On offer is a pair of new old stock Opel front mud flaps for the Opel Manta B series and Ascona B series. Made of a creamy white coloured rubber and with no Blitz emblems or other embellishments. Included with the kit are a selection of mounting clamps and full mounting instructions. The part number on the label is 17 18 523.

For Sale - front mud flaps Opel Manta & Ascona B series

Being new and unopened old stock, they are in mint condition, the asking price is £15 which includes tracked delivery costs within the UK. I can send to some European locations too, but please ask for a quote first.

These could be a very nice original accessory for someone with a white coloured vehicle or for a clubman rally car or replica. Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.


UPDATES:

19/11/14 - Sold, but I will check to see if there is further stock, watch this space.
20/11/14 - YES, 2 more sets located, back in business.
04/12/14 - Sold Out

On offer is one brand new "Ascona" script boot lid badge, this type is held in place by two raised spigots which will mate with pre-drilled holes in the bodywork when fitted with tiny plastic inserts. The part numbers for this item are 8 968 927  and 3459304.

For Sale - Opel Ascona badge - £7.50

It took me a little research, but as can be seen from the pictures below, this type of boot lid badge was used on the Ascona A series produced from 1970-75. If you have a vehicle of this vintage you may be interested to hear that I also have a new matching "19" badge and a number of used versions of the "SR" script too.
This is truly a rare badge for what has also become a rare car. As this is new old stock, they are in excellent condition, just the thing to add the icing on the cake to your restoration, or to replace missing or damaged trim. Reasonably priced at £7.50, which includes recorded delivery costs within the UK. I can send to some European / North American locations too, but please ask for a quote first.

For Sale - all these badges are currently in stock

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.
Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.


UPDATES:

31/05/15 - One badge has now sold, just one left in stock.
14/10/17 - All sold.

On offer are a pair of refurbished cross-member braces, suitable as replacement for those used on the Opel Manta A series and Opel Ascona A series. They are genuine Opel parts and match catalogue part numbers 3 06 000 and 3 06 001.

For Sale - Manta A series front suspension outriggers

Both have previously been sand blasted, powder coated and given a top coat of gloss enamel for good measure. I believe the bushings were replaced at the same time, they have no cracks or signs of shrinkage, the metal inserts are clean and rust free. These front suspension outrigger / braces have remained in storage for around 25 years and are therefore in exceptionally good condition. Normally this type of suspension component is usually little more than a rusty mess with dried out bushes and seized bolts. These cross-member braces could be a boon for anyone planning a front suspension rebuild or full nut and bolt restoration.

Manta A series outrigger - rubber bushes replaced


Given the rarity and desirability of this all too hard to find parts I have priced them at £60 for the pair, which includes delivery costs within the UK.
I can send to some European / North American locations, but please ask for a quote first.

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.


UPDATES:

11/11/14 - NOW SOLD!

I planned to list these parts as Opel Manta items, I was convinced these were for the rear control arms, but further investigation of the part number has revealed them to be for the front suspension on the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2 and the Opel Ascona C series, positively modern by the standards of this blog, whatever next - listing parts from the front wheel drive era of GM production.

On offer is a pair of front suspension control arm bushes for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2 and Opel Ascona C series. Made from rubber with the following part number on the inner surface - 90157161.

You can verify my information here and you will find further details about the equivalent part number 3 52 323 here where there's even an exploded diagram from the factory parts book.  

For Sale - Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2 front suspension bushes

These are new old stock items, in new condition, the asking price is £15 which includes tracked delivery costs within the UK. I can send to some European locations too, but please ask for a quote first.



UPDATES:

None so far

On offer are parts for a large bore rally exhaust system for the Opel Manta B series and Opel Ascona B series. They is no branding but the main resonator box has a label marked "Opel Manta Coupe 2000".

For Sale - Opel Manta Coupe 2000 big bore exhaust system

It is made from heavy gauge mild steel, finished in a silk black finish and the overall diameter is 2", I believe the factory fitted exhausts were slightly smaller at 1 7/8". The system comprises; a manifold / downpipe section, a main silencer box with over axle pipe and a rear resonator box with straight tail pipe. Both resonator boxes are fitted with skidded braces to provide additional impact protection to cope with the rigours of fast road and rally driving. The front pipe section has been modified, the original purchaser chose to customise it by incorporating a large cherry bomb silencer. In my opinion, it's all a bit of a dog's dinner and illustrates the dangers of over confidence with a MIG welder.

Front section - the dangers of over confidence with a MIG welder

The parts were originally bought for someone's aborted Opel Manta A series custom project, although the markings and configuration lead me to believe that this is an Opel Manta Coupe / Ascona B series system. I know there are small differences between the coupe and hatchback variants, so please study the pictures closely and ask questions if it helps you make certain you are buying the appropriate part.

For Sale - Opel Manta B big bore exhaust, main silencer

Given the rarity and desirability of these all too hard to find parts I have priced these parts at £75 which includes delivery costs within the UK. Similar items are listed on eBay for around £180 for a complete system.

For Sale - Opel Manta B big bore exhaust, rear silencer

Due to weight and incompatibility issues with left hand drive vehicles this part is only available to UK based buyers.
Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.
Please send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.



UPDATES:

19-10-14 Now Sold

On offer is a sealed beam headlamp, identical to the popular Lucas SB5712 sealed beam unit, used as the inner main beam unit on twin headlight cars. It is specified as a 12 volt 50W 5 3/4" unit with a vintage domed glass front with a 2 pin electrical connector. It is visually the same as the popular Lucas model but manufactured by Thorn.

For Sale - Lucas 5712 by Thorn.

So what are the advantages sealed beam units?
  • Reflector will not rust.... no more MOT failures due to low light output or poor beam spread.
  • Glass doesn't get dirty or mist up on the inside.... where you can't clean it.
  • Earth connection is on a spade connector.... doesn't depend on a lamp making good contact with the reflector body.
  • Rubber sealing boot not required.... no hidden gremlins with the electrical connections.

Sealed beam headlamp - reflector will not rust

Typical applications for this part include:

JAGUAR (DAIMLER)
  • MK10 1966-71 main beam
  • XJ6 2.8 1968-73 main beam
  • XJ6 4.2 1971-73 main beam
  • XJ6 4.2 1973-75 main beam
  • Daimler Limousine 4.2 1973-78 main beam

TALBOT , HILLMAN , SUNBEAM
  • Avenger GL , GT , GLS  1970-76
  • Chamois  1970
  • Hunter GLS  1972-76
  • Imp Sport  1972-75
  • Rapier H120  1970-76
  • Stiletto  1970-71

LOTUS
  • Esprit 1975-80 main beam

RELIANT
  • Scimitar GTE 1966-78 main beam

ROLLS ROYCE
  • Corniche 1971-84 main beam
  • Silver Shadow I 1965-77 main beam
  • Silver Shadow II 1977-80 main beam

ROVER
  • P6 2000 , 2200 1963-77 main beam

TRIUMPH
  • Triumph 1500 1973-75 main beam
  • Triumph 1500 , TC 1975-76 main beam
  • Triumph 2000 , 2.5 , Pi 1970-76 main beam
  • Triumph Dolomite 1500HL 1976-81 main beam
  • Triumph Dolomite 1850HL , Sprint 1972-81 main beam
  • Triumph Vitesse 1966-70 main beam

TALBOT
  • Sceptre 1967-76 main beam

TOYOTA
  • Celica 1978-81 main beam

VAUXHALL
  • Cresta PC Viscount 1965-72 main beam
  • Firenza 1971-75 main beam
  • Magnum 1973-76 main beam
  • Ventora FD 1967-72 main beam
  • Ventora FE 1972-76 main beam

For Sale - fits Firenza, Magnum, Ventora and others

This part is available for £10 which includes delivery costs, it will be substantially packed for safe arrival.
Do ask if you are interested in stainless steel M4 retaining screws to replace the awful mild steel original parts; or backing plates, trim rings, beam adjusters or many other similar items I have in stock.


UPDATES:

10/12/15 - Now sold

On offer is a matched pair of chrome style door mirrors, suitable as replacement for the door mirrors used on the Opel Manta A series, Opel Ascona A series, some Opel Rekord C series, Opel Commodore A series and possibly even the Opel GT and Opel Kadett B series. They are Opel branded and constructed from alloy with a glossy hard chrome finish, they have the following part numbers on their bases respectively - 3439461 and 3439462.

For Sale - a matched pair of chrome style door mirrors

It will be immediately apparent that these are used items, but given the price that these items now retail at, I can but imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth if I were to just lob these in the scrap bin, without offering them up for sale first.
The passenger side mirror has quite a few rust spots on the mirroring (see pictures), the rest of the body is very presentable though. The drivers side mirror has a single spot in the mirroring, the head has a dent at the base and two dings from stones or similar objects, the base is reasonably presentable barring the odd blister or two.

For Sale - a bargain at £25 for both

Given the rarity and desirability of these all too hard to find parts, I have priced them at £25 which includes delivery costs within the UK.

Passenger side - leopard skin rust spots

If you are looking for a perfect condition brand new matched pair, I can't help you, although you can find them listed on eBay for around £100 a pair. If your budget is meagre, or if you have the skill to change the glass for new, these are the items to buy, for a knock-out price.
I can send to some European / North American locations too, but please ask for a quote first.

Driver's side - less rusty, but dented

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.
Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.



UPDATES:

10/12/14 - Now sold.

On offer is a single near side / left hand side chrome style door mirror, suitable as replacement for the door mirrors used on the Opel Manta A series, Opel Ascona A series, some Opel Rekord C series, Opel Commodore A series and possibly even the Opel GT and Opel Kadett B series. It is Opel branded and constructed from alloy with a glossy hard chrome finish, it has the following part number on the base - 8968355.

For Sale - Opel Manta round mirror nearly new condition

This mirror is so clean I thought it was new old stock at first, but on close inspection I realised it was used but in exceptionally good condition. The mirror glass is very good and the only flaws on the body I can find are; a cluster of tiny blisters on the base and a stone ding on the head section.

Given the rarity and desirability of this all too hard to find part I have priced it at £25.00 which includes delivery costs within the UK.

For Sale - mirrored surface is near perfect

Only the left hand or passenger side (UK) is available, please don't ask about a matched pair in this condition, I can't help you, although you might find them listed on eBay for around £100 a pair. However, if you need a passenger side door mirror for the Opel Manta A series or any of the other vehicles listed above, this is the part to buy, for a knock-out price.

For Sale - a genuine Opel item

This will be the driver's side item on European left hand drive vehicles and it may prove to be more popular with European buyers and I can send to some European / North American locations, but please ask for a quote first. 


UPDATES:

12/12/14 - Now sold

On offer is a single door handle for some variants of the Opel Manta B series ('75-'87), Opel Ascona B series and presumably the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 1 too. It has a plastic body with a glossy hard chrome bright work section, it has the following GM part number on the inner surface 90054838.

It is a used item, but still in good condition, the asking price is £7 which includes tracked delivery costs within the UK. I can send to some European locations too, but please ask for a quote first.

For Sale - Opel Manta B series door handle

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.


UPDATES:

26/07/15 - Now Sold

On offer is a single door lock escutcheon for some variants of the Opel Manta B series and Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 1. It has a plastic body with a glossy hard chrome bright work finish, it has the following part number on the inner surface - 09 287 258.

It is a used item, but still in good condition, the asking price is £5 which includes tracked delivery costs within the UK. I can send to some European locations too, but please ask for a quote first.

For Sale - Opel Manta B door lock escutcheon

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.

 
UPDATES:

19/11/14 - Now Sold

On offer is a single headlamp, suitable as replacement for the inner (main beam) unit on the Opel Manta A series. Manufactured by Hella, it has the following part number on the glass - 14464 R8 and both the box and the unit are labelled as - 1F3 002 425-011.

It is designed to accommodate the H1 lamp unit with the single small spade connector and a similar connector for earthing. For UK Manta owners that will correspond to the SR/Berlinetta models and not the base model Deluxe normally fitted with the 1600cc engine.

For Sale - Main Beam Inner Headlamp Opel Manta A Series

I appreciate it can be quite confusing with all the different model options on the Opel Manta, especially as many cars will have been modified from their original specification over the years. To clarify matters I have prepared an article, which can be found here
Changing over to the H1 from the H4 type will require new connectors of the appropriate type; a 5 minute job with a crimp tool if you know your way around electrics.

For Sale - Hella Headlamp 14464R8

So what are the advantages of H1 Halogen units?

Easily upgraded.... the H1 lamp is not only available in the standard 55 Watt output but also uprated 75 watt and 100 watt versions. It is the correct original styled replacement part... so good for Concours competition purists.

For Sale - Hella Headlamp1F3 002 425-01

This part is available for £35.00 which includes delivery costs. I will include a very clean salvaged rubber moisture protector boot and it will be substantially packed for safe arrival.
Do ask if you are interested in stainless steel M4 retaining screws to replace the awful mild steel original parts; or backing plates, trim rings, beam adjusters or many other similar items I have in stock.
Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.


Updates:

20/10/2017 - Now sold

On offer is a Weber DGV Carburettor, a type fitted as original equipment to many of the Ford cars of the 1970s. They also make ideal replacements for the temperamental Solex DIDTA carburettor fitted to Opels of the same era.

Weber DGV carburettor for sale - ideal replacement for a Solex DIDTA

Unlike the original Solex carburettor, with the Weber DGV model you have full control over the choke for easier cold starting and improved fuel consumption. It is a compound carburettor with a small bore section for economical running and a larger bore which opens progressively for full power when you need it. This combination means that you get the best of both worlds; a boost in both performance and economy too.
Most importantly spares are relatively cheap and plentiful, making a cinch of servicing and modification. You can even install the Weber DGV carburettors with the original equipment air cleaner, assuming you can source the correct oval adapter plate, which is not included in this sale.

Weber DGV carburettor for sale - boost both performance and economy too

I don't know much about the history or parentage of this particular carburettor, it was bought off eBay a while back to keep on the shelf as a spare. It looks like it has had the main gasket and accelerator pump gaskets changed at some point. The body and chokes are clean and grime free.

I have run a couple of cars with salvaged Weber carburettors in the past and have never had any problems with them. Like the Fords they were originally fitted to, they are; simple, robust and reliable technology and can be re-jetted to suit different engine sizes. I would always recommend getting these units stripped, cleaned and rebuilt before use, but it's your choice.

Weber DGV carburettor for sale - simple, robust and reliable technolog

Only the one item is available, it is in fair to good physical condition, all the linkages are present.

You can still buy this sort of item new for around £200, so I have priced it to sell at £49 delivered to a UK address with easy payment by PayPal. I am located in South London should you wish to inspect and collect it. Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.

UPDATES:

25/08/14 - Under offer
27/08/14 - Now Sold


This style of solid metal chrome plated overrider with thin rubber inserts was fitted to the earliest variants of the Opel Manta A series, approximately covering a period running from 1970 through to 1973. The front ones are, to the best of my knowledge, unique to the Opel Manta A series, the rear are shared between the Manta and Ascona A series models. They were fitted to all the UK variants whether they were; Deluxe, Rallye or Berlinetta specification, oddly in Europe they were only fitted to the more upmarket variants.

On offer is a full batch of salvaged overriders, plus amongst this batch, is one brand new old stock front overrider, read on to find out more about this item. This could be a handy stash, with some items you can use now and other bits to strip for parts and keep or sell on to recoup costs.

For sale - a full batch of salvaged Opel Manta overriders

There are no fewer than four used front overriders and three used rear overriders; you can use these to salvage their rubber inserts, which are not included with the new part. Of course there is nothing to stop you getting these parts blasted and re-chromed, which given the scarcity of these items may be a life saver for someone's project.

The part that everyone will want, is a single completely brand new old stock front overrider, as you would expect, the chrome looks exactly as it did the day it left the factory four decades ago.

For sale - new old stock Manta chrome overrider, absolutely mint

They are priced at £35 for the set with easy payment by PayPal, cash on collection will be fine too, the price includes delivery to the UK, other areas subject to an increased charge. I am located in South London should you want to inspect before collection.

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.


UPDATES:

25/07/14 - Parts now reserved pending payment
19/08/14 - No sign of payment yet, so I have added a PayPal button, the first to click wins
20/08/14 - Now sold

On offer is a set of the centre caps fitted to Rostyle wheels, to the best of my knowledge this style was used on some Opel Manta B and Opel Kadett C models, I have also used them on the Opel Manta A 4 slot style Rostyle too.
They are in good condition, maybe not concours though, as they have acquired a few dings along the way; but being made of stainless means that rust isn't a problem and they should remain shiny for a long, long time to come.

They are priced at £20 for the set with easy payment by PayPal, cash on collection will be fine too.
I am located in South London should you want to inspect before collection, or they can be posted to the UK for an additional £5.

Obsolete GM spares are not exactly plentiful in the UK, stocks are limited and I will not be replacing them, so don't hang about if this is what you need.

Send a message or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.

For sale - stainless centre caps, as fitted to Rostyle wheels

UPDATES:

04/07/2014 - Offer made, awaiting exchange of details for PayPal payment.
08/07/2014 - Payment made. NOW SOLD.



After over a quarter of a century of ownership I have decided now is the time to bid farewell to my Opel Manta A series. I would like to have made this "a car for life", but times change and I can't face the pain of restoring it all over again, it is better that it finds a new home with an enthusiast who can cherish it for the rare example that it is. For the right person, this could be a nice, easy little summer project to fix up and sell on for profit, or collect some prizes at next year's shows.

Opel Manta for sale - a nice, easy little summer project


The Good Bits:

First of all let's consider the good bits, this highly original looking car has only 63,000 miles on the clock, that's the equivalent to an average of just 1500 miles per year. I am only the 3rd owner of the vehicle, the 2nd had the car for around 18 months and the original owner for over 10 years. It has always been kept in South London, the original owner was from Dulwich and the next from Beckenham. It has always been somewhat of a "garage queen" used only for high days, holidays and summer events for the majority of my period of ownership. Even at 40 years old it's still a head turning car, the bodywork would still rate as 6.5/10, with virtually no significant welding from new. I am regularly asked by passers by if it is for sale.

Opel Manta for sale - even at 40 years old it's still a head turning car
 

It had a bare metal respray in late 90s by former OMOC member John Sneddon, at the time proprietor of Brook Road Coachworks. In my opinion his workmanship was at a peak and it is a real credit to his care and attention to detail than nearly 15 years later the paint is still good. The only points of failure are where rust has crept through from underneath. Shortly afterwards he closed his bodyshop and went on to work on the Mercedes Benz McLaren SLK production line which gives you an idea of his standards.

As part of the respray new genuine GM wings were fitted and very tidy they are too. A pair like this would cost a small fortune (£500) at current prices.

The original Solex carb was rebuilt a couple of times but after repeatedly letting me down, I eventually replaced it with a rebuilt Weber carb and K & N Filter, a much more reliable and economic combination. I ran a Mini choke cable through to a little bracket I fabricated and fixed to the underside of the dash. Although clearly not a concours item, it is a very simple and effective solution to a thorny problem. I also installed a cheap disposable plastic fuel filter to keep and eye on the feed from the tank and to stop rust particles getting drawn into the carburettor. At the same time the fuel pump was replaced with an after market item, although there was nothing wrong with the original.

Weber carb and K & N Filter, a reliable combination

I also installed an original Opel GT alloy rocker cover, which stops the oil leaks that the original covers all suffer from. It can be polished up if you want a more custom look, I actually prefered it to look a little duller and more patinated, but hey, each to their own.

I had the original Rostyle wheels blasted and powder coated at Redditch Shot Blasting. They too did themselves proud and in spite of many years exposure to the elements they are in remarkably good condition. The correct original wheel centres and chrome nuts are fitted.

Being the SR model there is the long lived and low maintenance all black interior fitted, even the headlining is black on these models. The front seats have the extremely rare and desirable factory headrest option, which almost looks like the Porsche 911 seats of the same period. The original black carpets are fitted, the back being in better condition than the front, yes there is wear around the driver's foot well.

Opel Manta for sale - low maintenance all black interior fitted


There is a period radio in the dash, but it is not plumbed in, post respray I never wanted to ruin the bodywork with an aerial knowing what a rust trap it can create.

All the original fiddly chrome trim is present which can be so time consuming and expensive to replace. The correct badges are all in place and in quite good condition. The front grill is looking weathered, but I know a little work with T-cut can easily restore the gloss. The doors close with a solid clunk exactly as they should thanks to new door pins fitted. The locks can be a bit stiff, the single key is a copy and needs jiggling a little to work sometimes. There is a spare key that works better, but its soft plastic fob is cracking up.

I know of no issues with the mechanics, the engine still feels tight, it never used oil, it doesn't smoke, nor should it at this mileage. In use there was plenty enough poke to keep up with modern traffic, whilst returning around 33 mpg on an extra urban run. The clutch is positive and the gearbox tight with no sloppiness in the lever, the back axle was always quiet on this car.
The largest stock radiator has been fitted, as found on the later 2 litre cars, the extra water capacity stopped the car from overheating when I got stuck in motorway traffic jams. Last summer I replaced one of the heater hoses, which had developed a split. All the other hoses are serviceable and the majority of the clips are stainless steel, I have spare hoses available should you find any issues.

Various parts of the exhaust have been replaced over the years, the front pipe being the oldest and rustiest element of the system. The purchaser can have first refusal on a full stainless steel free-flow exhaust system, complete with original style SR twin tailpipe back box, for an additional amount.
The front brake callipers were professionally rebuilt some years back and refinished in cad plating, I also replaced some of the brake lines at the same time with copper.
The brakes all have plenty of meat on them and work well, disks and drums only have light wear.

The lights are all still in good condition with plenty of silvering and little or no rusting. The headlamp backing plates are very good, one or two were replaced a few years back.

SR model auxiliary gauges fitted above the transmission tunnel

Being the SR model there are auxiliary gauges fitted above the transmission tunnel. The Ammeter and Oil Pressure gauges are very accurate, the clock has never worked. I can offer the new buyer a similar looking round clock with a quartz movement that could be fitted in place of the original.


And now the Not So Good Bits:

OK, so it's not perfect, but what will you find fault with? Bodywork is probably the item that most people will be concerned about so I will deal with that first.

The bonnet was quite presentable a year ago, but recently it has rust blistered through where the bracing underneath must have been trapping moisture. Given the thin gauge of steel used in my opinion it is beyond repair, but luckily, I have a spare sitting in the garage. The spare isn't brilliant, but it would fill a gap till something better came along.

Other typical Manta weak spots are rusting, there are some small holes on the sills midway below the B post that need patching up.

The door bottoms need re-skinning on the leading edge where it meets the front wing, this has been done once, the rest of the door bottoms are still looking presentable though.

Both lower rear quarter panels will need attention, either a patch or one of the replacement sections.

Behind front bumper, where the headlamp panel meets the lower front valence and the two sheets of metal overlap, water has got into the seam and caused some rusting. I would imagine that only a patch is required, the valence itself is still presentable.

I found a split in the battery tray, to keep the rain out a made an alloy patch and stuck it in place with sealant. It worked well and can be easily unpicked for a full repair in due course.

There were a few other small blisters hear and there, bear in mind that this is a 40 year old car, if you attack it with a screwdriver, no doubt you'll find some more areas of corrosion. But also remember that most of this cars peers have been recycled into fridges and washing machines at least once over during the same period. Waxoyl was sprayed into the sills, chassis rails, back valence  and  wheel arches many years ago. It is testament to how effective it was by the way you can now see which areas got missed first time round.

Very original style 185/70 x 13 tyres are currently fitted, the tread is still acceptable but there is a lot of sun cracking. I will include 3 x 165 section tyres and 1 x 185 section tyre in good condition to get you going and use as you see fit.

The passenger seat has a small mark on the squab which looks like a cigarette burn, the driver's seat has a split on the squab where the foam has sagged. The foam on both front seat is oxidising, I have seen it happen on lots of Opel Manta A series. The rear seat is in good condition, there is a tiny split appearing where sunlight through the back window has cooked the plastic.

The horizontal bright trim on the door panels and rear panels has lost its shine. The bright trim on the windscreen seals has gone dull and milky in appearance, but I can supply a replacement strip that should do one screen at least.

The front dash has a split through the plastic and some of the metal around the bottom is corroding.


Inspection, payment, collection or delivery:

There is no MOT or tax on the car, but it does start and drive around reliably, this is not some immobile hulk.

It was manufactured in March 1973, so under the old regime it wasn't eligible for historic vehicle status and therefore free road tax, apparently this is changing next year and vehicles of this age will become eligible.

You are welcome to call to inspect the car, I suggest you arrange to do this as soon as possible, I already have a pre-arranged list of buyers and will be contacting them to let them know the car is ready for inspection.

I am located in London, a few miles from the M25 Junction 6, from there you can go almost anywhere in the country quickly outside of the rush hour.

I can also offer low loader delivery to any part of the country South of the Pennines as a "loss leader" for £149. Alternatively bring your own trailer to collect, I can help with loading, you will be able to drive it on a trailer anyway.

Unless I know you personally, you will need to settle payment in full prior to collection, or bring cash on the day and we'll deposit it at the bank together. Obviously I will provide a receipt for your purchase, please bring the appropriate ID. The vehicle will be described as "Sold as seen".

Sorry, no test drives unless you have trade plates and leave a cash deposit for the full purchase price.

Sorry, I will not be accepting offers from deposed Nigerian Presidents or Ministers, nor will I be shipping out of the UK, so don't waste time asking.

I am not a grouch though, if I have missed information you need, please contact me.


Conclusion:

I have attempted to describe this car as honestly as possible, I was an OMOC committee member for many years and still have a good reputation within the enthusiast network and would like to keep it. I would prefer this car to go to a club member or other enthusiast, it has survived through some tough times when so many others went to the scrap yard, but I do need to move it on now, please don't be a time waster or tyre kicker. If a suitable buyer doesn't come forward then I will advertise it through eBay, where, given the scarcity of spares it might even be broken for parts. Remember, it is a complete car and you won't have to spend the next 10 years searching for bits and pieces.

The Opel Manta A has always been a rare car to buy, people generally hold on to them for years. For this level of originality and mileage you will be waiting a long time before the next one comes along.
I heard that a recent "Barn find" Opel Manta A series sold on eBay for £2400, a totally unknown item, that didn't even run. If you think you can find a better car than this for less money, BUY IT!


UPDATES:

04/06/2014 - Offer accepted, deposit taken and sale agreed pending funds.
15/06/2014 - Payment complete, car collected and NOW SOLD.

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