Opel Manta, 1975
Opel Manta B
Opel Manta B•
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Chassis No.: 5755078287
Auction: Indy 2019
Auction date: May 19, 2019
Lot No.: F129
$23,100 | Sold
- Exterior: White
- Interior: Red
- Steven Juliano’s first car was an Opel Manta
- Juliano hunted for years to find the best example he could find
- He had previously located another Manta that he purchased and spent a fortune having it restored
- After it was finished, he found this extremely low mileage Manta and sold the other car because this one was better
- 4,005 original miles
- Fuel-injected 1.9L engine
- Engine no. 19E*0011478
- Automatic transmission
- Power brakes
- 4-spoke sport wheels
- Aluminum safety bumpers
- White paint with matte black hood and stripes
- Red bucket seat interior
Firsts always seem to be important. Normally occurring at younger, impressionable ages, memories of firsts sustain through the years, serving as a reminder of how things used to be and what made us happy in our youth. For Steven Juliano, one of the firsts was an Opel Manta, his first car. It made a permanent impression on him, so much so that in later years he would not only hunt tirelessly for the best example available, but go so far as to completely restore one at exorbitant costs, only to sell it when it was done because he found this one, which was much better than the one he restored.
But, because this 1975 Manta was such a great example with a mind-boggling low 4,005 original miles, who can blame him. The interior looks as if it was installed just days ago, its red and black coloring in pristine order, the vinyls and plastics as unblemished as they could be, the wood applique looking like it was only recently applied, and the gauges crisp and clear. Outside, the white paint glistens while the matte black hood and stripes appear as new. The glass and plastic lenses also appear in enviable condition. Under the hood, the fuel-injected 1.9L inline 4-cylinder engine is mated to an automatic transmission, making for easy but spirited cruising.
Opel Mantas won several rallies around the world in their day and earned extensive praise from the automotive press, thanks to the attention to detail Opel engineers paid to the chassis development. The engine powering this Manta Rallye is No. 19E*0011478. Improving on the aesthetics are 4-spoke sport wheels, bright aluminum trim and bumpers sharing space with matte finishes for a racier, more aggressive look, as well as a single-shot chrome exhaust tip. The Manta offers a beautifully balanced look, much like the driving feel. Indeed, this is one of the best Opel Mantas in the world.
