OPEL Manta

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The Manta was an economic success, over one million time it was sold. Particularly the Manta B (starting from 1975) became in the 80's and 90's-years the cult object of Tuningfreunden. Cinematic with Manta, Manta and Manta was set for it the film a monument, as once the Volkswagen beetle, however often with a character rather ironical-devaluing. Innumerable songs - e.g. Manta of Norbert and the cowards - and "“Mantawitze"” developed over it. Fox tail at the antenna, Sixpack on the rear seat, Blondine, which is by occupation a hairdresser, on the passenger seat, this was the plate of a Mantas. In addition the plate Mantafahrer had a low education level, cowboy boot, an elbow hanging in all weather from the window and many other small embarrassingnesses. "“Boah"”, "“ey"”, and "“Boah, ey"” were considered as preferential Interjektionen from the language jargon of the plate Mantafahrers.

1988 came the last OPEL Manta off the line. At this time it was technically outdated, although the last models were equipped with unsettled catalyst and 5-Gang-Getriebe.

The emergence and the name Manta

One could say that Ford with the Mustang in the USA the beginnings of the "“Muscle Car"” - era justified. By a Muscle Car one understands (a middle class vehicle light for American conditions) compact and (usually or Cabrio), which is equipped with a large and high performance engine, whereby appropriate road performances (in particular acceleration values) are made possible. The compact and graceful designed Mustang was very successful after its introduction in the year 1964 in the USA. Ford wanted to repeat this success in Europe and developed a with the name "“Capri"”, which sold itself starting from 1968 likewise well. However here motorizing did not fail by any means so sumptuously; it was rather the outside form, which constituted success. The success of the Capri OPEL (when daughter of the Ford competitor general of engine) could not watch doless, then the Manta was conceived relatively at short notice. It has to owe its name an animal, the Mantarochen. Also as "“devil skates"” the designated Manta with its cut-industrial union-elegant appearance is to be found predominantly in tropical seas. Ironically at the same time a model of the Chevrolet Corvette was provided with the name "“Stingray"” (prick skate), whereby Chevrolet likewise belongs to the GM company.

Target group

From the outset the tried to stylize the Manta - the first independent in the OPEL program - to the man car. For a long time before the presentation the first rumors were already strewn. The Italo form with the low belt line, the long hood and the tail gave the Manta a sporty appearance. The Manta followed the substantial trends of the time, i.e.:

• One looked for payable vehicles with higher achievements and appropriate handling.
• One looked for vehicles with higher comfort for drivers and front seat passengers.
• One looked for an individual vehicle, which stood out against other vehicles.

The target group consisted primarily of young humans. OPEL offered originally three Mantaversionen an alternative with its to the traditional models (e.g. Record or Ascona). Its largest competitor was Ford Capri. Real sport spirit did not arise with the first Mantaversionen and their small all world engines however. Different Tuner tried to change by means of turbo-loading or six cylinder engines. Only the 1,9-Liter-Motoren of the GT/E version (starting from 1974) held ansatzweise, which promised the exciting body.