Formed in 1983, the intervening 35 years have seen the Opel Manta Owners Club undergo a dramatic change in profile. As one of the few Front engined/rear wheel drive coupes of the 70’s and 80’s, the popularity of the Opel Manta has increased in the last 10 years.

 The Manta was given its preview at the Paris Show in September 1970, initially in three variations: the base model, Manta Deluxe (L) and Manta Rallye (SR).  It went on to be produced for a further 18 years and underwent an update in 1975 and a further facelift in 1981. Through the 1980’s, the Opel Manta GT/E became synonymous with era’s taste for fuel injection and sleek sporty lines. With the hatchback version, it also predated the Golf Gti in the Hot Hatch stakes.   It remains a firm favourite today for the discerning driver who wants a rear wheel drive sports coupe with something a little different from the norm.

The Opel Manta Owners Club

Formed in 1983, following an advertisement in “Motor” Magazine placed by a hand full of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and enjoying the Opel Manta, the Opel Manta Owners Club (OMOC) was an immediate success as membership rocketed to over 2000 members by the early 1990’s.

Now looking forward to celebrating its 35^th year, the OMOC is still going strong. Club members have a regular magazine and enjoy benefits such as a dedicated website and forum, a discounted parts club, owner’s insurance scheme, national and regional meetings and many other activities.

Club Benefits

In 1988 the A Series Register was formed within the OMOC to promote activities of special interest for A series owners. Similar registers were soon formed for the Exclusive and Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 models. Most of the membership live in the UK but the club has members in Portugal, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada & the USA. Currently the OMOC has approximately 500 members.

Members receive a Bi-yearly copy of “Manta Magic” a glossy A4 magazine, filled with news, technical articles, features on cars and their owners, classified adverts and even poetry! There is an active web forum and Facebook group, where members can discuss technical problems and buy and sell parts. This resource has proved invaluable to many members undertaking restorations.

Some other benefits include; discounts on parts, some Club spares, frequent local meetings arranged by area reps, and separate registers for some models, e.g. A series, Irmscher special models and GT/E Exclusives.

The basic aims of the Club

• To Promote the use and preservation of the Opel Manta; from the first A series to the last Exclusive
• To encourage contact between members of the Club through organised events.
• To organise events at which members can participate.
• All motor competitions organised by the Club shall be held under the rules and requirements of the RACMSA Ltd.
• To be a non-profit making organisation.

The club stages a National meeting each year: The National Concours event, which is a weekend show in July or August, where there is fierce (but friendly) competition to find the best cars in the club. This is usually held somewhere in the Midlands, most recently coinciding with the VBOA National meeting.

As you would expect there is a wealth of knowledge within the Club, and there are Technical advisors who can help with many problems. The Club also runs a successful online shop, where various parts and promotional items can be sourced for the Manta Enthusiast.