1985 Opel Manta 400

Chassis number RM30 is a significant part of world rallying history. It was the only purpose built factory Safari spec car built by Opel and was specifically prepared for Rauno Aaltonen to have his final attempt at winning the event for the factory.  Rauno was the main development driver for the Opel works team during the transition from the Ascona 400 to the lighter Manta 400, and this car was built to his own specifications. After leading the event he suffered an engine fire and after some hours repairing the car finally finished in 4th position. 

RM30 subsequently finished 11th in the 1986 Safari, driven by Basil Criticos, and was then used in 7 events in the 1988 Kenyan National Championship, driven by Sarbi Rai. Following this the car was retired and stored in Africa. Discovered in Tansania by its owner the car was imported to the UK and professionally restored to show condition.

The restoration work has been been fully documented and photographed, uniquely retaining all of the car's original (chassis numbered) components. Rauno Aaltonen and period Manta mechanics were consulted during this process, all helping to certify the originality of this car and give advice on suspension settings to put the car in its original Safari Rally specification.

This unique car is supplied complete with extensive history files including period documentation, signed photographs and full details of the restoration and specification.

Also available is chassis number RM22, which was an early 1983 car built for the World Championship and was hence a full works car. Used by Ari Vatanen on the 1000 Lakes and RAC in 1983. Ultimately returned to the factory and re-worked to Safari specification and used as a practice/chase car for RM30 during the 1985 event. Imported to the UK and also restored to show condition alongside RM30.