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Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

Classic 1970s Opel Manta with electric power and modern-day grille and cabin.

If we can't, sadly, have a proper all-new Opel Manta coupe (curse you, SUV addiction!) then this is the next best possible thing - an original 1970 Manta with modern-day electric power, plus some brand new fixtures and fittings.

A restomod from the factory

This 'restomod' is not the product of some classic car specialist, nor a bunch of back-yard mechanics with some cast-off Nissan Leaf batteries. No, this Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD (to give it its full name) is the work of Opel itself.

While details, in a technical sense, are a bit thin on the ground right now, Opel does say that the Manta ElekrtroMOD gets a "fully digital cockpit" which suggests that it uses the same two-screen setup as the new Mokka-e crossover. Looking at the front of the car, you can see that the original 1970 Manta's (that's Manta-A to Opel nerds) grille and twin round headlights have been replaced by the new 'Vizor' Opel front end, already seen on the Mokka and Crossland, and coming shortly to the all-new Astra. The lights appear to be lifted more or less directly from the Mokka, with the same 'eyebrow' daytime running LED lights.

Same battery and motor as the Mokka-e?

Does that mean that the Manta ElektroMOD also uses the Mokka-e's 50kWh battery and 136hp (100kW) electric motor? Well, that would make a lot of sense, but for now Opel is keeping its corporate lips tightly sealed.

What Opel will say is that: "The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD stands boldly and confidently starts a new future, emission-free. With its sustainable, all-electric drive, the Opel Manta now becomes immortal, avoiding any potential driving ban for older combustion engine cars. The transformation to ElektroMOD also illustrates how timeless the lines from 1970 are: what was sculptural and standout half a century ago, still fits perfectly with the Opel design philosophy today."

Production version is unlikely

Sadly, we kinda doubt that Opel is going to put an electric Manta into any kind of serious production, but it's just faintly possible that it might make a handful of hand-made versions, for sale to collectors and to drum up a bit of excitement in Opel's journey to being a fully-electric brand.

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Published on March 15, 2021