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1974 Opel Manta Luxus [A]

1974 Opel Manta [A] in Soap, TV Series, 1977-1981

Class: Cars, Coupé — Model origin: — Made for: USA

1974 Opel Manta Luxus [A]

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Comments about this vehicle

Author	Message
Yvon52 ◊ 2007-02-07 20:38	It's the US edition of the Opel Manta. Was it Opel or Buick-Opel in the States?
Raul1983 ◊ 2007-02-07 21:35	Buick-Opel Manta
Yvon52 ◊ 2007-02-07 21:49	Raul, here is the link to all Buick Opel catalogs!!! http://www.opel-classic.dk/BUICK%20OPEL%20INFO.htm
antp ◊ 2007-02-07 23:12	yvon52 wrote Raul, here is the link to all Buick Opel catalogs!!! http://www.opel-classic.dk/BUICK%20OPEL%20INFO.htm As debated previously on other pages, apparently there was one car sold as just "Buick/Opel" (a rebadged Isuzu Gemini / Kadett C), and all the others were rather "Opel Something by Buick". I guess that, like the GT and some others, the Manta is in that case. Though that all that is not sure, as we still haven't found anything clear (advertising are not consistent: the naming seems to change all the time in these). -- Last edit: 2007-02-07 23:25:37
Hiergehts ◊ 2007-02-08 02:18	To clarify things as far as 1970's Opel models sold in the USA: A - The Opel Manta & Ascona A were introduced to US market as 1971 models in late 1970 and sold in USA through Buick dealers as the "Opel 1900" sedan/wagon and sport coupe for 1971 & 1972 only. For some reason, the sport coupe was rebadged as the Opel Manta for the 1973 model year and sold as that through 1975 when production ended. The Ascona A was always called the Opel 1900 in the USA but the wagon (Ascona voyage/caravan) was badged as the "Opel Sportwagon" for 1974 and 1975. B - All 1974-75 models sold in USA had the larger 5 mph impact bumpers. C - All USA sold Ascona and Mantas only had the 1.9 " N" engine w/ ~80 hp and where detuned compared to the 1.9 engines sold in other countries. All 1975 models had Bosch fuel injection (no carbs) and models sold in California also had a catalyst that required the use of unleaded fuel. D - The "Buick/Opel" was the name of the 1976-80 Isuzu Gemini (Japanese version of GM T-car) whch replaced the Ascona/Manta A. The Ascona/Manta B and Kadett C were never sold in the US market. E - The car in the above shot is a 1974 Opel Manta "luxus" which was the only model to have a vinyl covered roof. That burgundy colour was only available for 1973-74 in US market. F - Opel Kadett B sold in USA from late 1966-72. 1966-67 models looked almost exactly the same as EU versions but 1968-72 models used grille of the Opel Olympia (1968-70?) instead + larger tail lamps. G - Opel GT sold in USA from 1968-73. In 1968-69 both the GT 1100 and GT 1900 where available but for 1970-73 only the 1.9 engine version was availbale. - - My father owned a 1974 US spec Ascona A that was bought new and I have a number of USA Opel brochures from this timeframe in my collection that verify all the things stated above.
antp ◊ 2007-02-08 10:33	Thanks for clarifying this, now we just have to remember that these infos are on this page
philr ◊ 2008-10-12 05:10	hiergehts wrote E - The car in the above shot is a 1974 Opel Manta "luxus" which was the only model to have a vinyl covered roof. That burgundy colour was only available for 1973-74 in US market. The "Luxus" trim level was also used on the 1973-74 Buick Century and on the 1974 LeSabre.
car nerd ◊ 2008-10-12 05:51	I remember when these Opels were new. They were very handsome cars and the Luxus model was upholstered in corduroy material. I almost bought one but US emission controls of that period had zapped alot of power from the engine. Settled for a 1974 Mercury (Ford) Capri instead.

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