Miguel Sánchez
Just a few days ago we met the Opel Manta GSE Electromod. A prototype that promises to go into series with a curious combination of electric motor and manual gearbox with which the German house points to the fashion of electric with nods to the past. The formula that brands with tradition are tackling to face the future by reclaiming the personality of their most iconic classics. Just what Peugeot did with the e-Legend last 2018 or what Renault announced regarding the more than possible rescue of the R4 in the form of a small electric SUV.
However, very few seem to have noticed a really interesting detail: the color scheme. Just the same one that the prototype of the Opel Manta A Turbo wore in its 1974 promotional photos. One of the strangest and rarest versions of the model. Intended solely for the British market following the proposal of the Dealer Opel Team dealer network. A chromatic choice that pays tribute to this blanket so forgotten today. Which came to increase by 75% the power of the basic units of Opel.
Opel Manta GSE Electromod
In fact, the GSE Elektromod is still less powerful than the Opel Manta A Turbo despite 37 years of difference. Something that does not surprise us, since making comparisons with similar models we observe that the benefits of this version belong more to vehicles from the nineties than from the seventies. All thanks to the modifications introduced by the Broadspeed preparer in the original four-cylinder mechanics, taking the 0-60 miles -96 kms / h- in 5 seconds. Only a few tenths more than that given by a 911 Porsche 930/1975 Turbo. A sports car with 260Cv that, however, could be in trouble against this Opel Manta A Turbo.
OPEL MANTA A TURBO. A BRITISH VERSION
When Ford introduced the Capri experienced immediate success. And it is that I had just adapted something as colorful as the "Pony car" Americans to European tastes and approvals. Thus, he managed to conquer a good part of the young market in search of strong emotions involved for the day to day. A commercial operation that General Motors replicated in just one year, launching the Opel Manta in 1970. A vehicle conceived for the European market, but which was also sold in the United States thanks to a wide range with a multitude of engines and finishes.
Derived from Ascona, the Opel Manta had a good base to show off interesting sports versions. For starters, for aesthetics. With a muscular line with a clear American flavor finished off in a rear indebted to the iconic 1968 GT. But also by the rear-wheel drive. A good dynamic point that could dilute your main problem: the engine. Outdated since its launch, the 1'2, 1'6 and 1'9 mechanics of the Opel Manta were robust but not very refined, having been inherited from the Kadett and Ascona.
SR version
However, Opel immediately went to work to create somewhat more aggressive versions with which to stand out from the Ford Capri. This is how the SR, GT / E and GT Black Magic were born. All of them based on the 1.900cc engine boosted up to a fork of between 90 and 105CV. An interesting improvement over the more popular versions, but still needed an extra point to achieve surprising results. Something that should come with the addition of the turbo. To this end, in Germany we cooperated with specialist Michael May in the creation of five prototypes during 1973.
GT version, with front spoiler
However, this project led by Opel itself did not prosper. Possibly because it made calculations, seeing that it was not profitable to develop versions that would only be sold in very short series for a generalist brand. Anyway, The network of English dealerships Dealer Opel Team did see a future in a Manta with the pretense of an exclusive car. A project that he presented to General Motors, obtaining their support for the transfer of the units that would later be powered by Broadspeed. This is how the Opel Manta A Turbo DOP-Broadspeed was born in October 1974.
THE BLOWING OF THE TURBO MAKES WONDERS. THE PREPARATION OF THE MODEL
Although the prototype was made on an SR model that was painted yellow -unit that the GSE Elektromod pays tribute to-, the rest of the Opel Manta A Turbo were made on the basis of Berlinetta always painted in black. The chromatic characteristic of the model that, although it made it very similar to the 500 units of the Black Magic series, could be distinguished by details such as the stickers or the headlight cleaners.
Launched in 1972, the Berlinetta version of the Opel Manta was one of the most powerful thanks to its 1.900cc engine. But above all the most luxurious. Endowed with refined finishes and an interior as comfortable as it is full of sporty details, it was chosen by the Dealer Opel Team as the basis for its Opel Manta A Turbo. Thus, I took from the Berlinetta new seat belts, tinted windows, sunroof and larger front brake discs. But nevertheless, the originality would come lowered the hood, where in addition to the Holset 3LDG turbo the inline four-cylinder block was improved with a special head gasket and low compression pistons.
Elements with which the engine was so well tuned that it went up to 156CV, achieving a maximum speed of more than 200 km / h and the ability to go up to 7.000 rpm. Regarding the suspension and the brakes, everything was the same as in the Berlinetta, making the Opel Manta A Turbo a sports car for very experienced drivers. Perhaps for this reason, of the one hundred planned units, only between 27 and 33 were manufactured according to the source consulted. The most credible may be that of a former Broadspeed employee, who secures a prototype, five demo cars and 21 units for sale.
Today true jewels almost impossible to find in original condition. And the fact is that, although the Opel Manta A Turbo designed only for the British market was a car as exclusive as it was rabid in performance ... The truth is that it was still a popular Opel Manta. Thus its original price of £ 3.493 was rapidly degrading, being able to access the same second and third owners who did not hesitate to modify them at will. A fact that makes this serial version the rarest and most coveted of the model. Without a doubt, a car for connoisseurs.
Photographs: Opel / General Motors / Opel Dealer Team
