South Africa’s car culture has always had a rebellious, passionate heartbeat—especially among young petrolheads who turned everyday vehicles into icons. Between 1965 and 2005, a handful of cars became more than just transport; they were symbols of freedom, speed and street cred. From the fun power of the Ford Escort 1600 Sport to the cult status of the original Golf GTi, these machines left tyre marks on SA’s tarmac and memories in a generation’s mind.
Let’s take a nostalgic drive through the five most iconic cars that had young South Africans skipping school, maxing out their pay checks, and dreaming of open roads.
1. Ford Escort 1600 Sport (1970-1975) – The King of the Streets
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The Escort 1600 Sport wasn’t just a car—it was a revolution. With its 1,6-litre Kent crossflow engine pumping out 66 kW, it was the hot hatch before hot hatches existed. Young petrolheads loved its lightweight body, rear-wheel drive, and the way it could slide through corners like a rally car (which, incidentally, it was—winning races worldwide).
According to CAR Magazine SA, the Escort Sport was the most stolen car in the 1970s, not because it was easy to steal, but because thieves couldn’t resist it. Even today, a mint-condition 1600 Sport can fetch R250 000+ at auctions, proving its legendary status.
2. Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1 (1983-1989) – The Original Hot Hatch Hero
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When the Golf GTi Mk1 landed in SA in 1983, it changed the game. With its 1,8-litre fuel-injected engine (82 kW), sporty stance and cheeky red trim, it was the perfect mix of practicality and performance. Young professionals and students alike saved up for years to get one, and those who did became instant legends in their friend groups.
A 1985 Wheels24 survey found one in three young drivers listed the GTi as their dream car. Even now, the Mk1 remains a collector’s item, with prices for pristine models hovering around R300 000.
3. BMW 325iS (E30) (1990-1992) – The Ultimate Boy Racer
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No car screamed ‘I’ve made it’ in the early ‘90s quite like the BMW 325iS. With its 2,7-litre M20 engine (145 kW), limited-slip diff, and that iconic ‘iS’ badge, it was the ultimate status symbol. Young execs, club bouncers, and even kwaito stars like Arthur Mafokate flaunted them in Joburg’s streets.
Car & Driver SA called it "the best performance bargain of the ‘90s", and production numbers were limited to just 504 units, making it a rare beast today. A well-kept 325iS now sells for R450 000+, with demand still soaring.
4. Toyota Corolla RSi (1997-2002) – The People’s Champion
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The Corolla RSi was the everyman’s hero—affordable, reliable, and packing a 1,6-litre 4AGE engine (88 kW) that loved to rev. It wasn’t the fastest, but it was indestructible, making it the go-to car for students, street racers and even taxi drivers (who, legend has it, used them as chase cars).
Speed & Sound Magazine once declared it "the most modified car in SA history", with owners slapping on everything from 20V Blacktop swaps to wild body kits. Today, clean RSi’s trade for R120 000+, and the fanbase is still strong.
5. Opel Kadett Superboss (1990-1992) – The Rebel’s Rocket
Image: Khulekani Dumisa
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The Kadett Superboss was South Africa’s secret weapon—a homologation special built to dominate local racing. With a 2,0-litre 16V engine (118 kW), close-ratio gearbox, and no power steering, it was a raw, unforgiving beast. Only 250 were made, and those who owned them became local legends.
Bike & Car SA once said: "If the 325iS was the king, the Superboss was the outlaw." Today, prices have skyrocketed, with one selling for R1,2 million in 2021—making it one of SA’s most valuable ‘90s cars.
The Legacy Lives On
These five cars weren’t just metal and rubber—they were freedom, rebellion, and pure adrenaline on four wheels. Today, they’re more than classics; they’re cultural artifacts, reminding us of a time when a car wasn’t just a way to get to work, but a ticket to adventure.
As TopCar Magazine once wrote: "You didn’t just drive these cars—you lived in them." And for a generation of South Africans, that was all that mattered.
Which one would YOU take for a spin?
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly CHANGECARS
