Opel Manta Rias Baixas 1988 - Piñeiro

The Opel Manta of Carlos Piñeiro takes to the track in 1/32 scale

Avant Slot revives one of the most charismatic cars from the Galician rally scene of the 80s: the Opel Manta 400 with which Carlos Piñeiro and his co-driver Julio Orozco became the stars of the 1988 Rally Rias Baixas. A reference designed for both the collector seeking pieces with real history and the classic slot enthusiast wanting something different on the track.

Features and highlights

• 1/32 scale, standard for modern slot racing, compatible with the main track systems on the market.
• Predominantly yellow body with characteristic green stripes running along the sides and bonnet, replicating the original livery of the vehicle.
• High precision tampography: race number 5 on doors and bonnet, main sponsorship from Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, and period logos such as Marlboro, Valeo, and D. Hernandez.
• Auxiliary headlights on the front, a common detail on Mantas prepared for night stages.
• Gold multi-spoke wheels with silver profile, true to the appearance of the real car in competition.
• Chassis with adjustments that allow fine-tuning of performance according to the track and driver preferences.

Scale and level of detail

Avant Slot is one of the benchmark brands in the industrial production of resin slot cars, and this Opel Manta is no exception. The decoration faithfully reproduces the graphic documentation of the original car: proportions, colour distribution, and sponsor placement are crafted with the rigor that characterizes the brand. The result is a model that impresses both on display and while racing on the track.

On-track performance

The Opel Manta 400 was a rear-wheel-drive car with a distinct character, spectacular in corners and demanding for its drivers. The Avant Slot replica brings that essence to the slot track: a model that rewards precise driving and is particularly enjoyable on circuits with medium to long radius turns. The guide and braids are ready to race from the first moment, requiring no additional preparation for recreational use.

Ideal for…

• Collectors of classic Spanish rally cars with documented history.
• Slot enthusiasts looking for models with a unique identity and real livery.
• Club drivers interested in classic rally categories 1/32.
• Fans of Galician motorsport and the history of Spanish rallying in the 80s.

Aspects to consider

This model is designed for universal track systems (Scalextric, Ninco) and for sport track systems (Scaleauto). Before racing on a different track, it is advisable to check the compatibility of the track width and guide height. For club competition use, some drivers choose to review and adjust the braid pressure and guide play according to the regulations of each championship.

The story: Carlos Piñeiro and the Rally Rias Baixas 1988

The Rally Rias Baixas is one of the most prestigious events on the Galician calendar and one of the most traditional regional rallies in Spain. In its 1988 edition, Carlos Piñeiro behind the wheel of this Opel Manta 400 —accompanied by Julio Orozco in the co-driver's seat— delivered a performance that remains etched in the memory of Galician motorsport. The Manta 400, with its inline four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and unmistakable sound, was already a car that ignited passion among the spectators of the specials.

Piñeiro was a well-known driver in the northwestern peninsula, representative of a generation of regional competitors who made rallying an accessible and thrilling spectacle, far from large budgets but with total commitment. The yellow livery with green stripes and the period sponsors —led by Cutty Sark— create an image of Spanish rallies from the late 80s that Avant Slot has accurately captured in this piece.

Frequently asked questions

What track systems is this Avant Slot Opel Manta compatible with?

It is compatible with universal track systems such as Scalextric and Ninco, and with sport track systems like Scaleauto. If you have doubts about your specific track, consult the guide specifications before racing.

Is it suitable for club competition or just for collection?

It can be used in both contexts. For collection, it works perfectly as it comes from the factory. For club competition, it is common to review the guide, braids, and chassis adjustment according to the regulations of your local championship.

Who was Carlos Piñeiro and why is this car relevant?

Carlos Piñeiro was a prominent Galician driver in the Spanish regional rally scene of the 80s. His performance in the 1988 Rally Rias Baixas with this Opel Manta 400, alongside co-driver Julio Orozco, is one of the most remembered pages in Galician motorsport. This replica pays tribute to that real history.

Is the decoration based on real documentation of the car?

Yes. The livery —yellow body, green stripes, race number 5, sponsors Cutty Sark, Marlboro, Valeo, and D. Hernandez— reproduces the decoration that Carlos Piñeiro's car carried in the 1988 edition of the Rally Rias Baixas.

Does it require any preparation before starting to race?

No. The model comes ready to race. For recreational use, no additional preparation is required. If you intend to use it for competition, it may be advisable to adjust some mechanical parameters according to the demands of your track and championship.

Are spare parts available for this model?

Avant Slot has a good selection of spare parts for its models. Check the availability of specific parts for this reference (AV51511) in our store.

The Avant Slot Opel Manta Rias Baixas 1988 Piñeiro (ref. AV51511) is a 1/32 scale slot car replica of the iconic rally car driven by Carlos Piñeiro and co-driver Julio Orozco in the 1988 Rally Rias Baixas. Featuring a vivid yellow livery with green stripes, number 5 race decals, and authentic period sponsors including Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, this model is a must for classic rally slot collectors and Spanish motorsport enthusiasts. Compatible with universal slot track systems, it delivers both display quality and on-track performance.