The coolest cars from the Manta era

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The actresses and actors of the 1991 movie “Manta, Manta” should still be familiar to fans of cars and movies more than 30 years later. Even better known than the movie characters – Til Schweiger (59) aka Bertie, Tina Ruland (56) aka Uschi, Michael Kessler (55) aka Klausi or Stefan Gebelhoff (59) aka Gerd – were the wheels.

Star on the big screen: Bertie’s Mattig widebody custom-painted Opel Manta B. After filming, German rock musician Trini Trimpop (71, founding member of Die Toten Hosen) bought the original film car before it was included in the collection of German company Sky Automobile. Last year’s ravioli was exhibited at the premiere of the newly launched movie “Manta, Manta – Zwoter Teil”. In addition to the Manta, various other cars can be seen in the new version, such as the VW Golf 2, Audi RS 6, BMW 3 Series E36, Mercedes 190 and Mercedes-AMG C 63. Pimp Opel Calibra.

Manta rays on wheels

The first Manta from 1970 was once ridiculed by many, but it was the Rüsselsheim automaker’s serious attempt to provide an affordable sports car for the masses. Things didn’t set in very quickly, given the manageable engine performance of the four-cylinder naturally aspirated engines – but you can help with tuning into the two-door car: more volume, modified injection system, sports exhaust and even a turbo – almost anything was possible. Fun fact: The Manta was built and presented by Opel in mid-2021 as an electric version that boosts the image of the Manta GSe. To show what is possible, of course.

But the movie “Manta, Manta” had more iconic cars to offer. The bad boys were driving a VW Golf in the lane, not a Manta. Not the family car version of course, but the GTI: If the 107 to 112 hp of the regular GTI models wasn’t enough, the 16-valve engine of the VW Golf II GTI was a dream come true. Wolfsburg then went up to 139 hp and easily exceeded the 200 km/h limit. Of course, nothing was possible without tuning here: The sports exhaust, modified manifold and air filter provided more power and trouble in the next TÜV test.

VW and Ford as Opel’s rivals

The VW Golf’s direct competitor played only a minor role in the late 1980s and early 1990s: the Ford Escort. It was also available as a hot XR3i variant, but in terms of driving performance and cult status, the Cologne-based car in no way came close to the VW Golf GTI. The old rival of the Opel Manta was also almost forgotten: Ford Capri. There was even a 2.8i injection with an extremely powerful V6.

In addition, the second Opel model, which made a name for itself in the early 1990s, was parked only in the second row: the Opel Kadett. Over the years the GT/E sports version has evolved into the more modern GSi, even with an optional digital cockpit like the Audi Quattro. Even former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (1918-2015) once drove the Opel Kadett GSi.

Benz and BMW

Of course it was more stylish back then. Premium manufacturers BMW and Mercedes had long explored the volume model market for themselves. With the first M3 of the E30 generation, BMW, Golf and Co. He created a magnificent cult car with sharp and angular edges. max 220 hp cylinder.

The first BMW M3 was as cult as the Mercedes 190 E 2.3-16V. It was launched with only wide tires and generous spoilers to take the Bavarian BMW to the parade. If you don’t have the budget for it, you can make a regular version of the dignified Benz with tuning parts.

When Audi is cool

Audi, on the other hand, was just on the move: after a good 20 years of boring sedans, the rally monster Audi Quattro became Audi’s first dream car. The production version in the typical angular design with spoiler outfit came with a special five-cylinder turbo with 200 hp and all-wheel drive. Another rally model following in Audi’s footsteps: the Lancia Delta Integrale from 1987 – again with thick wheel arches and real rally genes.

All about 30 years ago. But compared to today’s fully networked electric cars, the ancient stars look like they came from another planet.

Source: Blick