1988 Opel Manta 400 Rally Car

To be offered by Silverstone Auctions at the Race Retro Sale taking place on Saturday 25th February. 

Presented for auction at Race Retro 2023 is this beautifully constructed 1987 Opel Manta 400 Rally Car expertly built using an excellent 1988 Manta shell modified to 400-spec by a highly regarded motorsport engineering workshop. With no expense spared, a brand new, dry-sump 2.4-litre, 'Phase 3' historic tarmac engine was commissioned from Gerent in Germany and mated to a new dog-leg 400 gearbox with correct ratios from GR boxes in Italy. Final drive is handled by a 400 'Phase 3' limited-slip differential and stopping power is provided by the correct AP calipers as per the original spec. A high-quality stainless exhaust system was custom built by Simpson Exhausts.

Handling is enhanced with brand new Bilstein 'Group 4' suspension with spring rates matched to Russel Brookes’ tarmac car, a new 2.5 quick steering-rack, 9 x 15 Revolution wheels, and new alloy hubs with all arms rose-jointed as per the original 400 specification. The car was totally rewired using reset fuses and VDO clocks to 400 spec. A heated front screen is fitted and full tinted Perspex. A new custom-built 400-spec fuel tank has been fitted and the cabin is nicely finished with new Corbeau seats with 3’’ harnesses.

Since the build was completed, this impressive Manta has only been used in two short charity demonstration runs and can just be considered freshly run-in. There is an MSA Logbook with the car and a new V5C will be supplied ready for transfer or export as the registration number in our images does not form part of the sale.

With a build cost far exceeding our upper estimate including a brand-new Gerent Phase 3 engine and with good Manta bodyshells becoming increasingly tricky to source, this is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a beautifully constructed and rapid rally car that in the right hands could be highly competitive.