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Highlights

Phenomenal modified Perana with 641bhp on tap
One of only 400 Perana cars with correct Basil Green chassis plate
Rebuilt by the vendor to high mechanical specification
Only 2,000kms covered since completion
You won’t find another!

The Appeal

America had the Cobra and South Africa had the Perana, two cars and two continents united by one simple idea: to make popular, stock cars go much faster by adding a big engine.

The Capri Perana was the brainchild of Basil Green, who ran a successful racing team in South Africa. He had previously performed the same go-faster trick with the Cortina. He started by dropping a V6 under the Capri’s bonnet then, when Ford did the same, he put a 302cu in Mustang V8 there instead. The back end was tethered down by a Ford Falcon limited slip differential.

Ford even sanctioned the process, offering the Perana conversion through its showroom network. Cars were shipped to Basil Green from its Port Elizabeth factory without engines or transmissions,. Two colours were available - Bright Yellow or Peri Peri Red - and up to 400 were produced between 1970 and 1972.

This remarkable Peri Peri Red ‘73 Perana is one we suspect Basil Green would firmly approve of. The owner has clearly taken the Green ethos as a starting point to create a 641bhp monster. Alongside the mechanical modifications - including a 351cu in Cleveland 5.8l V8 - there are obvious nods to the hot rod culture that took the Capri to its heart during the 70s and 80s. It is in great condition too.

This is a true one of a kind and a fantastic opportunity to acquire an extreme evocation of Basil Green’s Perana vision.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st January 1973
Correctly carries the Basil Green VIN plate and chassis and engine identification
BG engine prefix denotes a Basil Green motor
Car number 383 of 400 built according to Perana register
Perana’s were fitted with Mustang Windsor 302 cu in V8s, Ford Falcin LSD rear axle and Ford Toploader 4spd transmission
Standard Peranas were capable of 0-60mph in 6.7secs
Basil Green also ran Peranas as race cars
Ford sold the cars through its showrooms and even offered a factory warranty
This car was rebuilt by the seller and has spent time in storage before being rebuilt

The Interior

Modified interior that retains some original features
Original Peranas were supplied with Capri XL interiors
There are obvious and necessary enhancements to manage the increased power
The interior is in good, presentable condition but is clearly designed for work
Reclining Type R bucket seats with 6pt FIA approved ATS harnesses
Orange-backed dials which we are told do not work
The auxiliary dials do work including gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, nitrous oxide management and fuel pressure
Alloy spoked DSX leather-rimmed steering wheel
Rear seats in very good condition and appear to be original retrimmed Capri XL items
Nitrous system in the boot

The Exterior

Original Peri Peri Red paintwork lightly modified to accommodate the power
Modifications include the rear lights, bonnet aperture and lower suspension
The seller has invested a lot of time and effort into the bodywork and appearance of this car during his ownership
Straight panels with good door fit and no obvious dings or dents
Black Perana bonnet stripes
Bodywork is in very good condition with no visible corrosion or significant marks
The only mark we could find was an area of poor paint on the driver’s side front wing by the spoiler
Datsun SSS tail lights
Optional Perana louvred rear window
Appears to have been lowered from standard
Low profile chromed alloy wheels in well kept, unmarked condition
Underside appears very solid and preserved with good layer of underseal

The Mechanics

302cu in Windsor engine replaced with a 351cu in 5.8l Cleveland unit
Quick shift 4spd Toploader manual gearbox
Dyno read out indicates 641bhp in current specification
Seller tells us that the set up is capable of delivering more power
The car has only covered 2,000kms since completion

The specification:

30in pop up forged pistons
12.5:1 compression ratio
MSD distributor ignition system
New 750 4 barrel Holley carburettor
Open plane torque manifold
Modified 4V heads
Roller rockers
392 competition camshaft
Wilhood 5 pot callipers
Cross drilled ventilated disc brakes
Hydraulic handbrake
9in locking differential
2 stage nitrous 250hp
Nitrogen bottles equipped with heater blanket

Summary

The Perana V8 unlocked the tyre-smoking potential of Ford’s sporting Capri. Just 400 were built, all sanctioned by Ford and all finished in colours that made them immediately stand out.

This remarkable Capri Perana V8 certainly does that. Leaning heavily into the modification theme kicked off by Basil Green as well as the hot rodding scene of which the Capri was a key part, it is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a 641bhp monster and a true one-off vehicle.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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