My new Manta

[jerseydave]

Picked up this Manta today down by the Jersey Shore. Is in really good shape and started right up after sitting outside at a restoration shop for a year plus. My plans are to clean it up and decide what to do with it.

[Aardvaark]

It's a fuelie! Nice find.

[DennisGardiner]

Looks real straight from the passenger side, and no rust too boot.
Nice find!

[74Opel1900]

Nice find Dave. Can't wait to see what you do with the car

[jerseydave]

Hey Brian like the pictures!

[74Opel1900]

Well, you might as well show all of the pictures. The inspection sticker on the car is from 1992 so chances are it hasn't really been on the road since then. Granted, Jim (the guy who sold you the car) said he drove it from Freehold to Howell about a year ago but that really doesn't count. I think the real story here is how much you paid for this car. You should definitely be bragging about the price right now because you got a steal. I still can't get over how well that engine runs.

Manta pictures by bcutts - Photobucket

Just in case anyone is wondering. Here's the story of my involvement. Dave drove a bit of distance to see the car last week but the guy was sick and he didn't get the chance. I met up with Dave that day since it's not far from my house. Later on that week curiosity was killing me and I just had to see this car so I found the Craigslist ad and gave the guy a call (without telling Dave). I made arrangements to see the car yesterday, took some pictures and sent them to Dave as a surprise. The seller didn't want to get the car started without a deposit so I gave him a few bucks this morning. Dave then sprang into action, rented a trailer and took the car home to join the rest of the Opel family this afternoon. It was exciting to chase this car down and help Dave out. I'm very happy to see it's in good hands now and not rotting in some auto graveyard. Hopefully we'll be seeing this car at Carlisle one day.

[opelgtguy]

Uh oh, Dave .......... more BIG BUMPERS !

[timemachine]

Way to go Dave, looks like you found a good deal. Got your PM also, won't add but to say have fun with the car in your new garage and drive somethihg to Carlisle this year if you can!

Jim

[opelgtboy70]

Hey.....thanks Dave for leaving me out.

Karl

[RallyBob]

Pretty rare car! Only a little over 7000 Manta's made it stateside in 1975. Surprising to see one with the EFI still intact (no carb retrofit).

[jerseydave]

Karl is correct, he contacted me seeing if I had any interest in this car. The car was originally listed at $255, but that listing was revoked and relisted at $550. Still a good deal for this car, considering that it runs well except needing some brake work and a good interior scrubbing!!!

[opelgtboy70]

I thought we were going to look together. Didnt know you were invloving other people.....I learned my lesson!!! I guess I have to be cuthtroat and not let others know.

Karl

[jerseyopel]

What did you think you were gonna do, share it?

[74Opel1900]

I thought we were going to look together. Didnt know you were invloving other people.....I learned my lesson!!! I guess I have to be cuthtroat and not let others know.

Karl

Actually Karl, Dave didn't include me. I included myself without asking Dave. Dave wanted to see my car and he was only 30 minutes from my house so I met up with him. He did tell me he was going to check out a car but didn't get a chance to see it. He only said it was on Craigslist so I did a search and found it. I don't know what was agreed upon by you two prior to this but Dave doesn't seem like the type of guy to screw anyone over. Dave did not solicit my involvement. Like I said, I kinda just took it upon myself to do him a favor. The car belongs to Dave now and what he decides to do with it is up to him. I did ask him if he is going to part it out that I do need a few parts but I'm fairly certain that he's going to put it on the road. We are a small group of Opel enthusiasts and I would hate to see anyone at odds over a $550 car. Hopefully this clears things up and we can all continue to get along. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in May at Carlisle so I pray there is no bad blood over this.

[timemachine]

We are a small group of Opel enthusiasts and I would hate to see anyone at odds over a $550 car. Hopefully this clears things up and we can all continue to get along. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in May at Carlisle so I pray there is no bad blood over this.

No bad blood whatsoever 74Opel1900, we're all looking forward to meeting you in Carlisle and hopefully seeing your new Opel you are excited to have! Even if it's not running, please join us.

Jim

[opelgtguy]

I'd like to see if we couldn't have a Spring Shakedown Meet - blowing out the 'Winter Cobwebs' before Carlisle. Maybe in April ?
What do you guys think ?
Rick

[Gordy]

Hey, I like the box bumpers! I've owned both and even though initially I leaned toward the early bumpers, now that I see both (and own a 1975) I like the box bumpers better. (just my opinion)
Maybe it's because the bumpers tend to hide lower valances on most early Mantas that are in less than pristine shape these days, so they actually enhance the appearance.

[74Opel1900]

No bad blood whatsoever 74Opel1900, we're all looking forward to meeting you in Carlisle and hopefully seeing your new Opel you are excited to have! Even if it's not running, please join us.

Jim

Good to hear. My Opel is running great since putting $2K into repairs. I use it as my daily driver now. Hopefully it will have new paint by the time Carlisle rolls around. You will definitely see me and muh muh muh my Ascona there this year.

-Brian

[74Opel1900]

I'd like to see if we couldn't have a Spring Shakedown Meet - blowing out the 'Winter Cobwebs' before Carlisle. Maybe in April ?
What do you guys think ?
Rick

I'd be down for that.

[timemachine]

I've been looking for a spring event to host and could offer up my place. Nobody has seen my new garage yet.