Opel Manta GT/E | Spotted

Not long now until the Manta's EV reincarnation; no better time to gawp at a GT/E, then

Whatever the powertrain, heritage sells right now. From restomodded everything to electric comebacks, there’s really nothing to rival the warm embrace of nostalgia as a chilly future looms large. Look at the new Renault 5: for years Renault made innovative and futuristic EVs that enjoyed modest sales. But package up EV underpinnings in a shape the world recognises, and watch the interest soar. It’s little wonder that so many seem keen on the retro route given its apparently guaranteed rate of return.

So it feels like a good time for the Opel Manta to stage a comeback. Remember that in 2022 Opel said the badge would return in 2025, and even created the funky Manta GSe Elektromod to whet the appetite. It would seem odd to go to that effort (and create something that looked so production-viable) to then deliver something drastically different. Let’s see. 2025 now isn’t very far away, and arguably Vauxhall’s EV lineup could do with some jazzing up. It should be just the thing.

For now (not that there’s ever much excuse required) here’s an old Manta. The best one, too (supremely rare, homologation special 400 aside), a fuel-injected GT/E. The 2.0-litre four-pot was much more about ample torque than screaming power (and nobody mention V6 Capris), though 110hp or so goes a long way with so much less car to haul around. Like so many Vauxhalls of the '80s and '90s, the Manta was reasonably popular in period but now increasingly rare. The same could be said for the Calibra now, too. Fondly remembered and something of a cult classic, Opel Mantas are prized. Should the EV actually happen, interest in the original Manta A and Manta B is only likely to increase.

This 1983 car looks fantastic. The advantage of Mantas being rare now is that they tend to be kept and collected by those who really know and love them. No longer cheap and cheerful classics, they get doted on in a way nobody would have expected just a few short years ago. Having been with its current custodian for 16 years (who seemingly purchased it from the original owner), the GT/E has covered a mere 46,000 miles in 41 years. Both keepers knew they had something special on their hands, evidently.

Everything points to it being a properly cherished example, too, including a recent £5k recommission. Looks great on it as well, with lustrous paintwork, an immaculately presented interior and an engine bay to stand back and admire. It must be one of the best still out there, a real credit to those who’ve owned it and worked on it. On sale during the hot hatch boom years of the '80s, the Manta probably looked quite old-fashioned once upon a time. Now it looks like a brilliant slice of retro coupe charm.

In a perfect world, the Manta EV would launch as a fun, interesting and attainable electric car (and not the SUV that has been mooted since we saw the show car). Certainly, the market has enough wildly powerful and extremely expensive battery-powered vehicles. Something around £30k doesn’t sound unreasonable given the concept was sub-150hp and used a 31kWh battery. That’s also the amount that’ll be needed for this GT/E, and must be top dollar for a Manta. Still, there are many more expensive Capris and hot hatches out there. If the Opel coupe is your cup of chai, what an opportunity this could be.

SPECIFICATION | OPEL MANTA GT/E

Engine: 1,979cc four-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 112@5,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 119@3,400rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1987
Recorded mileage: 46,000
Price new: £6,444
Yours for: £29,995