The second edition of the Opel Manta turns 50
07/21/2025
It was probably around this time 50 years ago that journalists first came into contact with the second generation of the Opel Manta. They had to wait until August 28, 1975 before they could officially announce the successor.
The Opel PR people did not hold back in their texts:
"The Manta is an independent automobile, designed as a sporty coupé with high driving performance, excellent handling and at the same time with good space. At the same time, its economy, which is rare in cars of its type, is particularly pronounced.
In keeping with its characteristics, the Manta was given a special sporty look. The elongated shape with the hood pulled down low for aerodynamic reasons and the generous glazing make for a sleek appearance. This also means improved visibility in all directions for this handy car."
Safety and efficiency aspects were also pointed out.
The advertising motifs caused controversy at the time. They read, for example, "I dreamed I was driving the new Opel Manta GT/E to a rendezvous with Caroline" or "I dreamed I had snatched the Grand Prix from the champion in the new Opel Manta".
Really? Driving to a date with Princess Caroline of Monaco in an Opel, or outrunning Lauda at the Grand Prix?
In any case, the magazine "auto motor und sport " noted: "The level of the Manta advertising was not only criticized on various occasions, it also put off a number of potential GT/E buyers: Opel received hundreds of letters whose senders stated that it was now impossible for them to buy the new Manta."
Opel subsequently corrected the advertising and the church was back in the village for Opel buyers. In any case, the Manta sold well and the GT/E, as the top model, achieved a share of 15 to 20 %.
We would like to congratulate the second-generation Opel Manta on its birthday now (before the factory vacations) and have also digitized an early sales brochure to mark the occasion.
