Opel brings back Manta as an electric sports car

FRANKFURT: German carmaker Opel is reviving the Manta coupe as an electric car several decades after the cult model was dropped from the range.

Opel said the new Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD harks back to the legendary Manta of 1970. It joins a growing number of restoration mods, old-school designs that blend original features with new technologies.

The Manta electric is based on the range-topping GSr model of yore and gets a digital cockpit and LED headlights, which are a nod to the company's latest Vizor front-end design language.

The clean look has already been applied to the Mokka and Crossland. The the next-generation Astra will get the corporate facelift in due course.

"What was sculptural and straightforward half a century ago still fits perfectly with the Opel design philosophy today. The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD stands there boldly and clear," said Opel. The maker has pledged to electrify all its models between now and 2024.

Technical specifications are sketchy but expect an electric motor powering the rear wheels.

Opel said zero-emission Manta was inspired by the brand’s Elektro-GT of 50 years ago. That prototype offered nimble performance but a modest range of only 44km between charges using a nickel cadmium battery,

The original petrol-powered Manta was a working man’s sports coupe and fierce rival of the contemporary Ford Capri. It was the butt of many jokes but went on to enjoy a cult following and star in the spoof "Manta, Manta" film.

In the old days, enthusiastic Manta owners loved to kit out their cars with flared arches, wide wheels and and go-faster stripes. The new electric version will probably be spared that fate.