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I am the current custodian of this car. The history of the car, as I understand it, is that it was purchased new from a dealer in Maine. Some years later, the buyer traded it in on a newer car. The dealer like the car and its condition well enough that he kept it on hand, where it lived most of its years in the dealer's showroom, and used occasionally for parades and the like.. A few years ago the car was sold to a buyer in the San Diego area. Four years ago, I bought it from him and had it shipped back east. When I bought the car, it had 50K + miles on it. I have driven it twice since I've owned it, for fewer than 50 miles. I have not made a significant contribution to its low mileage. It has been stored indoors, and has been started at least once a month. This past weekend I drove it about 30 miles to the spot where I took these pictures. As far as I can tell, this car is complete and fully stock. The usual things that you see discarded are all there, such as the gravel shield and factory air cleaner. The cabin air intake is in good condition. The interior is close to perfect, with some damage to the headliner just behind the interior light. The car has its share of door dings and love taps, but that attests to its honesty, and as far as I can tell has never seen body filler. The car does have a 32/36 Weber carb, but the original Solex is in the trunk. I did some minor repairs after I bought it: I replaced the front calipers, but the original Opel calipers are also in the trunk, should you want to clean them up and reinstall them. I repaired some connections in the fuse box, so that is working 100%. I repaired the shift lockout mechanism on the trans shifter (yes, it's an automatic). And I replaced the thermostat and temperature sensor, as it appeared to be idling too warm. I bought the car because I wanted to get my hands on what may be the best and last survivor in the US. I'm selling now because of job changes and moving, etc. I have over $9500 in the car, plus the cost of a cross-country move. I'm not trying to sell it for what I have in it. This was to be a one-time lifetime investment, but sometimes things don't work out that way. I'm just looking to pass it on to the next Opel enthusiast. Note: It does seem to be missing one of the screw covers on the dash panel, and it has a slight leak around where the speedometer cable meets the transmission. I've replaced the seals, but apparently something's still wrong. The battery box has just superficial rust. Inside of left front fender has some rust. I see some rust in front of the right front jacking point. Good candidate for a restoration, but probably a better candidate for leaving it as what it is now: An honest survivor, with natural condition that will only be this way once. Car is stored in Martinsburg, WV, in the Eastern Panhandle, about two hours away from DC or Baltimore or three hours from Pittsburgh area. I've never driven it on a long trip, so YMMV as to whether you'd want to drive it or trailer it (or ship it). This article had nothing with me buying the car, but I found it after I owned it. As I read on, I realized it was the car I had just bought. The article shares many of the same sentiments I have. http://www.dailyturismo.com/2014/07/5k-nicest-around-1972-opel-manta-a.html Good luck, and happy bidding!
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