The Opel Manta A, one of the defining sports coupés of the 1970s, has been reborn by its maker as a tech-rich resto-mod with an all-electric powertrain.
The rear-driven two-door, now called the Manta GSe Elektromod, has been electrified and updated to show the brand's "commitment to emissions-free mobility for a very desirable, sustainable future," according to CEO Michael Lohscheller.
The original car's petrol four-cylinder has been swapped out for an electric motor producing 145bhp and 188lb ft, making it not only more powerful than any original-specification Manta A, but also the most powerful battery-electric car in Opel's stable.
A 31kWh battery pack, smaller than that found in the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Mokka-E, offers a claimed range of 124 miles, and like its production counterparts can be charged via regenerative braking - though a four-hour top-up is possible courtesy of a 9.0kW inbuilt charger.
Most notable is that the Manta still sends its power to the rear axle through a manual gearbox, unlike any EV currently in series production. Drivers have "the choice of manually shifting the original four-speed gearbox or simply engaging fourth gear and then driving automatically".
Join the debate
Add your comment
A wise choice...one of the few classic cars that don't rust and tough as old boots.
What a brilliant item and a fantastic car.
I'd almost completely lost interest in new cars thanks to huge prices and a glut of corporate-look SUVs with huge over-the-top front grills designed to say "I'm aggressive, get out of my way".
If only manufacturers could start making great looking fun cars like this as production models. One of these or an electric modern take on a Ford Escort MK1 or Triumph Dolomite Sprint would have my money straight away.
lack of power was always the minus in A Manta aswell in Opel GT when compared to best of those times.