1988 Opel Manta GT Exclusive - the future's bright

Since Christmas I've been looking for a Viva, Chevette, or Manta - in no particular order of preference.

I soon ruled out the Viva as I realised for what I need a hatchback is essential, so narrowed my search to Chevette hatches and Manta hatches.

Most of the cars I saw advertised were either immaculate time warp jobs that were worth thousands, grotty "found this on my dead Nans lawn" £250 welding fodder, or nice clean cars that had been laid up for a while and suddenly emerged with the sellers seeing nothing but flashing dollar signs.

Very little middle-of-the-road good honest solid daily driver material.

I had just about given up hope of finding something when I stumbled across this car advertised locally. A bit of haggling over the asking price and we both had a deal we were happy with. Now I've got a Manta

It's very very solid, never welded. Paint is a bit dull, it's had a cheap blowover a couple of years ago and the finish isn't great (I can see sanding marks through the paint in some places and the "shine" is virtually non existant in places) but it doesn't really bother me.

Drives fine, the 1.8 8v is a thrashy old thing so II might look for XE power soon as it's a bit slow for my liking really. Drives tight, rides well, very happy with it once I've sorted the exhaust knocking the body

Here are some pics (sorry the first 2 are a bit dark)









GTE Exclusive interior which is really nice:





With or without the pad?





Original sills:





Rear chassis rail:



Front of sill and chassis rail:



Battery tray:



Inner wing & strut top:



Headlamp bowl:



Other headlamp bowl & worst rust on the car but couldn't perforate it with a screwdriver:



Bulkhead:



Crossmember:



Boot corners:





Rear 3/4 valance pockets:



Really happy with it!