Overview
The i240 was produced during 1984 and 1986 along side the i200, although it was never offered for FISA group B homologation. In much the same way as the i200's were built, the i240's were special orders from the Opel production line and left the Antwerp factory in Polar White or Astro Silver, with the Blitz Interior already fitted. They were then transported to Remshalden for further conversion work. The i240 was again based on 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 was XR3.
The i240 was only in production for 2 years from 1985 and only sold in very 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. Only 37 i240's were built by Irmscher and only 6 of them were UK Specification RHD cars. A final i240 was built entirely in the UK by Steve Thompson Cars Limited in 1988, and this car was converted from a UK Specification Exclusive from new, bringing the UK total to 8 cars. This low number was due in no small part to the high cost of this special edition. In 1985, a new GT/E Manta was £7995 - the i240 was 30% dearer at £10,995. Due to the low numbers and rarity of this model, it is a highly collectable and sought Manta after nowadays.
Identifying Features
- 2396cc Fuel Injected engine, with Irmscher Stroker Crank and Pistons
- Opel 2.2 specification Cylinder Head with 41mm Exhaust and 45mm Inlet Valves
- High Lift Cam with Solid Lifters (as per i200)
- Sports Distributor (as per i200)
- 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
Edited by Irmscher Man
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