Whether it was a first sighting as it blazed by leaving a trail of dirt and stones in its Group B livery or catching air on the big screen in the German movie ‘Manta Manta’, the opportunity to see an Opel Manta in the flesh is a rare and memorable one. For anyone who was an avid devotee to rallying’s crazy days, seeing the Opel broad sideways while its rival, the Audi Quattro, often remained planted to the dirt gave the Manta legendary status, and its road cars quickly became just as special. The homologation Manta road car was named '400' for its production numbers, which were initially expected to total, you guessed it, 400, but due to a rule change midway through production, only 245 examples were ever built, making it one of the rarest Group B specials to exist. 

With its beefed-up arches for wider tracks, upgraded 2.4-litre engine and the incredible Irmscher interior and unique rally-inspired livery, the Manta 400 looks as aggressive now as it did back in its heyday. While almost all were finished in white, this example heading to Iconic Auctioneers’ upcoming sale is one of only 12 understood to have been finished in Astral Silver with the Opel Blitz Logo interior trim. It's also one of only 59 road-going cars fitted with the with the Irmscher wide wheel-arch extensions and the later four-slot grille and three-piece spoiler. However, most importantly, it's the only right-hand drive Manta 400 following a professional conversion in Northern Ireland by Pentlands Vauxhall when it was imported. All original parts were used for the high-quality conversion that looks totally standard. As rally icons go, it’s easy to become caught up on the snarling Quattro and utterly bonkers 205 Tis of rallying’s maddest era, but cars such as this Opel deserve just as much recognition, and in their own way have become true cult classics, with this example being one of the rarest to exist!

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