Opel Manta Tyres
Opel Manta A
Opel Manta A 1970–1975
- From 1970–1975, the standard Opel Manta A fitted a 165R13 on a 5x13" tubeless wheel.
- For the base Manta A series cars, the Opel Manta L, 1.6, 1.6S and 1.9S, we suggest the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- If you need an innertube for 165R13 tyres, the 13D Michelin is the correct innertube. However, Opel Manta wheels can run tubeless.
- Tyre pressures for Manta A models on 165R13: we suggest 29 psi in the front and 32 psi in the rear.
- Opel also offered the 5.5” wide 13” rim on the Manta GT/E, these fitted 185/70R13. We suggest 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36. It was the original equipment on some Mantas.
- Tyre pressures for standard Opel Manta A models on 5.5” rims with 185/70R13 tyres: psi front and 29 psi rear.
- The 1.9 Berlinetta and 1.9 Turbo Opel Manta fitted 185/70VR13 as standard on 5.5” wheels. We suggest the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- Again, these wheels and tyres are tubeless; however, a Michelin 13E innertube is an option.
- Opel Manta A Turbo and Berlinetta tyre pressures: 29 psi front, 32 psi rear.
Opel Manta B series 1975–1981
- The second series facelift Opel Manta B fitted 185/70VR13 tyres on 5.5 to 6” wide wheels. Some of these cars fitted PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36.
- For the Manta B series from 1975–1981, we recommend the 185/70VR13 PIRELLI CN36.
- Some of the B series Mantas still had 5” rims with 165R13 tires; we suggest the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- Tyre pressures for the Opel Manta B: 29 psi in the front and 32 psi in the rear.
Opel Manta B GTE on 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Tyres
Opel Manta GT/E Tyres
- The first Opel Manta GT/E, the Manta A, fitted 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 as OE.
- Some of the later post-1983 Manta B2 models, 2.0i GT/E and hatchback, fitted 195/60R14 tyres.
- For the B2 Opel Manta GTE we have the 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A. This young-timer tyre has the right handling characteristics for post-classic sports cars.
- Late Opel Manta GTE tyre pressures: 30 psi front and 33 psi rear.
Opel Manta Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Opel Manta Tyres
Original fitment Opel Manta Tyre brands
Opel Manta PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Tyre 1978
It was very interesting to us to try to discover what were the original brand and tread tyres fitted to the Opel Manta as OE. Our research did not give a definitive answer. Here is an answer we got from an Opel Manta forum:
“Found some early reviews of the Manta A, and they were either the Goodyears, or Firestone Cavallino. An early Manta B road test from late 1975 mentions that car being fitted with Cinturatos. By 1982 a road test 1.8 Berlinetta had Grand Prix S fitted.”
In other answers there were enthusiasts who’s cars came from the factory gate fitted with a variety of other original equipment tyres; including Semperit, Kleber and Continental. Currently other than the Pirelli Cinturato, these manufacturers do not make any classic tyre carcasses that would suit an Opel Manta. Though they may make tyres in the appropriate size, they have a carcass structure not suited to a 1970s or 1980s youngtimer car.
When considering what tyres to fit to be original, we do know that many Opel Manta of all models did fit the Pirelli Cinturato as original equipment. This is very much a top end tyre of the 1970s and into the 1980s. We are also confident that Pirellis current production of the CN36 is excellent and wins classic tyre tests, and returns better results than the majority of modern tyres, while also having the benefit of a carcass that is designed to compliment the chassis of a classic car. As a result, we are happy to say that not only was the Cinturato CN36 Original Equipment on the Opel Manta in the sizes 165R13 and 185/70R13, we are happy that these will handle better than any other tyre produced today on a Manta.
History of the Opel Manta
Built between 1970-1988, the Opel Manta was a rear-wheel-drive sports car intended to compete with the popular Ford Capri. Though it somewhat failed to compete with the Capri, with this duty taken over by the Vauxhall Firenza, the car was popular enough to warrant its own 'specials' other than the GT/E that would increase the power and change the looks slightly of the Manta; like the Turbomanta or TE2800 versions.
1975 Opel Manta B
A: Generally speaking the majority of Opel Manta GT/E models fitted 185/70R13 tyres. Pirelli make the 185/70VR13 Cinturato CN36 which was one of the original tyres fitted to The Manta GT/E. In 1984 the Opel Manta GT/E moved to 195/60R14 tyres. Currently, Michelin make a 195/60R14 MXV3-A.
A: Some of these very early cars still actually fitted crossply tyres 6.45-13. However 165R13 was a more standard, tyres such as the 165R13 Michelin XAS. low profile 185/70R13 Cinturato CN36 tyres were also an option on the wider 5.5” wide wheels.