1983 Opel Manta Competition Coupé 2l Red Top – 240 BHP

One of four Opel Manta rally cars commissioned by Carrolls Cigarette Co it was used as a backup car and for press and promotional purposes.  Present ownership since 1999 – Restored in 2012 to Original livery.

Opel Manta ‘PSI 101’ was first registered in March 1983 in Dublin by Carrolls Cigarette Co.  It was one of four cars commissioned by Carrolls, three of which were used for rallying while this  one was used as a back-up car and mainly for press and promotional days. It was said to have been used as the course car on the 1984 Circuit of Ireland Rally and The Galway Rally.

In 1986 Carrolls sold this Manta to a Dublin gentleman, Des Walshe, who sold it on to Mr V Ward in County Clare.  It was rallied multiple times in various stage events in Ireland during this period of its life.

In August 1991 the car was sold to a doctor in Tourlestrane, County Sligo. It was used for stage rallies across Ireland and also as his GP surgery car! The doctor was a member of the Sligo Motor Club and the car was maintained by Fintan’s Racing Services in Tubbercurry.

For many years the Manta lay abandoned in County Sligo and when located needed some major restoration.  It was brought to the UK by the current owner in 1999 and restored over the following years, which involved a complete strip and rebuild. Extensive work was required to finish the car in its original livery. The engine is a Red Top fuel injection with electronic ignition and has been tuned by West Tuning (receipts available) to 240 BHP. Also fitted with a straight cut gearbox and limited slip differential.

Under the current ownership the Manta has been used at the Castle Coombe Rally Day on numerous occasions from 2014 onwards as an historic car. During 2019 the car was rallied with Group B. It has been stored for the last couple of years and is now ready to be moved on. The car is currently registered in Ireland in order to keep the original registration number. It comes with its original Irish logbook and a spare set of wheels shod with off-road tyres.

(Multiple spares are available for this car and can be considered for sale for additional price).