Jimmy McRae's 1984 British Open Rally Championship-winning GM Dealer Sport Opel Manta 400 sympathetically restored and impressively presented. We are delighted to have been asked to offer this very special 1984 GM Dealer Sport Opel Manta 400, a rare and storied rally car with an impressive history. Chassis number #RM 25, registered WIA 5958, was owned and driven by Jimmy McRae, accompanied, mainly, by navigator Mike Nicholson, from brand new in 1984 to 1987. A busy and successful 1984 season, included a fourth at the Castrol International Welsh Rally, a second at the Scottish and a third in Ulster, culminating in a win at the Rothmans Manx International Rally. Consistent scoring throughout the season resulted in 5958 and Jimmy McRae taking the 1984 British Open Rally Championship beating Hannu Mikkola and Russel Brookes. Having undergone a full restoration and a nut-and-bolt rebuild by the esteemed Chris Berbeck Rally Team, this Opel Manta 400 is now presented in superb condition, finished to a very high level with remarkable attention to detail. Formerly owned by Peter Smith, it has been in the current cherished ownership since 2022. This is an important piece of British rallying history from a time when Group B was, temporarily, changing the face of World Rallying and here at home, the British Rally Championship was enjoying much success. It’s also a part of the success story of the versatile and talented Lanarkshire lad, Jimmy McRae, five times British Rally Champion, including 1984 when he collected the laurels using this very car.
