Monaco Blue Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 That looks very tidy: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1405674 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutty2006 Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Wow that’s a beauty. And cheap too. My 76 is the same model (S) 1.6 and was utterly buggered. If I had the money I’d scrap mine and buy that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapierdave Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) That must be one of the earliest Manta B's known to the club having been registered in October 1975 Stingray badges on the bottom of the front wings as per A models were discontinued by early 1976 No headrests & no rev counter show that its the more basic S model. Rare in 1.6 as most B1 survivors tend to be 1.9 . I.ve seen this car pop up on the fan club forum a few times & the owner has said in his opinion it needs painting on the roof. With a small amount of work that could be a show winning car Fantastic value for money. Edited November 29, 2021 by Rapierdave 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monaco Blue Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 Should it not have the headlamp shrouds fitted? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1900SR Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 6 minutes ago, Monaco Blue said: Should it not have the headlamp shrouds fitted? Not as a base model, no. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutty2006 Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Yes indeed. My early B still has the original stingrays on the wings. I’ve got headlight surrounds for mine but after 1900SRs post I might leave them off for now. But then again I’ve put a 2.0 in it instead of the original 1.6 as they’re crap lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monaco Blue Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 1 hour ago, 1900SR said: Not as a base model, no. Ah! I didn't know that. You learn something every day! ☝️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1900SR Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 37 minutes ago, Monaco Blue said: Ah! I didn't know that. You learn something every day! ☝️ I'm now doubting myself, so dug out a couple of early brochures, and typically the photo of the DL is from the rear so you can't see the headlights. I am still pretty certain that the base models didn't have the brows, certainly Ben's old car NOOP didn't have. 1 hour ago, Sutty2006 said: Yes indeed. My early B still has the original stingrays on the wings. I’ve got headlight surrounds for mine but after 1900SRs post I might leave them off for now. But then again I’ve put a 2.0 in it instead of the original 1.6 as they’re crap lol. Given that the headlamps themselves to go with the surrounds are like hens teeth to get hold of I don't think I'd fit them. Just before I sold my Blue Berlinetta a few years back it picked up a chip in the headlamp, and to the best of my knowledge it's still chipped as no-one's been able to find a replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monaco Blue Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, 1900SR said: I'm now doubting myself, so dug out a couple of early brochures, and typically the photo of the DL is from the rear so you can't see the headlights. I am still pretty certain that the base models didn't have the brows, certainly Ben's old car NOOP didn't have. Given that the headlamps themselves to go with the surrounds are like hens teeth to get hold of I don't think I'd fit them. Just before I sold my Blue Berlinetta a few years back it picked up a chip in the headlamp, and to the best of my knowledge it's still chipped as no-one's been able to find a replacement. I found these photos via Google. All early models with the Stingrays on the wings. 2 without headlamp shrounds and 1 with. The thought crossed my mind, that perhaps the very early ones had Cavalier headlamps fitted and then changed to the shrouded lights for the later 76 build models. Strange that they then reverted back a couple of years later. They look better without IMHO. Edited November 29, 2021 by Monaco Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapierdave Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 5 hours ago, Sutty2006 said: Yes indeed. My early B still has the original stingrays on the wings. I’ve got headlight surrounds for mine but after 1900SRs post I might leave them off for now. But then again I’ve put a 2.0 in it instead of the original 1.6 as they’re crap lol. Totally agree with you ref 1.6 engine its gutless compared to the 1.9 or 2.0 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1900SR Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, Monaco Blue said: I found these photos via Google. All early models with the Stingrays on the wings. 2 without headlamp shrounds and 1 with. The thought crossed my mind, that perhaps the very early ones had Cavalier headlamps fitted and then changed to the shrouded lights for the later 76 build models. Strange that they then reverted back a couple of years later. They look better without IMHO. I'm not sure how European specs differed, but both cars pictured without the shrouds have plain silver wheels, which was also a mark of a lower spec car over here. Edit, I've just noticed they don't have the side rubbing strips either. Edited November 29, 2021 by 1900SR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutty2006 Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 My S definitely had rubbing strips, and those odd shaped early mirrors (or one). I can go either way with it. I have found a pair of deep headlight glasses but the inners need work. I’ve plenty of shallow headlights, in fact ones brand new. I might paint the surrounds anyway just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
®evo03 Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 Any buyers on here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monaco Blue Posted January 17, 2022 Author Share Posted January 17, 2022 14 hours ago, ®evo03 said: Any buyers on here? Saw this on Facebook. He sounds well pleased. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessopia74 Posted January 17, 2022 Share Posted January 17, 2022 1 hour ago, Monaco Blue said: Saw this on Facebook. He sounds well pleased. Sounds like a bit if a bargain tbh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Pounsett Posted January 17, 2022 Share Posted January 17, 2022 Good Luck to him. I hope he enjoys it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trooker Posted January 17, 2022 Share Posted January 17, 2022 21 hours ago, Monaco Blue said: Saw this on Facebook. He sounds well pleased. Good that he is, pretty sure he had a great condition late exclusive coupe not so long ago. Funny bug this manta-itis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapierdave Posted January 18, 2022 Share Posted January 18, 2022 He had a bargain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.