1984 GM Dealer Sport Opel Manta B 400

In mid-1983, as part of GM’s continued International Motorsport branding effort, Opel officially made the transition into Group B from the Group 4 Ascona B 400 with its upgraded, sister car, the Manta B 400. Opel’s use of a conventional rear-wheel drive production car would, however, render it almost instantly obsolete when faced with the four-wheel drive, money-no-object Group B competition from other major manufacturers.

Unlike the Ascona 400, the Manta made full use of Kevlar body panels; the front panel, front wings, hood, doors, rear arches, boot lid, spoiler and even headlight holders are all made from the lightweight material, saving a total of 80 kg. It was also a bit longer and lower and, to further help distribute the weight, the engine was moved back around six cm. With a raft of further improvements, the Manta 400 was ultimately more competitive than its predecessor, however, in its inaugural 1983WRC season, the Manta was instantly outclassed and could only watch the fight between Audi and Lancia without being able to truly impose itself. The only highlight was a third-place podium finish at that year’s RAC Rally in the capable hands of Jimmy Mc Rae.

The Manta B400, however, proved to be a major contender in national rallies where the level of competition was more even and featured similar machinery. This was particularly the case in the British, Irish and German National Championships where local star drivers like Jimmy McRae, Russel Brookes, Austin MacHale and Erwin Weber won their share of titles whilst driving Mantas.

We are delighted to have been asked to offer this very special 1984 GM Dealer Sport Opel Manta 400, a rare and storied rally car with an impressive history. Chassis number #RM 25, registered WIA 5958, was owned and driven by Jimmy McRae, accompanied, mainly, by navigator Mike Nicholson, from brand new in 1984 to 1987.

A busy and successful 1984 season, included a fourth at the Castrol International Welsh Rally, a second at the Scottish and a third in Ulster, culminating in a win at the Rothmans Manx International Rally. Consistent scoring throughout the season resulted in 5958 and Jimmy McRae taking the 1984 British Open Rally Championship beating Hannu Mikkola and Russel Brookes.

Having undergone a full restoration and a nut-and-bolt rebuild by the esteemed Chris Berbeck Rally Team, this Opel Manta 400 is now presented in superb condition, finished to a very high level with remarkable attention to detail. Formerly owned by Peter Smith, it has been in the current cherished ownership since 2022.

This is an important piece of British rallying history from a time when Group B was, temporarily, changing the face of World Rallying and here at home, the British Rally Championship was enjoying much success. It’s also a part of the success story of the versatile and talented Lanarkshire lad, Jimmy McRae, five times British Rally Champion, including 1984 when he collected the laurels using this very car.