1983 OPEL 400

The Opel Manta 400 is almost a hidden gem survivor of the extraordinary Group B era, a period when manufacturers were required to build road-going versions of their competition machinery and consequently produced some of the most exciting and distinctive performance cars of the 1980s. Developed from the Ascona 400, the Manta was intended to take on the world's rally stages with rear wheel drive, a Cosworth developed 2.4-litre engine, lightweight construction and dramatic flared bodywork. By the time Opel's new weapon was ready to compete, however, Audi's Quattro had already demonstrated the advantages of four-wheel drive and the Manta was fighting against the inevitable tide of technological progress.

The Manta 400 proved immensely popular with spectators and competitors alike, its evocative soundtrack, rear wheel drive chassis and unmistakable silhouette making it a firm favourite on British and European stages. In the UK, the Andrews Heat for Hire car of Russell Brookes with Mike Broad remains particularly fondly remembered, helping to cement the Manta's status as one of the great Group B era icons.

With just 245 examples produced, the Manta 400 was an exceptionally rare road car even when new, and this particular example has been in the same ownership since 2009. Soon after acquisition, the decision was made to undertake a comprehensive bare shell restoration, with the car being fully stripped before being entrusted to renowned specialists, Retropower. The shell was sandblasted and small number of rust patches were dealt with before a factory specification right-hand drive conversion was carried out. The underside subsequently received a hot zinc coating, seam sealing and Upol Raptor underseal, providing a solid foundation for the restoration.

The shell and all panels were then repainted in their original Polar White colour, with the factory door stripes painted rather than reproduced as decals. A works dealer team style bonnet was also fitted, while the running gear and associated components were taken back to bare metal and refinished. The suspension was renewed with Bilstein shock absorbers and corresponding springs, alongside new bushes throughout, with new fuel and brake lines completing the mechanical restoration.

A handful of sympathetic improvements were also incorporated, all very much in keeping with the car's competition heritage. An alloy radiator, engine oil cooler and stainless-steel exhaust have been fitted, while the wheel specification has been altered to mirror the works rally cars with wider 10-inch rear wheels and lower offset 8-inch fronts. The wheels have been painted rather than powder coated to retain a more authentic appearance.

Now, 18 years into the same ownership and presenting to an exceptional standard, this Manta 400 combines the rarity and unmistakable character of one of Opel’s most significant performance cars with a comprehensive, professionally executed restoration. Adding an entertaining piece of provenance, the inside of the boot lid has also been signed by legendary British rally driver Jimmy McRae after he encountered the car at a local show.