In Brief:

• A good example of the rarer seen Manta B SR Berlinetta
• Finished in Black with a Black vinyl roof over a Black velour interior
• Owned by the current keeper for the last 2 years
• Just 2 former keepers
• 80,912 miles believed to be correct - less than 2000 miles covered in last 25 years
• Accompanied by great history file including MOT certs dating back to 1982

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A good and increasingly rare example of the Manta B SR Berlinetta, finished in Black with a factory-style Black vinyl roof over a matching Black interior - a striking and very period-correct specification. Showing 80,912 miles, believed to be correct, this car has covered fewer than 2,000 miles in the last 25 years, reflecting long-term preservation and light use. Owned by the current keeper for the past two years and with just two former keepers prior, it is now offered for sale as part of an executors sale.

Maintenance & Condition:

The car presents as a solid and usable classic with an accompanying history file that adds significant reassurance. Included are MOT certificates dating back to 1982, together with a service book displaying nine stamps between 1978 at 580 miles and 1982 at 59,769 miles, evidencing early-life maintenance. A handful of supporting invoices further underpin its upkeep.

History:

With just three owners in total (two former keepers plus the current owner), this Manta benefits from notably low custodianship for a 1970s coupe. Its early service record and long MOT trail provide a reassuring paper history spanning over four decades, supporting the indicated mileage and offering valuable provenance for future custodians.

The Model:

The Opel Manta SR Berlinetta was produced between 1977 and 1978/79 as a special high-trim derivative of the Manta B. It cleverly combined the performance-oriented “SR” (Sport Rallye) features - including firmer suspension and distinctive sporting details - with the more luxurious Berlinetta refinements such as upgraded interior materials, improved soundproofing and often a standard vinyl roof. From May 1978, the earlier 1.9-litre engine was replaced by the 100 bhp 1,979cc 2.0-litre “S” engine, as fitted to this example, offering improved performance while retaining the Manta’s engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics.

Sale Insight:

With its desirable SR Berlinetta specification, low ownership, early service history and long MOT record, this example represents an appealing opportunity to acquire an increasingly collectible late-1970s European coupe. As analogue, rear-wheel-drive sporting cars continue to attract renewed interest, well-documented examples such as this stand out as both characterful and investment-conscious acquisitions.

Estimate:
£6,000 - £8,000