The owner of a 1972 Opel Manta 1900 chose PP Tuning in Louth, Lincolnshire, because the car needed a replacement exhaust and no suitable off-the-shelf system was available. PP Tuning fabricated and fitted a complete custom stainless steel exhaust from scratch, using mandrel-bent pipework to maintain a consistent pipe diameter and avoid restrictive bends.
Finding replacement parts for a classic car isn’t always straightforward. That’s especially true when it comes to exhaust systems, as the owner of this lovely 1972 Opel Manta 1900 discovered.
The existing exhaust had seen better days, and there wasn’t a suitable replacement available off the shelf. So the Manta came into PP Tuning’s workshop in Louth for a completely new system.
A New Exhaust Made from Scratch
PP Tuning fabricated and fitted a full stainless steel exhaust, made specifically for the Manta.
The pipework was mandrel-bent throughout. This keeps the pipe’s internal diameter consistent around the bends, rather than flattening or narrowing it.
The work included:
- A complete stainless steel exhaust system.
- Mandrel-bent pipework with no crushed or restrictive bends.
- Custom fabrication to fit the Opel Manta 1900.
- Fitting the finished system to the car.
With no ready-made replacement available, custom exhaust fabrication was the practical answer.

Another Classic Back on the Road
It’s always good to see older cars coming through the workshop, particularly something you don’t encounter every day like a 1972 Opel Manta.
PP Tuning has carried out similar exhaust work on other classics, including a 1989 Toyota Supra.
And while modern cars make up plenty of the day-to-day work, there’s something enjoyable about making parts for vehicles that have been around for more than half a century.
This Manta now has a complete stainless steel exhaust, fabricated from scratch to suit the car.
Need an Exhaust Made for Your Classic Car?
If your classic car needs a replacement exhaust and suitable parts are proving difficult to find, PP Tuning may be able to help.
You can see more examples of its work with older vehicles and specialist stainless steel exhaust systems, or get in touch to discuss your car.
Custom Stainless Steel Exhausts for Classic Cars – What You Need to Know
Can you make a replacement exhaust for a classic car if parts are no longer available?
Yes. PP Tuning can fabricate a custom stainless steel exhaust when an original replacement is unavailable or difficult to find. Each system is made to suit the individual vehicle, as demonstrated by the complete exhaust fabricated for this 1972 Opel Manta 1900.
What type of exhaust was fitted to the 1972 Opel Manta 1900?
PP Tuning fabricated and fitted a complete stainless steel exhaust system from scratch. The system was custom-made for the Manta using mandrel-bent pipework, avoiding crushed or narrowed bends that could restrict exhaust gas flow.
What is the advantage of mandrel-bent exhaust pipework?
Mandrel bending helps maintain a consistent internal pipe diameter through each bend. This reduces unwanted restrictions in the exhaust system compared with pipework that has been flattened or narrowed during bending. It also allows PP Tuning to fabricate pipework that follows the route required by the vehicle.
Is stainless steel a good choice for a classic car exhaust?
Stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance than conventional mild steel, making it a practical choice for classic cars that owners intend to keep for many years. A properly fabricated stainless steel system can also reduce the need to source increasingly scarce replacement exhaust parts in the future.
Can a custom exhaust be made to retain a classic car’s original appearance?
A custom exhaust can be designed with the vehicle’s original appearance and layout in mind, including the position and style of the tailpipe. Owners should discuss their preferences with PP Tuning before fabrication, particularly if maintaining a period-correct appearance is important.
Where can I get a custom stainless steel exhaust made for my classic car in Lincolnshire?
PP Tuning in Louth, Lincolnshire, provides custom stainless steel exhaust fabrication for classic and other specialist vehicles. If your car needs an exhaust that is no longer available off the shelf, contact PP Tuning with details of the vehicle and the work required to discuss the options.




