![]() The Manta’s main competitor was Ford’s Capri, another car with European roots, but with a more American character. Other Opel like the GT were overlapping the Manta in the first two years only adding to the confusion. At times it was called Buick’s Opel, Opel by Buick, Opel 1900, Buick Manta, and then finally Buick Opel. The confusion became more obvious when Buick struggled to figure out how it wanted to market the car. The Manta was hidden behind big LeSabres and Rivieras as salesmen in some markets had little experience selling this type of car to the typical Buick customer (older middle class types). The contrast in automotive culture was obvious. With 90 hp, the little Opel could hold its own against some of the emasculated post-emissions Buicks with V6 power. In Europe the Manta was available with even smaller engines, but only the biggest most powerful found their way to the States. In contrast to the 1.9L in the Opel, the smallest engines in the typical Buick at the time was at least 3.7 liters in V6 form. Under the 1900 name, they came as a coupe, wagon and sedan. The Manta line stood out as a family of tidy rear-wheel drive cars powered by 4 cylinder engines. It simply represented a different mindset from the large rear wheel drive V8/V6 powered chrome boats that Buick was churning out. When it’s time was up in 1972, the compact and sporty Manta took its place at the bottom end of Buick’s US lineup (for awhile at least).īeing the cheapest Buick did not mean it was the least appealing. The Kadett had been a popular captive import for Buick for years. The solution was to simply import Opel’s from Germany. Buick needed a small car sales infusion right away. An even smaller arrival, the subcompact Skyhawk would be many more years away. The planned compact called the Apollo would be the smallest Buick, but was at least three years off by the late ’60s. ![]() Not having a small car in its line up would have meant that Buick could not respond to consumers who wanted smaller more fuel-efficient products. In the ’70s Buick like all the domestic industry was hit hard by the one two whammy of the fuel crisis and emissions regulations. It’s not the first time that GM has called on its German subsidy to help out Buick. The current Regal, Lacrosse and departed Saturn Aura are based on the same chassis that underpins the German designed and engineered Opel Insignia. Interestingly enough, life support for Buick came from Chinese interest and more directly in America from of one of GM’s European divisions: Opel. Thanks for looking.Buick was one of GM’s resurgent brands with a string of hits starting with the Enclave SUV and ending with the new Regal and Lacrosse. Considering these issues, the car must be towed.This car does hold a salvage title due to its being purchased from an auto dismantler at some point in the past, however, it has not been in an accident.Please look at all of the pictures, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. The registration is up to date, however it is currently registered non-op. The tires have great tread, and they are not checked, however they have been with the car for a few years. The carpet is in good condition for a driver, and the trunk is rust free and includes its original rubber liner.The car does fire up, and the transmission operates smoothly (that is, when the engine is running well), however, after sitting for about a year, a lifter tick seems to have developed and the carburetor is in need of a rebuild. The headliner has held together well, however it is stained. ![]() The drivers seat has some cracks and a seam tear, and the rear seat is dry from the sun. The car has been resprayed once in the original color (white with a black hood and pinstripes) Overall the paint is decent and shines well, however there are a few imperfections (no dents or dings come to mind).The interior is in original conditions. There is almost no rust whatsoever, with the only exceptions being the battery tray, and a very slight bubbling near the bottom of the drivers rear quarter panel. This car is in great condition considering its age. Up for sale is my 1974 Opel Manta Rallye. ![]()
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