We look back at four Ford fan faves

The Capri Perana was famed for its domination in South Africa’s Group 5 racing, especially during the 1970 season. Bobby Olthoff, with his Capri Perana V8, won 13 out of the 14 races that year. 

The Capri Perana is unique in that it is the only factory-approved Capri ever equipped with a V8 engine. Here, the 5.0-litre “Windsor” V8 from a Mustang dealt knock-out blows to the competition. You could identify a Capri Perana V8 by its larger wheels, dual exhaust pipes, and distinctive body paint colours: Bright Yellow or Piri Piri Red.

The Perana weighed a mere 1 100 kg, and its 210kW and 407Nm tore up the racetrack. And that’s also why it was so popular with the regular man on the street. Basil Green Motors sold around 500 feisty Capri Peranas.