The Opel Manta B 16v: A Homage to a Rare and Powerful Engine

In the world of rallying, few cars have achieved the level of success and cult following as the Opel Ascona 400. Its potent engine, nimble handling, and rich history have made it a beloved icon among car enthusiasts. But what about its lesser-known cousin, the Opel Manta B 16v? While not as well-known as the Ascona, this car shares many of the same characteristics that make the Ascona so special.

One of the most notable features of the Manta is its bodykit and wheels, which were heavily influenced by the Opel 400. The engine itself was a potent unit in its day, but its rarity and expense have made it highly sought after among collectors and enthusiasts. In fact, the C20XE 'Redtop' used in our build project makes even more power than the original road-going 400s did.

But what sets the Manta apart from other cars of its era is its connection to the Opel Dear Sport team, which campaigned several works cars in the early 1980s. The car you see here was built for Curt Pattinson and formed the first Retropower ground-up build, with a close visual link to the Works cars.

The Ascona 400 may have been the last two-wheel drive car to take a driver to the top of rallying's ultimate prize, but the Manta has its own unique history and characteristics. Its engine was developed by Cosworth and proved to be highly successful in competition. In fact, it was used by Walter Rohrl, one of the most skilled drivers of his era, who eventually won the 1982 Drivers' title behind the wheel of an Ascona 400.

The Manta's fortunes were transformed when Opel launched a more powerful version with a 2.4 16v engine and signed up Walter Rohrl as its lead driver. The car became a championship challenger and remains one of the most sought-after rally cars from its era.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Manta's history and evolution, as well as the challenges faced by Retropower in building tribute cars to both the Ascona 400 and the Manta. Despite not achieving the same level of success as some other rally cars, these models remain iconic among enthusiasts and collectors.

Opel manta b 16v