Opel
Manta B series (1981-88) Irmscher i240 by Paul Brennecker
Overview
The i240 was produced during 1985 and 1986 along side the
i200, although it was never offered for FISA group B
homologation. It was based around the GT/E coupe but
featured a larger 2.4 litre engine. Manta 400 Rally car
quad Halogen headlamps were once again used, complemented
by the Manta 400 deep boot spoiler.The standard package
included a 2396cc engine with high lift cam, solid
lifters, uprated valve springs, gas flowed head and
re-mapped distributor to increase power to 136bhp and
loads of usable torque (210 lbs/ft at 3800 rpm). To cope
with the extra power, the standard front brakes were
replaced by vented discs with bigger calipers, a Limited
Slip Differential was also frequently fitted.
The
Recaro seats used the same black 'Opel Sport' cloth as
featured in the other Irmscher models. Another fitted
option was the Irmscher 'Road' body kit, which flared the
arches out to give a more aggresive stance. As the i240
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
i240 was only in production for 2 years from 1985 and
only sold in small numbers from the UK Irmscher
franchise, Steve Thompson Cars Ltd, of Walsall. It is
believed that 7 RHD i240's were imported during this
period, all of which were Coupes. Irmscher could also
convert existing cars to the i200/i240 specifications.
The list price was considerably more than that of the
standard GT/E, thus the small numbers of production,
making them very rare and collectable.
Identifying Features
- 2396cc Fuel
Injected engine.
- High Lift Cam
with Solid Lifters
- Sports
Distributor
- Recaro seats
with Opel Sport Cloth Trim
- Irmscher
Leather steering wheel (option)
- i240 Graphics
- Irmscher Road
body kit
- Four Halogen
Headlamps
- Manta 400
rear spoiler
- Green tinted
glass
- Opening rear
quarter windows
- Polar White
or Astro Silver Paint
- Stainless
Steel Sports Exhaust
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