Opel
Manta B series (1981-88) Irmscher i200 by Paul Brennecker
Overview
The i200 was produced from 1985 to 1986 and was launched
as a limited edition Group B FISA homologated model by
Opel tuning and styling house, Irmscher. It was based
around the GT/E coupe but featured many subtle changes.
Manta 400 Rally car quad Halogen headlamps and a deep
boot spoiler were added along with many mechanical
upgrades. The standard package included a high lift cam,
solid lifters, uprated valve springs and re-mapped
distributor to increase power output by some 15 bhp. UK
specification cars were generally fitted with a gas
flowed cylinder head which gave the i200 136 bhp. Many
other options were available such as a big valve head and
Limited Slip Differential. As the car was usually built
to order, the specification was dictated by how much
could be spent !
A
new cloth trim was introduced, with the Recaro seats
being decorated in black 'Opel Sport' cloth. This is the
biggest clue as to the whether the car is original. Many
'look alike' models appeared but did not feature the
mechanical modifications. A 'no cost option' was the
fitment of a Rothmans decal set, to celebrate their
sponsorship of the Dealer Opel team. As the i200
was fitted with Quad Headlamps from new, the headlamp
wash wipe was not applicable and as such the front airdam
was not fitted with washer jets. The chassis build plate
should not feature the model code for the GT/E, which
surprisingly was XR3.
The
i200 was only in production for 2 years and only sold in
small numbers from the UK Irmscher franchise, Steve
Thompson Cars Ltd, of Walsall. It is believed that 30-35
i200's were built, all of which were Coupe's although
there are rumours that a Hatchback version exists. Less
than 20 examples survive making this a rare and
collectable edition.
Identifying Features
- 1979CC Fuel
Injected engine.
- High Lift Cam
with Solid Lifters
- Sports
Distributor
- Recaro seats
with Opel Sport Cloth Trim
- Irmscher
Leather steering wheel (option)
- i200 Graphics
- Rothmans
Sport Striping Kit
- Ronal alloy
wheels
- Four Halogen
Headlamps
- Manta 400
rear spoiler
- Green tinted
glass
- Opening rear
quarter windows
- Sill
Extensions in body colour
- Polar White
or Astro Silver paint
- Stainless
Steel Sports Exhaust
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