Opel Manta B #30
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Opel Manta B #30
Opel Manta B #31
The 1981-1984 billing on the Manta 400 is from the official press site?
It is strange since the Manta 400 actually debuted in mid-1983.
[QUOTE=Ferrer;1019555]The 1981-1984 billing on the Manta 400 is from the official press site?
It is strange since the Manta 400 actually debuted in mid-1983.[/QUOTE]
The files names were not taken from the press site. However, according to Wikipedia: [I]"Opel delivered the first 23 specimens in 1981 which were recognizable by the 2 slot front grille (1982, 83, and 84 models had 4 slot grilles). The cars were delivered as both street cars and factory tuned rally cars. The streetcars known as Phase 1 cars, were luxury versions of the known Manta B Coupé."[/I]
I am not an expert though :)
Expert speaking here.:)
Manta 400 rally car made its debut in 1983 at the Tour of Corsica.
Manta 400 road going version was first presented in March 1981 at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales started in Spring 1982 with pre-facelift cars with two-slot grille. The majority of Manta 400s were built during 1982 and 1983 as post-facelift cars with four-slot grille and body colored bumpers. Last two examples were built in 1984, giving a total of 245 road cars.
Strangely it seems to be true that the Ascona 400 and Manta 400 were developed (almost) in parallel; al sources I have seen say the same.
Curious bit of rally history.
Mechanically, Ascona and Manta were the same car.
I guess it all comes down to the marketing.