OPEL ASCONA 44/MANTA 400

2-door 4-seater saloon/coupé.

Opel's special limited-production rally cars, Group 4 and Group B respectively, sold here only in tiny numbers. Structurally as for normal saloons or coupés, but fitted with Cosworth-developed 16-valve/twin-cam engine conversion and five-speed gearbox. 144bhp (and 125mph top speed) in standard form, but up to 275bhp when rally-tuned. Glass-fibre panels, including side skirts and bonnet with extra ventilation, for lightness, though road cars surprisingly civilised. Saloons built to 1981, coupés thereafter.