from another Manta, which has slightly less vacuum leak at the throttle shaft, and otherwise performs perfectly. The original is bagged, boxed and included. The motor does not use any oil - though it does have the obligatory drip here and there; not enough that one needs to add oil between changes, just enough to mess my gloss white garage floor over the course of a winter. Now using oil with high-zinc properties for flat-tappet camshafts. Never overheats, even when driven hard at 20-above-sweltering. The transmission has had regular fluid/filter changes and shifts like it did on day 1, the O-ring on the speedometer drive was recently replaced - found to be the source of a significant fluid leak. Brakes have been exemplary; I bleed all cylinders annually, but haven't needed to replace pads or shoes for years. I replaced the gas tank float just a few years ago, and gauge reads true once again. Tank has never had ethanol in it; since the midwest ethanol mandate, I've used either "clear" 92 or 110 leaded to avoid the various evils of ethanol in collector cars. My family is pretty gentle with car interiors, the photos speak for themselves. Original driver's seat vinyl is split (passenger seat fair). Years ago I did add a tachometer courtesy of a donor Peugeot 504 (original dummy plate included if you hate this), and a Kenwood AM/FM cassette with stereo 6x9's on the rear deck (original radio boxed and included). Rear defog. and all other features work. Headliner has sun spotting. Never smoked in. Tires are fairly new. I have no doubt that you would have a wonderful, trouble-free time driving this Opel. I've considered selling for many years, but each time I get in and start driving around, any thoughts of selling disappear just like obstacles in the rear view mirror. Unfortunately, my garage space has reached a critical level. I had it on the track at Brainerd International Raceway 3 years ago - just for fun at an annual MSRA event. It performed just terribly, but I want to point out how easily it passed tech inspection. (I think it did the quarter in 21.5 seconds@68mph). As our shuttle from the track to the cabin it performed perfectly however, and fit in the race car trailer with the Model A when nothing else would. Like the above article cites, no squeaks, rattles or other noises you'd expect from a 40-year old car. It's an absolute treat to drive on twisting,windy roads. Tons of extra parts included, such as tail light lenses, exterior vent inserts, and even a few wheel center caps and name badges. I would be pleased to discuss this fine vehicle at more length, should someone wish so. Please feel free to request more details or arrange a test drive only if you have a sincere interest in purchasing. Cash or bank transfer only please. Please do not contact me with some unbelievable story about being an oceanographer who just has to have a car for his brother's birthday. Buyer is responsible for pick-up or shipping arrangements. If shipping, I will load the car then photograph it to document condition prior to shipment.