This is a 1970 Manta

[GoinManta]

Documented Matts' early 70 Manta while in Seattle.

Built in September of 1970

Love to have Rainer correct anything I say here that maybe wrong or let us know where the build of this one comes in at.

One thing "missing" was exhaust went out the standard driver side. Edwin in Atlanta who also has a very early Manta (which I havent seen yet) stated his exhaust went out the passenger side.

A number of key odd features..

The #1 feature I think makes this a "70" Manta (like the split bumper on a "68" Opel GT) other than the exhaust exiting the wrong side (passenger), is the headlight shroud.. notice the round cut in the trim.

Second rarest item.. three piece upper rail chrome rain gutter trim (This is only on VERY early Mantas.. as far as I can tell.. few have ever seen it)

Dash has noted ORANGE Oil Light (This is found on most early 71s)

Also no "Fasten Seat Belt" area on the dash.. (This is typical of most early 71 models)

Other "Early" (Skinny bumper models) not specifically 70 or even 71 specific items..

Bottom of rear interior panel has a bump out at the bottom. Most the ones I have seen are smooth..

Round knob for glove box (This is a 71-72 thing.. most 73s have the lever like a 74-75)

Chrome trim on the front side marker lights (Again a 71-73 item)

9 slot front rims.. (Not sure what years they stop for the Matna.. but I havent seen them quite look like this Manta, although have seen them on Kadetts)

The BIG C-Pillar vent (Typical 70-72, early 73s')

Skinny bumpers (Typical 70-72)

[GoinManta]

More pictures

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by GoinManta The #1 feature I think makes this a "70" Manta (like the split bumper on a "68" Opel GT) other than the exhaust exiting the wrong side, is the headlight shroud.. notice the round cut in the trim.

I've seen this on a bunch of '71's, FWIW. I have a stash of headlight surrounds and was surprised to find quite a few of the notched versions included. These early grills/headlight frames also tended to have the forward edges painted silver...although by now most have faded into obscurity!

Chrome trim on the front side marker lights

All the model 50's I've seen (Manta, Ascona, wagon) prior to 1974 had this trim as well.

HTH,
Bob

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by RallyBob I've seen this on a bunch of '71's, FWIW. I have a stash of headlight surrounds and was surprised to find quite a few of the notched versions included. These early grills/headlight frames also tended to have the forward edges painted silver...although by now most have faded into obscurity! All the model 50's I've seen (Manta, Ascona, wagon) prior to 1974 had this trim as well. HTH, Bob

Main thing I am trying to do is document the Early Manta items in pictures..

I wasn't sure I have seen a FEW 71s' and didnt see the notched headlight surround on any of them. Curious to know when they stopped doing it. Speaking of which wouldnt happen to have a nice set to spare

As for the side marker trim.. I have seen it on 71-73.. but SOME 73s didn't seem have the trim. Haven't seen them on any 74-75 models. Not stock anyway.

Another item that would be interesting to know.. From the cars I have stripped. It would seem the chrome ring was on 70-72, and on 73 Luxus models. But I could be wrong. I would think if its on all of them there should be more with chrome trim in various parts collections than fewer.

Here is a question though.. is the 3 piece upper rail chrome trim rarer then? and have you EVER seen a Manta with the exhaust coming out of the passenger side from the FACTORY.. ?

[BQS4]

Charles;
Edwin's Manta is in pieces right now as he is doing a good resto on it. He has cleaned the entire bottom, and POR-15 just about everything. I have not seen the car in person, but, seeing as Edwin is still the original owner, there's no sense in doubting him. We did run Edwin's VIN number through Rainer, and even though Edwin's door sticker is stamped 10/70, the VIN says the car was actually made in September. Here's the email from Rainer:


For Edwin:


Chassis/VIN-number 57 9 384797


57 = Manta-A US-model (OPEL 1900 Coupé)
9 = assembly-plant Antwerpen (Begium) for Export US
384797 = sequential chassis-number of the plant Antwerpen since January 1968. This Manta was build on the 24th. of September 1970


Engine-number 19S 0597804


Within the production in September 1970 the 19S-engines with the number-range between 0582316 up to 0605692 were build into ALL 1900-models in Rüsselsheim, Bochum and Antwerpen. So this engine-number must be correct for Edwin´s car, because in the last week of September 1970 the plant in Antwerpen uses the 19S-engines from 0597401 up to 0599895.


In checking both car's VIN, they're not that far apart. 11,332 to be exact, according to the VIN

@ Bob, Edwins' Manta still had the edge of the head light part of the grill where the "tubes" for the individual lights are still silver, Edwin says they're actually chrome pieces.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by GoinManta As for the side marker trim.. I have seen it on 71-73.. but SOME 73s didn't seem have the trim. Haven't seen them on any 74-75 models. Not stock anyway.

Well, you know Opel...famous for mid-year changes! Like my '72 Ascona wagon...has a 4-bearing 10-bolt head. BUT, it has a Delco M/C and booster. Now most '72's had 12 bolt heads, and as well most '72's were still running ATE master cylinders and boosters. Go figure!

Another item that would be interesting to know.. From the cars I have stripped. It would seem the chrome ring was on 70-72, and on 73 Luxus models. But I could be wrong. I would think if its on all of them there should be more with chrome trim in various parts collections than fewer.

Do you mean wheel trim rings? Seemed to be a dealer thing more than anything.

Here is a question though.. is the 3 piece upper rail chrome trim rarer then?

I must admit I've never seen this feature.

and have you EVER seen a Manta with the exhaust coming out of the passenger side from the FACTORY.. ?

Never seen this, and I don't really see how...the gas tank takes up ALL the space right up to the RR quarter panel. Think about the proximity of the fuel filler itself and this makes no sense. Not to mention the rear brake hose, and the panhard bar arrangement. It would certainly be tough to fit in there.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by BQS4 @ Bob, Edwins' Manta still had the edge of the head light part of the grill where the "tubes" for the individual lights are still silver, Edwin says they're actually chrome pieces.

I'm referring to the raised edges of the plastic grill face...the stuff that runs full-width horizontally. I've seen them with (faded) silver paint on the edges on all the very early ones I have. Later ones are just black plastic.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Charles; Edwin's Manta is in pieces right now as he is doing a good resto on it. He has cleaned the entire bottom, and POR-15 just about everything. I have not seen the car in person, but, seeing as Edwin is still the original owner, there's no sense in doubting him. We did run Edwin's VIN number through Rainer, and even though Edwin's door sticker is stamped 10/70, the VIN says the car was actually made in September. Here's the email from Rainer: For Edwin: Chassis/VIN-number 57 9 384797 57 = Manta-A US-model (OPEL 1900 Coupé) 9 = assembly-plant Antwerpen (Begium) for Export US 384797 = sequential chassis-number of the plant Antwerpen since January 1968. This Manta was build on the 24th. of September 1970

Interesting.. Matts is 579373465

Meaning 11,332 "Vehicles" were built in Antwerpen between Matts and Edwins.. Which Makes Matts even earlier than I thought. It has to be close to one of the very original cars.

Not that I doubt Edwin.. but if his DOES have passenger side exhaust as opposed to the typical Driver side.. (Which is where Matts is.. ) makes me wonder..

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by RallyBob I'm referring to the raised edges of the plastic grill face...the stuff that runs full-width horizontally. I've seen them with (faded) silver paint on the edges on all the very early ones I have. Later ones are just black plastic.

OK, I may have heard him wrong. I almost got him to let me have all the pics of his car to download and show, but, he was in a hurry after lunch on Saturday.....

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by RallyBob I'm referring to the raised edges of the plastic grill face...the stuff that runs full-width horizontally. I've seen them with (faded) silver paint on the edges on all the very early ones I have. Later ones are just black plastic.

Hmm.. All the ones I have ever seen have been Silver paint.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Do you mean wheel trim rings? Seemed to be a dealer thing more than anything.

No.. the side marker chrome trim.. that clips onto the orange side marker light.

Originally Posted by RallyBob Never seen this, and I don't really see how...the gas tank takes up ALL the space right up to the RR quarter panel. Think about the proximity of the fuel filler itself and this makes no sense. Not to mention the rear brake hose, and the panhard bar arrangement. It would certainly be tough to fit in there.

I always thought the "passenger" exhaust thing would be very hard.. Edwin was never quite 100% sure his went out the passenger side. But he was 90% or so sure.. Never saw pictures..

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by GoinManta No.. the side marker chrome trim.. that clips onto the orange side marker light.

Gotcha. Well, my '73 Ascona had the chrome trim there as well. Got it with 27,000 unmolested miles on it! From what I've seen, all the model 50's with chrome bumpers had this chrome surround on the front side markers.

[GoinManta]

I had a feeling it was a big bumper / skinny bumper transition item..

Wasnt sure..

[kwilford]

Um, isn't it considered a '71 model if it were built after August 1970?

[OpelGT-de]

My Modelyear 71 (built September 70) Manta has a "funny" wire routing :
The + and - wires from the battery are attached close to the switch for the engine compartment lamp. The space to the (closed) hood is < 10mm and a potential "wear-through" risk for cable fire.

Years ago I saw a 2nd Sep 70 Manta with the same routing,...so I guess the routing is original for the very early Mantas.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by kwilford Um, isn't it considered a '71 model if it were built after August 1970?

True.. the term '70 Manta is used to differentiate the earliest of Mantas as they have some first run "prototype" like odd things about them, like the '68 GT.

Unlike the '68 GT, so far I haven't found what could be called a TRUE '70 Manta because as you noted the ones we have seen so far with these "features" were built in September.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by OpelGT-de My Modelyear 71 (built September 70) Manta has a "funny" wire routing : The + and - wires from the battery are attached close to the switch for the engine compartment lamp. The space to the (closed) hood is < 10mm and a potential "wear-through" risk for cable fire. Years ago I saw a 2nd Sep 70 Manta with the same routing,...so I guess the routing is original for the very early Mantas.

Got a picture of it ?

[Jonzo]

I thought it was common knowledge among the Opeliterati that the blacked-out radiator grille was for the Manta Rallye and that the silver faced radiator grilles were for the Luxus and standard Mantas (at least in the USA). If you look at the sales catalogs for 71, 72, 73, & 74 you should be able to notice the difference between the blacked out Manta Rallye grille and the silver faced grille for the other Mantas. My European Ascona 16 - Manta-A Parts Catalog shows three parts #'s for USA model 57's grilles:

# 13 20 048 Radiator grille with emblem and name plate "Opel"
# 13 20 050 Radiator grille with emblem and name plate "Opel" (Rallye cars)
# 13 20 070 Radiator grille with emblem and name plate "Opel" -1.9l E-

So apparently there is something different on the 1975 fuel injected Manta's grille as well.

Jonzo

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by Jonzo # 13 20 048 Radiator grille with emblem and name plate "Opel" # 13 20 050 Radiator grille with emblem and name plate "Opel" (Rallye cars) # 13 20 070 Radiator grille with emblem and name plate "Opel" -1.9l E- So apparently there is something different on the 1975 fuel injected Manta's grille as well. Jonzo

Very cool.. I did not know that. I had always assume the ones that looked black were just due to the sliver fading off of them

Learn something new everyday. Have to find the old Manta/Ascona spotting guide I did years ago and update it soon. So any more of these tid bits would be great.

Curious as to what is different on the 75 model grille. Can only assume its may have to do with the area the intake goes to.. like a small amount of material removed or somethign for better breathing. Wish I still had one to check out.

My biggest problem is that I have stripped or owned at least 2 dozen Mantas over the last 15-20 years. I have to say probably 75% or more were Late 73 to 74 Big Bumper cars. I know the production number have the 71-73 out selling 74 and 75, but it would seem the skinny bumpers combined with battery box / frame rust has killed off a LOT larger portion of the early cars than the Big Bumper ones.. Thats also showing up at the meets too.. I see more of the lower production 75 models than I do of the 71 or 72.. usually if I see a skinny bumper car its a 73.

Is it just me or is this typical in the other areas as well?

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by Jonzo So apparently there is something different on the 1975 fuel injected Manta's grille as well. Jonzo

The difference on the 75 Grills is that they have "OPEL" on the driver's side of the grill. This is true on the Ascona grills too. The 74 Ascona grill has just the blitz in the center, but, the 75 grill has "OPEL" on the driver's side

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by GoinManta Curious as to what is different on the 75 model grille. Can only assume its may have to do with the area the intake goes to.. like a small amount of material removed or somethign for better breathing. Wish I still had one to check out.

I'll check today Charles, Gregg's silver Manta is a 2-owner 1975 version.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by BQS4 The difference on the 75 Grills is that they have "OPEL" on the driver's side of the grill. This is true on the Ascona grills too. The 74 Ascona grill has just the blitz in the center, but, the 75 grill has "OPEL" on the driver's side

Look at the picture of the '70 it has OPEL on the grille..

Can't say for all Asconas.. but all Mantas have the OPEL on the grille. Can't recall ever seeing one without it.

[timemachine]

Very interesting thread and a cool-looking car. Where did that paint come from, looks nice on the Manta.

My first Manta experience was in 1974 when I'd gotten my brother's bronze 1971 (or was it 1970?) 1900 to drive for a summer while he was overseas. I clearly remember the orange oil light and I replaced a broken sagging resonator pipe with a Monza piece I bought somewhere. Funny thing, I swore once that it was on the passenger side but decided later on evidence I must have been wrong. I don't remember anything about the trim bits, I was only 16 then.

I do remember my brother telling me that he ordered the car and picked it up right off the boat in Baltimore (those were the days) and later moaned that he could have bought a new BMW 2002 for $400 more, though he did like the Opel and had it a long time. I got my first Manta in '76, a '72 Rallye in Eugene Oregon I promptly drove cross country, held onto and parted into 10 years and two more Mantas that saw a lot of road. By ownership, the marker light chrome came with the '74 as far as I know, but others surely know more than me.

What I do rember is that all three of my "first" Mantas had vinyl tops, and I never liked them personally, though others did. I guess if you could have built a perfect convertible top, that's what it would have looked like, but of course it was impossible. Worse yet, I've seen one or two "Landeau" top Mantas that are just hideous to me, but I don't think any came off the boat that way.

Jim

[GoinManta]

I have an Idea.. for Kadetts, Mantas, Asconas and GTs.

For those out there with Survivors in close to if not perfect unmo0lested condition.. could they document them in photo and post them here. That way we can "SEE" all the differences.

Just an Idea. Who knows what else we may find comparing them directly this way.

[Paul]

I'm the original owner of a 75 Manta so I can help if needed...