Description
Overview - FORD CAPRI PERANA V8: Before the BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW reveal of the new FORD CAPRI in January 1969, an ongoing relationship existed between FORD SOUTH AFRICA (FORD SA) and BASIL GREEN MOTORS (BGM). Whereby BGM “PERANA CARS” conversions scored “first times done” in the global FORD empire. Such as first CORTINA GT Mk 2 converted to “ESSEX V6 3000” globally, and first ESCORT Mk 1 converted to “PINTO 2000 OHC” globally.
There’s insufficient space, for PERANA history refer to: - details above
Although, FORD SA were about to offer the Essex V6 3000 in the shared platform of the new CORTINA Mk 3 and CAPRI Mk 1 models, they wanted a V8-powered CAPRI for the local FIA Production Car Championship, and Basil Green of BGM was funded by FORD SA to build a facility in Johannesburg, that produced the first CAPRI Group 5 Race Car globally. That car under FIA No. Z181 walked away with the 1970 Championship outright and shattered every racetrack lap time record in South Africa.
In unison another first was scored when FORD SA granted BGM a SVO (Special Vehicle Order) allowing “Off-Site Completion” of Ford Plant assembled CAPRI 3000 GT XL Coupes with a bare Engine Bay and no Gearbox – never done at any other CAPRI Plant globally. The SVO CAPRIs came in only two exclusive BGM PERANA body colours: BRIGHT YELLOW or PERI-PERI RED, with BLACK only GT XL Interior and Headlining materials. Every unit had a production-line SVO-NUMBERED build tag inside the body - different to standard production Capri's.
Another FORD SA / BGM “first” was installing a FORD USA V8-engine in a FORD EUROPE design, and the first CAPRI globally with an optional FORD USA “C4” Automatic, exclusive to the SA-built CAPRI PERANA V8, and CAPRI 3000 GT.
The CAPRI PERANA V8 was only available in RHD, for the SA-market and remained the sole CAPRI V8 derivative throughout CAPRI global production. The unique CAPRI PERANA V8s road versions sold to the public from early Q1 of 1970 and soon recognised as the affordable alternative to similar performance but substantially more expensive exotica like the Ferrari 246 GT or Porsche 911S.
The CAPRI PERANA V8 MANUAL was road-tested by local CAR Magazine in January 1971 and acknowledged as the fastest local production car in SA. It held that record for 14 years.
Compare the significant CAPRI Mk1 performance figures below.
3000GT Essex V6-3000 - 113 mph / 181 kph - 0-62 mph in 9. 2 sec.
RS3100 Essex V6-3100 - 125 mph / 201 kph - 0-62 mph in 7. 3 sec.
RS2600 Cologne V6 2600 - 129 mph 207 kph - 0-62 mph in 7. 5 sec.
PERANA Windsor V8-5000 - 142 mph / 228 kph - 0-62 mph in 6. 7 sec.
The remaining CAPRI PERANAs still in ORIGINAL or RESTORED condition are seldom for sale. A global web-search reveals this is the only CAPRI PERANA V8 for sale internationally.
The CAPRI PERANA production is now proven to be only 400 units!
For perspective of its scarcity nowadays, the slower FORD GERMANY CAPRI RS2600 had a production of 3, 530 units for the Europe LHD market.
The later FORD UK swansong RS3100 RHD was only 250 Homologation units - due to the OPEC Petrol Crisis, buyers did not form a queue, and finally 50 unsold RS3100 were exported to FORD AUS.
THE ADVERTISED CAR: 1971 Ford CAPRI PERANA V8 Manual RHD
This superb example is currently in a private classic car collection, with maintenance team. Being a SA motoring icon, with cult status, it is seldom driven and is still in perfect order, and original specification.
It was purchased some time back from WILLIE HEPBURN, who was part of the BGM team that created CAPRI FIA No. Z171 Group 5, CAPRI FIA A2 Group 2, and production CAPRI PERANAs – he knew these cars backwards. He originally trained as a mechanic and had completed a restoration on this car encompassing all componentry.
The Body and Engine-bay was professionally resprayed in its existing original BRIGHT YELLOW colour during the restoration. The PERANA trademarks on the outer body are all present and correct, again in equally superb condition.
The bodyshell is unmodified and accident-free. It is also rust free, due to being kept since new at high altitude of 1, 600 metres in a dry climate without snow-salted roads, and far from the humidity & sea-ozone salts of coastal regions that cause structural rust!
The Interior is still original with correct materials, all in excellent condition. The upholstery is without tears, cuts, or rips and all interior fittings are present, including the Perana Steering wheel. All instrumentation is working properly; the Speedometer reads in KHP, and its Odometer (5-digit) reads 17, 862 – it’s semantic for a restored car anyway. The binnacle panel is undamaged complete with original radio. The centre console with analogue clock is undamaged.
I’m averse to claims like “Concours”, suffice to say it is per ex-factory. A car that you will be proud of at any Classic Car venue. In terms of Provenance, WILLIE HEPBURN was a South African Racing Driver who won multiple race trophies, is still the Land Speed record holder, built race cars, and restored classic cars. He was inducted to the HALL OF FAME before he passed 22/ 11/ 2024, aged 82. For an overview of his achievements and mention of PERANAs - courtesy of SPEEDHUNTERS. com:
- details above
See this site for CAPRIs and PERANA Technical Specification, courtesy of FORD-CAPRI SWITZERLAND:
- details above
The following is an abbreviated overview of why and what makes a CAPRI PERANA V8 totally unique: Windsor 302 HO 5-Litre V8 with reprofiled BGM Camshafts and upgraded specification to all ancillary parts. Upgraded Radiator with air-downforce top plate. Holley 600-CFM Double Pumper. Holley Intake. BGM Manifolds. Tremec 4-Speed Top Loader. Ford 9-inch Rear Axle & LSD 2. 92 ratio. Mustang Steering rack mounted upside down with the McPherson struts swapped to the opposite side. Upgraded pads for front callipers, standard drums to rear. These cars were a direct evolution of CAPRI FIA Race Cars – but civilised.
This car’s authenticity is confirmed; it has the correct matching numbers and other identifiers:
• The BGM PERANA CARS tag reflects Serial Number BGxxx, dated Month 1971.
• The Engine Block stamped BGxxx is original and matches PERANA tag.
• The FoMoCo VIN tag is present and SERIAL NUMBER correlates.
• The left front inner-wing “body stamped” SERIAL NUMBER correlates.
• The SVO Production tag is present and correlates.
The actual numbering details of the various tags and stampings of this genuine SVO CAPRI PERANA with images will form part of the BILL OF SALE Contract.
TRANSPORTATION: Once sold, the car is never driven. Both needs of Closed Long Distance Carrier (1, 800 klms) to Cape Town and all other local Car Flatbed-Carrier services required are provided until final delivery to the C&F Warehouse.
INSURANCE: The car will always have cover for COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE to sales value, independent of any Car Carrier / Other Service utilised Liability Insurance.
WORKSHOP SERVICES: There is no expenditure or repairs required. As a precautionary all fluids and filters replaced, basic service and carburation re-tuned for sea-level performance.
DEKRA SERVICES: The car comes with new DEKRA TECHNICAL EXAMINATION REPORT to confirm condition, new DEKRA ROAD WORTHY TEST & Certificate (same as MoT, et al) proves 100% roadworthy, and mandatory DEKRA DataDOT & Certificate.
EXPORT CLEARANCE: SAPS Export Certificate and Arrival Customs Invoice are provided.
VALET & DETAILING: Professionally Valet Interior, Body washed & polished before 5-year Ceramic Paint protection applied, Engine steam cleaned and detailed. Underbody steam-cleaned. Optional is “brush applied” WURTH Anti-Rust paint sealant.
NOTE: All of the above-mentioned services are included in the PURCHASE PRICE below.
SHIPPING: The FOB is deemed as delivery to C&F Packing Warehouse - notarial the car already belongs to the Buyer beforehand. Images of entire car taken at Packing as proof of no damage prior to sealing the Container. The C&F Shipping requirements arranged for Buyer cost, based on a shared “2-CAR-ONLY” 40-ft SeaContainer, this includes the ITAC and In-Transit All Risk & Total Loss Insurance. Optional the choice of “1-CAR-ONLY” 20-ft SeaContainer, or very expensive AIRFREIGHT.
ARRIVAL (for UK Buyer): I’ve Exported cars to eighteen (18) countries over the past 30 years and utilised the C&F services of CARS International (UK) since 2008 for UK-Imports. Contrary to the current CAR & CLASSIC record, I advertised here from 2008 onwards until 2021.
Delivery lead time will be two (2) weeks pre-export services, three (3) weeks at sea to UK / EU – or less if possible. The arrival charges include HMRC Import VAT, Port Charge at London Gateway, C&F Container Collection & Delivery to the Bury St Edmunds warehouse.
PURCHASE PRICE: The purchase price advertised at GBP78, 000 is not negotiable, and includes the “all in costs” to be fully Imported to the UK as stated above complete with optional charge for MoT, DVLA Registration, License, Black Plates and your Delivery by carrier to your home – ready to drive legally on UK roads. The car won’t be offered on Auction due to its location.
For costs to Buyers in other Countries, please ask.
Kindly enquire by email initially complete with your contact number. Thank you.
