This site is a tribute to the dedication, skill and engineering abilities of Opel Manta 400 members who build race or restore these cars.

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Jeremy Carsons Lotus Esprit S1 F1 World Champions Edition

This is Jeremy’s stunning original ‘JPS’ Esprit, limited edition number 61, 2.0 16v running or 45 Dellortos giving 160bhp.

The Opel Manta Owners Club Ireland     www.manta400.com

By Nelson Stewart

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Lotus Esprit JPS

Colin Chapman (owner and founder of Lotus Cars) had a long-term sponsorship relationship with the John Players Special cigarette company. The relationship worked so well that "Team Lotus" was the most successful team in Formula one racing for its time. It still ranks near the top in most of the all-time records even though it has not raced in many years. The distinctive black and gold colours of the JPS sponsored Lotus cars is reflected in both the commemorative Esprit and the earlier JPS Europa.

Limited edition details included finishing the standard Lotus alloy-wheel design in gold. Another detail was to frame the bonnet badge with a wreath that reflected the success of the World Championship winning type 79 Grand Prix cars. The gold theme extended even to framing the windscreen of the special edition S2 Eprit and the use of gold for side stripes. Interior effect of the golden cloth upon the generally overcast interior of the first limited edition Esprit. The most practical addtion was the sports three-spoke steering-wheel in place of the standard plastic one.

Jeremy Carson’s Porsche 924s