Opel

Opel
OPEL ASCONA 44/MANTA 400

2-door 4-seater saloon/coupé.

Opel's special limited-production rally cars, Group 4 and Group B respectively, sold here only in tiny numbers. Structurally as for normal saloons or coupés, but fitted with Cosworth-developed 16-valve/twin-cam engine conversion and five-speed gearbox. 144bhp (and 125mph top speed) in standard form, but up to 275bhp when rally-tuned. Glass-fibre panels, including side skirts and bonnet with extra ventilation, for lightness, though road cars surprisingly civilised. Saloons built to 1981, coupés thereafter.

Technical Specifications
Engine
2410cc (S4 DOC)
Configuration
Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Production dates
1979 to 1983
Number produced
448/236
Subscribe to Classic & Sports Car

Subscribe to Britain’s best-selling classic car magazine