Prologue: The Unthinkable Becomes Reality
In 1969, the world watched in awe as humanity set foot on the moon. Two decades later, South African petrolheads experienced their own “moon landing moment” with the Opel Kadett Superboss – a mechanical marvel born from Port Elizabeth’s Delta Motor Corporation against all odds.
Chapter 1: The Rocket Scientists of Port Elizabeth
Facing international sanctions and limited resources, Delta’s engineers performed automotive alchemy:
| Component | Innovation |
|---|---|
| Engine | Hand-built 2.0L 16V C20NE (125kW/196Nm) |
| Weight Reduction | 970kg through Perspex windows and thin-gauge steel |
| Suspension | Bilstein shocks + racing anti-roll bars |
Chapter 2: Racing Glory & Midnight Mayhem
Track Dominance
The 1990 Group N Championship saw Superbosses humiliate BMW 325is and Ford Sierras through:
- 6.9s 0-100km/h acceleration
- 225km/h top speed
- Signature “Superboss Slide” cornering
Street Legend
By night, the raspy 16V howl became the soundtrack to illegal drag races from Durban beachfront to Jozi’s M1 off-ramps.
Chapter 3: Engineering That Felt Like Magic
The Superboss revolution included:
- DTM-derived aerodynamics
- Limited-slip differential (rare in 1990)
- Brass-plated hand-built engines
Chapter 4: Rarity & Obsession
Only 500 units were built due to homologation rules. Today’s market:
- Pristine examples: R500,000-R1,000,000
- Survivors still dominate Phakisa Freeway track days
Chapter 5: Legacy – The Triumph That Echoes
The Superboss’s legacy lives through:
- Inspiration for modern hot hatches
- Braai-side stories of Alfa Romeo duels
- SA’s last great homologation special
FAQ
How many Superbosses exist today?
Estimates suggest ≈200 survivors from original 500 units.
Why no factory replica?
1991 emissions laws and GM’s global strategy killed the program.
Epilogue: The Moon Landing Lives
To hear a Superboss’s 16V bark today is to experience SA engineering at its boldest – a permanent reminder that greatness needs no permission.
