In 1986, Heel-Verlag laid the foundations for its healthy growth in the automotive and classic car sector. "Grosse Reihe" was the name of the book series that began with the humpback Volvo. A further 33 books followed over the years, the early works have long been out of print and are obviously in demand on the second-hand market.
So of course it makes sense for the Heel publishing house to bring out a second edition of the most popular exponents of the book series itself. They started with the reference books on the Mercedes tail fin, the Ford Capri, the Volkswagen GTI and, as inspected here in more detail, the Opel Manta.
Carefully researched
First published in 1990, this book explains both the A series (1970 to 1975) and the B series (1975-1988).
Starting with the first design sketches, some of which were still intended for a Kadett B successor, through to the production model, the development evolution is meticulously documented. A comparison with the competition from the factory documents of the time is also included. Over 50 pages are devoted to the Manta A, and a further 40 to the Manta B.
Exciting special features
Not only the standard models are covered, but also a whole series of special Mantas and concept cars that were important for development, such as the GT2 (on four pages!).
Also interesting are the open variants of the A and B series and, of course, the sports models built internally by Opel (e.g. Manta 400, i 2800, etc.) and the visually and technically modified versions by tuners such as Irmscher, Mantzel, Zender, Zander-Exklusiv or Lexmaul, to name just a few examples. There was even a gullwing door version from Zander and Mantzel also had the six-cylinder engine from the Senator transplanted into the Manta.
Sports use
Motorsport - rallying and road racing - was not neglected either, although the emphasis was clearly on dusty and wintry roads.
Beautiful press photos and photographs from the period
The book is garnished with many black and white and some color press photos from the time, as well as photos by Wolfgang Drehsen, Walter Wolf, Auto Zeitung and the Stark editorial team. This makes for a good mix.
It's a pity that not all the pictures are crisp and sharp, and the contrast and detail could certainly be better in some cases. The fact that some pictures even show moiré effects only slightly detracts from the reading pleasure.
Sectional drawings and concept illustrations round off the picture material.
Extensive data section
At the back of the book is a comprehensive data section that characterizes the individual model series, including production figures (where available). Here you learn that the lightest Manta variants weighed in at just 900 kg and were wonderfully compact at 4.3 x 1.63 meters. The fact that Manta buyers at the time had to be satisfied with a top speed of 145 km/h for the 1.2 S A model makes the detail-loving observer smile.
Nostalgically presented
The book was printed exactly as it was first published in 1990. This is nostalgic and appealing. However, this naturally detracts a little from its usefulness, as information such as club addresses, an overview of tuning companies and a selection of model cars could not be updated in this way and has probably become largely useless.
This doesn't bother the real fan, and not the historian anyway. The book wants to be seen as a facsimile of a standard work that is around 24 years old.
Not just for Manta fans
Of course, the book is aimed at anyone who wants to know more about the Opel Manta. But even those who don't have a Manta in their garage and don't want to buy one can enjoy the book, because at the end of the day the Manta, just like the Ford Capri, is one of the most important passenger cars in German post-war production. It is not for nothing that over a million Mantas were built!
With a price of less than 30 euros, the reprinted book is inexpensive, which is very appropriate for the subject. It can be purchased directly from the publisher or from well-stocked bookshops.
Bibliographical details
- Title: The Big Opel Manta Book
- Author: Norbert Giesen
- Publisher: Heel-Verlag
- Language: German
- Edition: First edition 1990, new edition 2013
- Format: 176 pages, over 200 illustrations, 247 x 340 mm, hardcover with dust jacket
- ISBN: ISBN 978-3-86852-824-4
- Price: € 29.90
- Order/Buy: From Heel-Verlag online or in bookstores
