Before we get started here, you can put your cheque books away. The sad news is that Opel is not going to put this, the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD on sale. This electric upgrade of the original Manta A from the seventies is strictly a one-off, and only for show.
147hp electric motor
Still, it's more than a little cool, even if you can't buy one. Opel has taken a gorgeous first-generation 1970s Manta and binned the - frankly somewhat puny - 105hp four-cylinder petrol engine. In its place, there's a 147hp electric motor (with 255Nm of torque, which would have been enough to peel the treads off original Manta tyres in period) and a 31kwh battery.
That's probably not going to be enough for a lot of range (we're taking a guess at around 200km, maybe) but Opel says that it will charge quickly, thanks to a 9kW onboard charger. That'll give the Manta a full charge from a home charging point in around four hours.
Digital display panel
Up front, you'll spot that the electric Manta gets the new 'Visor' front styling from the new Opel Mokka crossover. It's styling that will appear on all future Opels, but because it was so heavily inspired by the original Manta in the first place, it works well here. Inbetween the LED lights is actually a digital display panel, which can flash up messages to anyone who's looking. For example, it can say: "My German heart has been ELEKTRified" or: "I am on a zero e-mission." A touch too tacky, maybe?
We do like the new alloys, though, designed by Ronal and wearing 195/40 R17 tyres at the front and 205/40 R17 at the rear. The Manta badging at the back has been updated to the new Opel script, and the original chrome bumpers - 70s Irmscher styling kit style - have been removed for a cleaner look.
Marshall sound system
Inside, there are new bucket seats (taken from the old Adam S hatchback) and a retro-look three-spoke steering wheel. The Manta has been given the dashboard - effectively - from the new Mokka crossover, with ten-inch and 12-inch instrument panel and infotainment screens. There's also a Bluetooth-equipped sound system made by famed amplifier maker Marshall.
"The Manta GSe impressively demonstrates the enthusiasm with which we build cars at Opel. It combines our great Opel tradition with today's commitment to emissions-free mobility for a very desirable, sustainable future. Opel is already electric with many models - and now the legendary Manta is too," says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.