Opel Manta B
series (1981-88) GT/E Exclusive by Paul Brennecker
Overview
The GT/E Exclusive was originally introduced in 1987 and was launched as a
limited edition sporting model by Opel tuning and styling house, Irmscher.
It was based around the GT/E but featured several items inspired by the
Manta 400 Rally car. Quad Halogen headlamps and a deep boot spoiler gave the
car an even sportier appearance. A new cloth trim was introduced, with the
Recaro seats being light grey pinstripe. Only the Coupe body style was
offered which featured anthracite coloured 6J alloy wheels as standard. Opel
offered this model in conjunction with Irmscher following on from the
success of the Manta 400 in the International Rally series.
After 12 months of
production, and due to the popularity of the model, Opel took over
production of the Exclusive 'in house'. Previously they had been converted
from standard GT/E's at the Irmscher headquarters in Remshalden, Stuttgart.
The specification remained the same but GM produced the headlamp units, as
the Irmscher items proved costly.
The GT/E Exclusive
stayed in production up until 1988, when the last Manta left the line at the
Opel Factory in Antwerp.
Identifying Features
- 1979CC Fuel
Injected engine as standard.
- Recaro seats with
Chicago Cloth Trim
- Irmscher Leather
steering wheel
- exclusive
graphics
- Sliding steel
sunroof
- Illuminated engine
bay
- Tailgate wash/wipe
(hatch)
- Ronal alloy wheels
in anthracite finish
- Four Halogen
Headlamps
- Manta 400 style
rear spoiler
- Green tinted glass
- Opening rear
quarter windows
- Sill Extensions in
body colour
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