Opel, a German automobile manufacturer, has a rich history in motorsport, marked by innovation, performance, and numerous successes across various racing disciplines. From rallying to touring car championships, Opel's racing cars have captivated enthusiasts and achieved significant milestones. One of the standout models in Opel's racing legacy is the Opel Manta Coupe.
Opel's involvement in motorsport dates back to the early 20th century, but it was in the 1960s and 1970s that the brand truly made its mark. During this period, Opel introduced several models that would become iconic in the racing world, starting with the Opel GT. The GT was known for its aerodynamic design and competitive performance in rallying and circuit racing. It established Opel as a serious contender in motorsport.
The Opel Manta, introduced in 1970, became one of the brand's most famous and successful models in racing. The Manta Coupe, with its sleek design and rear-wheel-drive layout, was particularly well-suited for rallying and touring car racing. The Manta's competitive edge was enhanced by its robust engine options and balanced handling, making it a favourite among privateers and professional racers alike.
In rallying, the Opel Manta 400, introduced in the early 1980s, was a significant evolution of the model. The Manta 400 was developed to compete in Group B rallying, featuring a powerful 2.4-liter engine with dual overhead camshafts and advanced suspension components. Its performance in the World Rally Championship (WRC) was impressive, with notable finishes and victories in events such as the Tour de Corse and the Acropolis Rally. Drivers like Walter Röhrl and Ari Vatanen piloted the Manta 400 to success, further cementing Opel's reputation in rallying.
The Manta's success was not limited to rallying. In touring car racing, the Opel Manta also made a significant impact. It competed in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) and various national series, achieving numerous podium finishes and victories. The Manta's versatility and competitive nature made it a popular choice in both circuit racing and rallying, showcasing Opel's engineering prowess.
In addition to the Manta, Opel developed other notable racing models, such as the Opel Ascona. The Ascona 400, like the Manta 400, was developed for Group B rallying and achieved significant success. Walter Röhrl won the 1982 World Rally Championship driving an Opel Ascona 400, marking a major achievement for the brand.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw Opel continue its motorsport legacy with models like the Opel Astra and the Opel Vectra. The Astra competed in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and the German Touring Car Championship (DTM), achieving notable success and further establishing Opel's presence in touring car racing. The Opel Vectra also competed in DTM and other touring car series, continuing the brand's tradition of performance and competitiveness.
In recent years, Opel has maintained its commitment to motorsport through participation in various racing series, including the TCR International Series with the Opel Astra TCR. This model has competed in touring car championships around the world, demonstrating Opel's ongoing dedication to racing and performance.
The Opel Manta Coupe remains a beloved model among enthusiasts and collectors, celebrated for its design, performance, and contributions to Opel's motorsport history. Its achievements in rallying and touring car racing highlight the brand's innovative spirit and competitive edge.
Opel's rich racing heritage, marked by iconic models like the Manta Coupe, continues to inspire and captivate motorsport fans. The brand's dedication to engineering excellence and performance ensures that Opel remains a respected and influential name in the world of racing.
