Description
Built by Basil Green Motors of Johannesburg exclusively for the South African market, the 'Perana' is the only V8-engined Capri officially approved by the Ford Motor Company. Basil Green used the Ford 302ci (5,0 litre) Windsor V8 engine, with the chassis and running gear modified to handle the extra power, and the result was a high-performance car with an excellent power-to-weight ratio that was already was quickly disappearing from domestic racing. Indeed, so successful was the Perana that it was banned after one season of dominance. The Perana was launched on public roads with 281 HP and a top speed of 240 km/h. It is estimated that approximately 1970-1972 cars were produced between 500 and 550.
This Capri Mk1 to full house Perana specification cost over 200.000 Australian Dollars (approximately €135.000) to build in 1999, before winning the 2000 London-Sydney Rally led by former World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist and navigator Ben Rainsford. Since then, the Marathon rally coupe has competed in several other long-distance events. These include the 2004 London-Sydney Rally, 2004 Carrera Sudamericana Marathon, 2007 Classic East African Safari Rally, 2010 International Rally du Maroc and the Sol Rally Barbados in 2011.
Highlights of this rally specification include a 302ci 'Windsor' Cobra type V8 engine; 'Jerico' type top loader gearbox with 4 speeds; Marathon specification bodywork; full roll cage with side bars; live five-link rear axle; disc brakes all around; rack and pinion steering; fiberglass hood; Perspex side windows; and Bilstein damped suspension currently set up for 'Tarmac' events. Provided with a Ford dating letter confirming the manufacture of a donor car in September 1969, V5C registration document.
This unique Perana specification Capri is a great opportunity to acquire a rare rally car with a proven track record in long distance rallies.
