Opel Manta B series (1981-88) Fact File by Paul Brennecker

Produced From: 1981 - 1988

Total Number Produced: 180 304

UK Specifications (1981 onwards)

Models types available in the UK

GTJ: The initial Entry Level Model
1.8S GT : the base model
Berlinetta: for luxury & comfort
GT/E Sports model
GT/E Exclusive
i200
i240
i300
Manta 400
Courtenay Turbo

Style, Power and a winning pedigree

By Paul Brennecker

The last variation of the Opel Manta was a modernised version of the preceeding model. In 1981 the range was revitalised for the last time and a new engine option added. The 1.8 litre LET (Low end torque) Over head Cam engine was offered initially in the new Manta GTJ and Berlinetta. The exisiting 2.0 litre, which now included Bosch Fuel injection, made a return later in 1982 in the form of the GT/E. Several bodywork changes were made, with integral deep front spoiler and Rear spoilers on both the Hatchback and Coupe models. All traces of chrome had now dissappeared to bring the Manta in line with the 'clean' trend of the eighties.

The new model featured many mechanical enhancements, which made the Manta a market leader in certain areas. A 5 speed gearbox was offered as standard on UK models and the level of instrumentation was increased to give every model an oil pressure gauge and volt meter. The ignition was now electronic on all models, helping to increase the specified service interval considerably.

Style and Panache

The facelifted Manta still owed much of its running gear to the more mainstream models, such as the Opel Ascona, (or the Vauxhall Cavalier in the UK), but the new styling components made the car look much more 'modern'. The colour -keyed wrap around bumpers, front and rear spoilers and sports wheels gave the car a new look. The addition of tinted glass and a front windscreen with a graduated 'shadeband' also echoed the styling trends of the day. The front nose cone now sported 4 small slots, as opposed to the 2 larger ones of the preceeding model. This helped to improve cooling efficiency and also made the car an imposing sight in your rear view mirror ! In all the Manta had come of age and was considered by many, to be at the forefront of Coupe design and technology. The new Model now had an astonishingly low drag coefficient.

A Gripping Performer

Manta roadholding and overall handling precision are sharp and responsive. A finely tuned coil and spring suspension set up, incorporating anti-roll bars, strikes the perfect balance between comfort and grip, a balance that most manufacturers seem to have forgotten how to acheive nowadays. Sensitive and accurate rack and pinon steering has just the right amount of feel to keep you informed of road wheel behaviour. Many leasons learnt running the successful Manta 400 International Rally car, were put into the design of the road car styling and roadholding ability.

High Performer

With 2 brand new engine options and the styling enhancements, the new Opel Manta had the performance to match its low sleek lines. Both options offered very respectable performance in its day. The 1.8 litre GT developed 90% of its engine torque at just 2000 revs, utilising a clever cross flow cylinder head design. The flagship GT/E symbolised Manta power and pace with a respectable 0-60 time of just 8.5 seconds. Several tuned varints were also available including the i200 and i240. These were made by special order from Irmscher UK, based in Walsall. Opel Sport Cloth trim came as a standard fitment along with Manta 400 Halogen quad Headlamps and deep air spoiler at the rear. Other options that were offered were Limited Slip Differential, Big Valve Head and uprated suspension. The Manta had the option for many different levels of performance

Options

GM Strasbourg automatic transmission was available as an alternative to the standard five-speed manual. The transmission choice is basically down to what you prefer as they are both good, the automatic being more lively than you would expect. Other options available were Sliding steel sunroof, headlamp wash-wipe, rear wiper to name a but few. Many of these items were later incorporated into the range as standard.

Opinions

Not surprisingly the Manta collected quite a few bouquets along the way. Autocar magazine said : "....it provides a typically refined GM package at a price which is more than competitive with its rivals.... in the performance car value-for-money stakes, the Manta GTE is now one of the front runners."

Motor magazine gave the Manta the thumbs-up with: "It's still hard to think of any rival that can match it's combination of practicality, roominess and stylish looks, let alone its new found economy and refinement...... And on top of that it's damn good fun thanks to punchy performance, an exquisite gearchange, and terrific handling.....nice one Opel!"

1.8S GTJ Manta

The 1.8S GTJ was the base model for the revitalised range. It featured the new 1.8 litre OHC engine with a basic level of trim. This model was only available for 12 months, after which time it was supersceeded by the standard 1.8S GT

1.8S GT Manta

The Base level model as from 1982. It had a slightly better level of trim than the previous GTJ model and again was powered by the new GM 1.8L OHC engine. It gave the Manta a respectable level of performance and good fuel economy

Manta Berlinetta (1981 onwards)

Following on from previous Opel ranges, the New facelifted Manta also sported the Berlinetta name. Once again it was the extra comfort model with better soundproofing and more luxuirous trim as standard.

Manta GT/E

The fuel injected GT/E become the model that most people associate with the Manta. It was a very well appointed model, the 2.0 litre engine gave superb performance and the stylish Recaro Interior that was introduced for this model gave the car an even sportier feel. Offered in 2 body styles and many colours, this model was very well received by the public.

Manta GT/E Exclusive

The GT/E Exclusive was the final incarnation of the Opel Manta. It was initially made as a special edition model by Irmscher, the Opel owned Styling and Tuning company. This model featured specially moulded Twin Headlamps, (the first car to sport such items) and a rear spoiler on the coupe, derived from the Manta 400 rally car. All the modifications were cosmetic, but it gave the final years of Manta production a new lease of life.

Manta 1.8S Exclusive

The 1.8 Exclusive Hatch was the replacement for the GT. It was the final model available with the OHC engine and hatchback body style. Featuring the twin headlamps and a revised level of trim, it offered great value for money. It remained in production for just 12 months but was sold in quite large numbers begging the question why the such a popular model was ceased.

Special Edition Models

Manta i200

The i200 was a strictly limited edtition model, made by Irmscher to homolgate the Opel Manta into the FISA 'Group B' Rally category. The 2.0L engine received special treatment to increase power output to 136bhp. The front lamps were replaced by 'twin' items and a large rear spoiler was added, both taken from the Manta 400 model. A completely new interior was fitted featuring an Opel Blitz design woven into the fabric of the Recaro seats. The models were considerably more expensive at the time than a standard GT/E and thus very few of these cars were ever made in RHD. Due to the i200's group B elligiblity, they have become very collectable.

Manta i240

The i240 Manta was another Limited edition model, from the Irmscher stable. It was not homologated into any FISA category and as such was made as a road going high performance model. The exisiting 2.0l engine was increased to 2.4l and the injection system uprated to cope with the extra fuelling required. Many other uprated components were available to order although the Opel Blitz interior was also fitted as standard, along with twin headlamps and a Manta 400 rear spoiler. Many of these cars were also fitted with the Irmscher 'Road' bodykit. This model was even more expensive than the i200. Only a handful were ever imported to the UK

Manta i300

This Model, another Irmscher developed car, was offered with the GM straight six 3.0l engine, a logical choice for improved performance. It was the first 6 cylinder Manta available since the TE2800 of some 15 years previously. To accommodate the larger engine, several modifications had to be made to the front subframe and many uprated components had to be used. This made the cost of the i300 very high. The performance however was worth every penny ! This is the rarest of the Irmscher models with only one known example being imported into the UK

Manta 400

The Manta 400 was the jewel in the Opel crown of the 1980's. It was the full blown rally example being, like the i200, homologated into the FISA Group B rally category. The road going version was fitted with a twin cam 2.4 litre engine, derived from an Opel Rekord diesel bottom end fitted with a specially designed Cosworth Cylinder head. Power in tuned rally form, could top 400bhp, but in the road form it was much tamed. The road going versions were also fitted with the Opel Blitz interior and featured as standard a Limited Slip Differential and a rally sport gearbox. It was generally regarded as being the best normally aspirated rear wheel drive car of its time and its considered by most to be the Holy Grail of Manta ownership!

Courtenay Turbo

When Chris Courtenay got hold of a Manta in the mid eighties, he breathed fire into it and another legend was born ! The Courtenay Turbo Manta was an aftermarket conversion, but is still worth a mention due to its high quality of construction and phenonemal power output. By chaning the compression ratio and fitting a turbocharger, the Manta had power to spare. The clever use of an electonic boost mechanism, frequently coppled with water injection, made the car powerful but still driveable everyday. Several examples exist in the UK of this firebreathing Manta.

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