In that year the only Opels imported were the Manta and Ascona A. The last year GM imported European made Opels into the United States, under their marquee, was 1975. In 1973 the Manta nameplate was added to the U.S.-spec Mantas, but the Asconas kept the 1900 badge throughout their model life.
The Manta was even sold as the 1900 Sport Coupé in 19, rather than as the Manta. The frame, all the mechanicals, dash, front seats, and many other parts were shared between the cars. The only difference between the Ascona and Manta was exterior sheet metal, glass and trim. under the 1900 name as a two-door and four-door saloon, and as a two-door “Sport Wagon”. The Ascona A is the saloon version on the Manta A chassis and was sold in the U.S. Opels were imported by GM and sold through Buick dealerships and not their own dealership network, so they were limited in what makes and models they could sell there. The Manta A was one of only a few Opel models sold in the U.S.
The sales approach for the Opel line in the U.S. (In the UK the Ford Capri niche was contested, with only limited success, by Vauxhall’s Firenza, based on the by now aging Vauxhall Viva until 1975.) In the UK market, the first Manta was sold only as an Opel: there was no Vauxhall-branded Manta (or Ascona) until after the launch, in 1975, of the Manta B1 and Ascona B. A competitor to the Ford Capri, it was a two-door “three-box” coupé, and featured distinctive round tail lights, quite similar to those on the Opel GT and which in fact were used on the GT in 1973, its final model year. The Manta A was released in September 1970, two months ahead of the then new Opel Ascona on which it was based. Opel Manta B (Germany/Europe) Opel Isuzu (US)
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