The 2000 London-Sydney Marathon winning, Stig Blomqvist/Ben Rainsford
1969 Ford
Registration no. CYY 458G
Chassis no. CK17JC56776
Engine no. 3K184087

Built by Basil Green Motors of Johannesburg exclusively for the South African market, the 'Perana' is the only V8-engined Capri officially sanctioned by the Ford Motor Company. Basil Green used the Ford 302ci (5.0-litre) Windsor V8 engine, modifying the chassis and running gear to cope with the extra power, and the result was a high-performance car with an excellent power-to-weight ratio that was soon cleaning up in domestic racing. Indeed, so successful was the Perana that after a single season's dominance it was banned. For the road, the Perana came with 281bhp on tap and a top speed of 147mph. It was also extraordinarily flexible. How British and European enthusiasts would have loved to get their hands on the Perana, and Ford surely missed a trick by not offering such a car in other markets. It is estimated that around 500-550 were produced between 1970 and 1972. This Capri Mk1 to full house Perana specification cost in excess of AUD200,000 (approximately £116,000 at the current rate of exchange) to build in 1999, before winning the 2000 London-Sydney Rally driven by former World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist and preparer Ben Rainsford. Since then, the Marathon rally coupe has participated 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 2011 Sol Rally Barbados. Specification highlights include a 302ci 'Windsor' Cobra type V8 engine; 'Jerico' type top-loader 4-speed gearbox; Marathon-specification bodyshell; full roll cage with side-bars; live five-link rear axle; all round disc brakes; rack-and-pinion steering; glassfibre bonnet; Perspex side windows; and Bilstein-damped suspension currently set up for 'Tarmac' events. An alternative Proflex-type Safari high-ride 'Gravel' suspension is included in the spares kit, together with a spare set of wheels. Offered with Ford dating letter confirming September 1969 manufacture of donor car, fresh MoT valid to August 2014, current historic vehicle eligible road fund licence and Swansea V5C, this unique Perana-specification Capri represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a well-sorted car with a proven record in long-distance rallying that awaits preparation for the next long haul.