No imported 2dr Asconas in '74. Why?

[Phoenix]

Why would Opel import the 2dr 71-73, not in 74 and then bring it back in 75? Why omit that model for only that year? You'd think that they wouldn't bring them back at all like the 4drs? Were there 4dr Asconas in Europe in 75?

[Aardvaark]

Originally Posted by Phoenix Why would Opel import the 2dr 71-73, not in 74 and then bring it back in 75? Why omit that model for only that year? You'd think that they wouldn't bring them back at all like the 4drs? Were there 4dr Asconas in Europe in 75?

Buick did import '74 2dr Asconas. Not sure where you got your information. I saw several back then and even race against them in SCCA showroom stock with my '75 Ascona 2dr. If you look in my 'Aardvaark' album you'll find magazine road tests of '74 2dr Asconas by both C&D abd R&T. http://www.opelgt.com/photopost/show...ser/23031/sl/a

[Aardvaark]

One thing about the 1974 opel model year sales in the US is that it was shorter then usual. IIRC, the '74's went on sale around Oct '73 as was usual, but the 1975 Opels went on sale earlier then normal, like around May or June
'74 for a rather long sales year, probably because the factory used up most of the US1974 parts and switched over early.

[Phoenix]

74 Opel Brochure
Lists only Manta, Manta Rallye, Manta Luxus, and Sportwagon.

Otto's Comprehensive Guide
Based on guides and discusion. Use the final posts link. Awesome guide.

C/D Project
I've been through your gallery before. A lot of good stuff. Skimmed it again and found this project based off a 72 2dr and the comparison on 75 model cars. I couldn't find anything else.

[Aardvaark]

Tony, I can understand why you would believe no model 51 1974 Ascona 2drs were imported by Buick for sale in the US after reading these sources, But Otto's list is WRONG and the 1974 FSM and sales brochure were printed early and didn't include the model 51, but they were sold here, trust me.
Here is the 1975 R&T article comparing the 1974 Ascona to other 1975 competing cars for showroom stock. They used a 75hp 1974 Ascona 2dr for the test because they couldn't get a 1975 injected one in time for testing.
Laptime wise, the '74's and '75's ran about the same with the '75 having a slight edge under braking and the '74 having a bit more top speed because the '75's injection flow meter was under size would run out of breath earlier.
rtsss1 - Opel Photo Gallery

[Aardvaark]

Also, here is an Opeler who says he owns one and there are probably others:
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/introdu...4-my-opel.html

[Phoenix]

I assumed that that article had the 75 model in it. I see now.
First line on second column.

I never said that I didn't believe you. I just hadn't seen any evidence to support it. I'm sure that Otto hadn't either.

[Aardvaark]

Just setting the record straight, Tony. My short term memory is getting worse but my long term memory related to Opel history is as sharp as ever.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Aardvaark Also, here is an Opeler who says he owns one and there are probably others: http://www.opelgt.com/forums/introdu...4-my-opel.html

That person doesn't specify Sedan. They could mean Sportwagon which is far more common. Does anyone have paperwork for a 74 1900 2dr or a door sticker for one built in the 94 year?

While I've got your ear, do you have anything mentioning a Manta Rallye Automatic? Mitch Manta has one, but the literature that I've seen was ambiguous as to whether they were talking about a Ralley or Luxus, or base model.

[Aardvaark]

IIRC, the automatic was available as an option on all model 57's as well as 51,53 and 54's. I don't recall a road test of one that I may have posted though. I wouldn't put money on it though.
Keep in mind that back then the manufacures would sometimes make mid-year changes like changes to options and even model variations without any official public notice. They were not nearly as saddled by EPA and safety regulations as they are now days. Hence, the mid year decision to import the 1974 Model 51 Ascona after material had been printed.

[RallyBob]

I have owned three 1974 Asconas. They do exist! My first ride and drive in an Opel was in fact in a 1974 Ascona. I still have that one, I bought it from my friend. It's not roadworthy by far, but it has some great memories ingrained in the sheetmetal...

Bob

[hrcollinsjr]

Phoenix,

I have two. One an automatic with A/C for parts, it's a rust bucket, and the other I plan to fix up.

Harold

[Phoenix]

But are they 2dr Sedans? My uncle has 2 74 Sportwagons, they're in the brochure, I'm looking for someone with proof of a 2dr.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Phoenix But are they 2dr Sedans? My uncle has 2 74 Sportwagons, they're in the brochure, I'm looking for someone with proof of a 2dr.

Do you want the title also or just how much it cost? Cash price which he didn't pay was $3253.50. This was of course before taxes and all the other stuff that gets added in. He had a trade in for which I also have the paperwork on. I believe I have all of the documentation that came with the car when it was first purchased.

Harold

[Hiergehts]

They really did sell the 2 door Ascona sedan (model 51) in the US. I know as my father had one and a ~decade or so later I learned to drive in it. He picked it up brand new at Lyons Buick in Torrance, CA for about ~$2900 out the door at the time.

One interesting thing was the US Ascona 2 door sedan was only available in 2 colors for 1974 IIRC, regency blue (what my father's car was) and deep burgundy like used on the 1973- Manta Luxus. The car is sadly long gone but I still have a (dried up) bottle of GM Regency Blue touch up paint from it - kept for sentimental value, as well as a number of photos of the car.

I'm not sure if the 1974 version of the Opel Sportwagon (Ascona Voyage) only came in those 2 colors but doubt it as I've never seen one in either personally.

HTH

Hiergehts

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Hiergehts They really did sell the 2 door Ascona sedan (model 51) in the US. I know as my father had one and a ~decade or so later I learned to drive in it. He picked it up brand new at Lyons Buick in Torrance, CA for about ~$2900 out the door at the time. One interesting thing was the US Ascona 2 door sedan was only available in 2 colors for 1974 IIRC, regency blue (what my father's car was) and deep burgundy like used on the 1973- Manta Luxus. The car is sadly long gone but I still have a (dried up) bottle of GM Regency Blue touch up paint from it - kept for sentimental value, as well as a number of photos of the car. I'm not sure if the 1974 version of the Opel Sportwagon (Ascona Voyage) only came in those 2 colors but doubt it as I've never seen one in either personally. HTH Hiergehts

Haven't seen the blue but I have two of the other color. Seems like I looked the paint code up and it said that color, deep burgundy, wasn't imported into the states.

Harold

[BQS4]

Most of the Sportwagons I have seen were signal blue, signal yellow, red, bronze, white, and jade green.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr Do you want the title also or just how much it cost? Cash price which he didn't pay was $3253.50. This was of course before taxes and all the other stuff that gets added in. He had a trade in for which I also have the paperwork on. I believe I have all of the documentation that came with the car when it was first purchased. Harold

Is the door sticker still in present?

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by Phoenix But are they 2dr Sedans? My uncle has 2 74 Sportwagons, they're in the brochure, I'm looking for someone with proof of a 2dr.

Yup, mine were all 2-door model 51's. One was dark blue (like the Luxus blue), the other two were the dark burgundy (like the Luxus burgundy). In the mid 1980's when I worked for C & R I stripped a bunch of Opels every week, and have seen silver '74's, the aforementioned 'Luxus' colors, signal red, signal blue, and signal yellow versions. Can't recall other colors offhand, but these all come readily to mind.

Bob

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by Aardvaark Tony, I can understand why you would believe no model 51 1974 Ascona 2drs were imported by Buick for sale in the US after reading these sources, but Otto's list is WRONG and the 1974 FSM and sales brochure were printed early and didn't include the model 51, but they were sold here, trust me. Here is the 1975 R&T article comparing the 1974 Ascona to other 1975 competing cars for showroom stock. They used a 75hp 1974 Ascona 2dr for the test because they couldn't get a 1975 injected one in time for testing. Laptime wise, the '74's and '75's ran about the same with the '75 having a slight edge under braking and the '74 having a bit more top speed because the '75's injection flow meter was under size would run out of breath earlier. rtsss1 - Opel Photo Gallery

. . . indeed! . . . my '74 listing was based on the Owner's and FSM manuals, neither of which had the 1900 2-DR Model 51 listed and still had the Manta Rallye Model 57R listed as well . . . anyone ever seen an actual "factory" '74 Manta Rallye (57R) with 4-speed and 3.67 rear end?

The '74 brochure and Owner's manual both list the Manta Rallye (57R), but the brochure also mentions the Rallye option (tach/gauges/WSwasher/[4-spd]3.67AR) for the "Manta" Sportwagon, but contradictorily describes it as available on the 1900 wagon! This is the first time that "Sportwagon" name was used for the Model 54, most likely to associate it with the Rallye option. Anything BUT Rallye Sportwagons in '74/'75?

For some time now, there has been some dispute about the correct Manta/Sportwagon Rallye gauge panel, specifically the one that I got with my 1800 original miles, '75 1900 Model 51. I don't know about earlier Manta/1900 Rallye gauge panels used, but the '74 Owners manual clearly shows the one used and specifically made with two notches at the outer edges that exactly fit below the central dash of the Manta/1900 models.

So, all that said and before I make any further '74 "Rallye" model changes, I have still have some open '74/'75 model questions:

1. Anyone confirm a "factory" '74 Manta (57) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio?
2. Anyone confirm a "factory" '74 Sportwagon (54) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio?
3. Anyone confirm a "factory" '75 Manta (57) or Sportwagon (54) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio?

One comment on a quick-check "factory" vs. "Dealer installed" Manta/1900 "Rallye" would be to check the presence of a "GT" windshield washer foot pump/switch! This requires wiper motor rewiring, which I highly doubt ANY dealer would have done!

I've updated the '74 model listing to more accurately reflect which US Models and options were actually available here . . . but feel free to opine!

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by tekenaar . . . indeed! . . . my '74 listing was based on the Owner's and FSM manuals, neither of which had the 1900 2-DR Model 51 listed and still had the Manta Rallye Model 57R listed as well . . . anyone ever seen an actual "factory" '74 Manta Rallye (57R) with 4-speed and 3.67 rear end?

Otto;
I hate to prove you wrong, but, here's one. This is the picture from another thread, but, it's my Dad's ACTUAL FACTORY 1974 Manta Rallye, 4-spd, tach, amp/clock/oil pressure gauge pack, foot operated wiper switch, sport steering wheel and 3.67 rear axle, and it's even signal green. Sorry Sir, but, they do exsist...

[Paul]

I agree with Gene. Back in my college days. I knew a girl named Marti and I performed all of the maintenance and repairsfor about 3 years. It was a 74, with all of the rallye gauges, washer foot switch, steering wheel, and 3.67 rear end... and it was jade mist green.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by tekenaar 1. Anyone confirm a "factory" '74 Manta (57) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio?

Yup, seen plenty. Except for the automatics of course.

2. Anyone confirm a "factory" '74 Sportwagon (54) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio?

None, not an option.

3. Anyone confirm a "factory" '75 Manta (57) or Sportwagon (54) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio?

Same as above, not an option.

Bob

[Gary]

Originally Posted by RallyBob 3. Anyone confirm a "factory" '75 Manta (57) or Sportwagon (54) 4-spd Rallye option with 3.67 axle ratio? Same as above, not an option. Bob

Phew... I feel better now about tossing out the original rear end from my old '75 Sportwagon.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Phoenix Is the door sticker still in present?

If this isn't enough you're just going to have to come up to see them because there is no telling when I'll be able to work on the one I'm going to fix up.

Harold