gavsadler
///Member
I present to you, my 1994 Opel Kadett 160iS.
The History Lesson: In The Beninging….
Well, this is where the story started. This was actually my first car. I became the proud owner in 2001, and it served me well for 8 years (purchased with 180000kms on the clock, sold with 340000kms on the clock). I then had the opportunity to take over the 130i from my brother, and as such, the Kadett was sold. It was a really great car, and in hindsight, I should have probably kept it at the time. But alas. (also, if I could find it again.....)
So, the Astra / Kadett F, manufactured in South Africa by Delta Motor Corporation at the time. Production took place from 1993 to 1999, and throughout that timeframe, they offered a wide range of models, initially with the smaller 8v carb-fed engines (140i, 160i) and thereafter they introduced fuel injection models (140s, 160is). For the larger-capacity models, the 180i and 200i were 8v and fuel injected, and the 180iS (in the Kadett) and 200iE (in the Astra) were 16v models. At the end of the model cycle with the “Euro” models, they reverted to the 8v engines only.
Being an impressionable teenager during these years, these cars quickly became a firm favourite, and they punched well above their weight. They were also very popular in terms of sales, competing head-to-head with VW and Honda at the time. Little did I know that I would end up with one as my first car a few years later. Awesome.
Let’s rewind the clock a bit. Prior to this generation, the Kadett E and Monza E were on offer. I’m sure it goes without saying that everyone has some information and background to the Opel Boss, Big Boss and Superboss models. Giant killers in their time, particularly the Superboss. Around 500 were produced for homologation purposes to go racing in Group N, to compete with the likes of the 325iS and the Nissan Primeras and Sentras, amongst others. They were very successful, and have developed a bit of a cult following to this day.
So, with the introduction of the new Astra and Kadett F, Opel / Delta Motor Corporation had big boots to fill. These range of cars were better in arguably every aspect over the previous generation Kadett and Monza. While this is all well and good, the executives and engineers must have been wondering: where to following the ‘Boss cars? Well, thankfully a few staff and management at Delta must have still been high on racing fumes, as there was some activity taking place behind closed doors.
Around this time, many of us will recall the political landscape changing in South Africa, along with the rather odd propaganda that everyone needs to stock up with tinned food, toilet paper, fuel and so forth. Some even went as far as stocking up on weaponry and ammunition for the pending dooms day. Well, it wasn’t only South African consumers who were following this trail of thought. The engineers at Delta were also developing some new firepower of their own, ready to assault the South African automotive landscape.
In 1994, they launched the Astra 200tS and Kadett 200tS. How were these different to their run-of-the-mill models you may be asking? Well, for those who are not familiar, I’ll condense the info below.
In 1994:
So, as you can see, the humble Opel Sedan / Hatch was throwing punches waaay up the ranks. It was the Boet Fighter of it’s time. Even more so up at the Reef, where N/A cars lose approx. 18% of power due to the thinner air, compared to turbo-charged cars where power loss is negligible.
Another interesting fact: to the best of my knowledge, the TS models were never officially raced in any sanctioned South African race series. They were positioned as a flagship in the model range, fitted with many luxuries not found on the lower models. I suppose unofficially they were dishing out hidings on the street somewhere instead. Also, at the time, the Flying Squad also made use of these cars (as well as the 200iS), and rumour has it that they were not left standard either.
Anyway, I have gone down a rabbit hole of a history lesson. Let me refocus…
Having owned the 160iS previously, it was always aspirational to own the Halo model of the range, that being the TS. I never really pursued things much, mostly due to life happening, other priorities and interests etc. However around 2 years ago, I joined a Whatsapp group for TS owners, getting an idea of the ownership experience in the modern era, gauging availability of parts, pricing trends and so on. During these 2 years, I only really saw 4 cars come up for sale, not in my preferred colour choice and/or body style (and not to forget within my “budget”).
Then in February this year, one of the owners reached out to me directly. He was considering selling his car (Kadett TS) to focus on other family matters. This led to a solid 2 months of discussions, including exchange of pictures, videos, voice notes, documentation, the works. I started to get more drawn in to the possibility of making a bucket list item a reality, and in so doing, also started with my financial gymnastics and scenario planning. The car was in CT, and with me being in JHB, it was not possible (or feasible) to fly to CT to view (not when flights cost 10k due to the oil price crisis which Trump initiated). The owner was nothing less than great to deal with, open, honest, and fair. 300 pictures and videos later, coupled with the corresponding texts and voice notes, and a deal was concluded, sight unseen. GULP!
So, after my looooooong intro, I present to you, my first classic, and a South African Special:
I must say I am quite chuffed. I don’t really know where this journey will go, but for now I am enjoying it. Since acquisition, I have spent PLENTY of hours going through the car, and changing a few things to take it back to stock (@Firi, in this case, stock is not crock, haha). This, in addition to my constantly evolving level of OCD in terms of cleanliness, means I have not had much time to look left or right.
I have done quite a lot already, so there are plenty of updates to share, but I think for now, I better wrap up this post at least. If there is interest from the forum, I will continue posting updates as time goes on, as well as some initial impressions and feedback after using the car over the past few weeks.
Apologies for the long post, but thanks for reading...
The History Lesson: In The Beninging….
Well, this is where the story started. This was actually my first car. I became the proud owner in 2001, and it served me well for 8 years (purchased with 180000kms on the clock, sold with 340000kms on the clock). I then had the opportunity to take over the 130i from my brother, and as such, the Kadett was sold. It was a really great car, and in hindsight, I should have probably kept it at the time. But alas. (also, if I could find it again.....)
So, the Astra / Kadett F, manufactured in South Africa by Delta Motor Corporation at the time. Production took place from 1993 to 1999, and throughout that timeframe, they offered a wide range of models, initially with the smaller 8v carb-fed engines (140i, 160i) and thereafter they introduced fuel injection models (140s, 160is). For the larger-capacity models, the 180i and 200i were 8v and fuel injected, and the 180iS (in the Kadett) and 200iE (in the Astra) were 16v models. At the end of the model cycle with the “Euro” models, they reverted to the 8v engines only.
Being an impressionable teenager during these years, these cars quickly became a firm favourite, and they punched well above their weight. They were also very popular in terms of sales, competing head-to-head with VW and Honda at the time. Little did I know that I would end up with one as my first car a few years later. Awesome.
Let’s rewind the clock a bit. Prior to this generation, the Kadett E and Monza E were on offer. I’m sure it goes without saying that everyone has some information and background to the Opel Boss, Big Boss and Superboss models. Giant killers in their time, particularly the Superboss. Around 500 were produced for homologation purposes to go racing in Group N, to compete with the likes of the 325iS and the Nissan Primeras and Sentras, amongst others. They were very successful, and have developed a bit of a cult following to this day.
So, with the introduction of the new Astra and Kadett F, Opel / Delta Motor Corporation had big boots to fill. These range of cars were better in arguably every aspect over the previous generation Kadett and Monza. While this is all well and good, the executives and engineers must have been wondering: where to following the ‘Boss cars? Well, thankfully a few staff and management at Delta must have still been high on racing fumes, as there was some activity taking place behind closed doors.
Around this time, many of us will recall the political landscape changing in South Africa, along with the rather odd propaganda that everyone needs to stock up with tinned food, toilet paper, fuel and so forth. Some even went as far as stocking up on weaponry and ammunition for the pending dooms day. Well, it wasn’t only South African consumers who were following this trail of thought. The engineers at Delta were also developing some new firepower of their own, ready to assault the South African automotive landscape.
In 1994, they launched the Astra 200tS and Kadett 200tS. How were these different to their run-of-the-mill models you may be asking? Well, for those who are not familiar, I’ll condense the info below.
- In Europe and the UK, they had the Vauxhall Calibra Turbo, a 2l, turbocharged, 4WD range topper. Delta decided to import a number of engines used in this car, and fit them to the Astra and Kadett, but keeping them FWD only,
- A 6-speed, F28 gearbox was used, along with a Limited Slip Diff, essentially a modified version of what was used in the Superboss. (Also one of the first cars offered in South Africa with a 6-speed gearbox).
- TS-specific front suspension setup, which also includes 5-stud hubs and discs (also discs at the rear),
- 16in wheels (6J), with 205-45-16 tyres,
- A unique instrument cluster, with a speedometer reading up to 280km/h (in what is essentially a family sedan / hatchback of the time, can you imagine?!)
- Those are the main differences between the TS and the other models.
- While the Mk3 / Astra F was available in other markets worldwide, it is only South Africa where this body and engine + gearbox combination were used, hence it being a South African special.
- According to NAAMSA sales figures from 1994 and 1995, they sold 397 cars in total (224 Kadetts and 173 Astras). These days, they are critically endangered.
In 1994:
| Vehicle | Power | Power to Mass Ratio (w/kg) |
| VW Citigolf CTI | 82kW | 87.23 |
| Nissan Sentra 200STI | 103kW | 88.8 |
| VW Golf VR6 | 128kW | 97.0 |
| Honda CRX | 97kW | 98.00 |
| BMW 325i | 141kW | 99.3 |
| Opel Astra 200tS | 160kW | 121.21 |
| BMW M5 E34 | 232kW | 131.8 |
| BMW M3 E36 | 210kW | 141.9 |
| Porsche 911 Carrera | 200kW | 142.8* |
So, as you can see, the humble Opel Sedan / Hatch was throwing punches waaay up the ranks. It was the Boet Fighter of it’s time. Even more so up at the Reef, where N/A cars lose approx. 18% of power due to the thinner air, compared to turbo-charged cars where power loss is negligible.
Another interesting fact: to the best of my knowledge, the TS models were never officially raced in any sanctioned South African race series. They were positioned as a flagship in the model range, fitted with many luxuries not found on the lower models. I suppose unofficially they were dishing out hidings on the street somewhere instead. Also, at the time, the Flying Squad also made use of these cars (as well as the 200iS), and rumour has it that they were not left standard either.
Anyway, I have gone down a rabbit hole of a history lesson. Let me refocus…
Having owned the 160iS previously, it was always aspirational to own the Halo model of the range, that being the TS. I never really pursued things much, mostly due to life happening, other priorities and interests etc. However around 2 years ago, I joined a Whatsapp group for TS owners, getting an idea of the ownership experience in the modern era, gauging availability of parts, pricing trends and so on. During these 2 years, I only really saw 4 cars come up for sale, not in my preferred colour choice and/or body style (and not to forget within my “budget”).
Then in February this year, one of the owners reached out to me directly. He was considering selling his car (Kadett TS) to focus on other family matters. This led to a solid 2 months of discussions, including exchange of pictures, videos, voice notes, documentation, the works. I started to get more drawn in to the possibility of making a bucket list item a reality, and in so doing, also started with my financial gymnastics and scenario planning. The car was in CT, and with me being in JHB, it was not possible (or feasible) to fly to CT to view (not when flights cost 10k due to the oil price crisis which Trump initiated). The owner was nothing less than great to deal with, open, honest, and fair. 300 pictures and videos later, coupled with the corresponding texts and voice notes, and a deal was concluded, sight unseen. GULP!
So, after my looooooong intro, I present to you, my first classic, and a South African Special:
- 1994 Opel Kadett 200tS
- Matching numbers
- 273000kms (Original Engine, unopened)
- Original F28 6-Speed gearbox with LSD
- Original ECU / management
- Partial service history
- The car is probably 90% original all-round, with the only notable changes being a stainless steel boost pipe under the bonnet, a S/S exhaust, and a mild sound system installed. Oh and the angel eye headlights, and the yellow tappet cover and cambelt cover.
I must say I am quite chuffed. I don’t really know where this journey will go, but for now I am enjoying it. Since acquisition, I have spent PLENTY of hours going through the car, and changing a few things to take it back to stock (@Firi, in this case, stock is not crock, haha). This, in addition to my constantly evolving level of OCD in terms of cleanliness, means I have not had much time to look left or right.
I have done quite a lot already, so there are plenty of updates to share, but I think for now, I better wrap up this post at least. If there is interest from the forum, I will continue posting updates as time goes on, as well as some initial impressions and feedback after using the car over the past few weeks.
Apologies for the long post, but thanks for reading...
