Absolute Classic Cars. 1980 Opel Manta 2.0 SR Berlinetta Coupe incredible GM classic, 28k miles SOLD

Sold new through Opel - Low's Garage LTD in Shawlands, Glasgow and registered to the dealership on the 1st February 1980 (built 1979), this stunning Opel Manta 2.0 SR Berlinetta is an exceptionally special car; in that not only does it represent the last of the chrome bumper Opel Manta B Coupe models, but that also in addition to being able to trace its history back to its registration (through supplied DVLA records and previous Opel Manta Owners Club ownership) this car is offered with an incredible 28,810 miles from new, supported through MOT / service records....... and as such we don't feel there can be many of these early Manta B models surviving with a lower mileage! Ordered as a dealer demonstrator the Manta came well appointed when new and as such came with the following specification:
SR Berlinetta model specification
2.0S engine
4 speed manual gearbox
Exterior in Opel Englischrot Metallic - code 532
Interior trimmed in Beige Velour - code 105
SR chassis package
ATS 13" alloy wheels
Vinyl roof
3 spoke Sports steering wheel
Roof lining / console colour coded
Wood trim inserts
Headlight wash / wipe
Full instrumentation - 6 gauge cluster
Driver & Passenger manual adjust mirrors
'SR Berlinetta' model inscription
A review of the fabulous supporting documentation confirms that the Manta remained with Low's Garage LTD, used by the wife of the dealer principle until Oct 1980 (serviced twice already after pd at 680 miles and 3,321 miles), then transferred to its second keeper for 14 years, passing to a neighbour for another 18 years, where Servicing / MOT records confirm the car had driven just 23,261 miles (an average of 726miles/yr) by 2012, note '06-2012 the car was kept dry stored. From this point, circa 2012/13 the Manta came into the fold of club ownership (myself being a long term Opel owner/forum member) and we're delighted to say that the car has remained completely cherished and has only come to market as the current owner has taken the heart-felt decision to sell the car to follow a new business venture.
With such a comprehensive and detailed recommissioning and just 5k miles driven since the Manta starts easily on the turn of the ignition key. The engine settles to a wonderfully smooth idle, just over 1300rpm when cold, reducing to ~900rpm when warm with the 2.0s CIH 4 cylinder engine ticking over like the proverbial Swiss watch, 4.5 bar oil pressure, perfect! On selecting 1st gear the car pulls away cleanly offering a crisp delivery of power throughout its rev range. Having owned 20+ CIH powered Opels over the last 28 years the upgrade to the Getrag 240 gearbox, recognised world-wide, offers a real transformation to these earlier models, with the first 4 ratios closely matched to the original 4 speed and the bonus of an extended 5th for cruising / motorway driving. With new suspension components, a rebuild/upgrade of the braking system the ride and stopping power of this Manta SR Berlinetta are equally impressive too, having such a cosseted life, this example could easily pass for a new car rather than one now approaching her 44th anniversary!
Matched by her superb mechanics, the body work and interior are in excellent condition too. The interior is devoid of virtually any wear what-so-ever, the Beige Velour interior, notorious for going threadbare and fading especially on the rear seat back looks simply amazing and the seats remain super comfortable and with the 3 spoke sports steering wheel (as fitted to the Ascona SR, Kadett C GT/E, European Manta GT/E models etc) still having all its texture you soon realise what a special place and sense of occasion this interior is.....all that's needed is the early 80's soundtrack of Blonde, The Jam or David Bowie playing through stereo and you're transported back in time!
Finished in her Englischrot Metallic the paint looks wonderful too, with most on-lookers being lost for words! The body has never been welded; the swan-necks, jacking points, floors, inner wings, nose cone seams etc are what most Manta owners could only wish to dream of, all the panels gaps, arch trims, side trims, bumpers are spot on too! During her recommissioning and purely as a result of paint-fade, stone-chips, storage etc on/off over her first 33 years the car was subject to a complete respray, this being carried out professionally. Our hyper-critical eye, will say that there are a few minor defects, which can be easily rectified but we have to remind ourselves that this car is now 43 years old, the repaint is now 10+ yrs old and we're offering a car that many would describe as a "unicorn classic" ..... asked the question, 'would I want to own it?" ......my answer... "in a heart beat!"
Whether you're an outright Opel fanatic looking for the finest example or a collector / enthusiast looking to add to your collection, this 1980 Opel Manta 2.0 litre SR Berlinetta is an absolute must, ready to 'Wow' her owner and all who see her and with decades of enjoyment ahead of her.

[@mosnas]

Memories come flooding back, I had one of these back in the day, dark blue, also had a hatch in silver. Lovely cars, so much better than the equivalent Vauxhall Cavalier.

[@absoluteclassiccars5050]

The Opel was always the ‘class act’ versus the equivalent Vauxhall, with the European market offer GT/E models from 1975….something that never happened in the U.K. with Vauxhall.

[@ianmassey44]

Wow! How has that car still look like brand new

[@absoluteclassiccars5050]

A lifetime of being cherished and only 28k miles in nearly 44years! A special car👍

[@Stephen-OldBadGamer]

Aaah mudflaps at the back. For the man that wears polo neck sweaters .

[@absoluteclassiccars5050]

And driving gloves!!

[@cetdac3]

And doesn't want it to rust....

[@kevinford6420]

👀

[@mateuszkulpa1859]

Clothes should match the car 😅

[@absoluteclassiccars5050]

Yes indeed, I’m just getting them ready now and the string-back gloves too👍