Photo: Ford Motor Company
Basil Green, the legendary businessman behind the Ford Capri Perana, was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame in August. Joining past SA Hall of Fame inductees ranging from golfer Gary Player to Nelson Mandela, the honor solidifies Green’s status as an icon both in South Africa and in automotive history.
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Green, 82, is perhaps best known for introducing the Ford Capri Perana V8 racing car. Racing in Group 5 of the South African Saloon Car Championship, wearing an orange Gunston livery, and bearing the number Z181, the Perana V8 won 13 out of 14 races with Bobby Olthoff at the wheel in 1970. The following season, Green modified to car to meet Group 2 standards and the resulting A2 car took home the title. The V8-powered Capri Perana was the fastest car produced in South Africa for a time, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.47 seconds and a top speed of 141.2 mph.
“Basil Green created the era-defining fast Fords that were unbeatable on the track and unmatched on the road, combined with such engineering excellence and dedication to detail that various evolutions of the Perana Cortina, Capri, Escort, and Granada were not only approved by Ford, but were officially sold through the countrywide dealer network,” said Neale Hill, managing director, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “Many of his modifications to standard cars were world-firsts, and Ford even incorporated some of his developments in the production model local line-up.”
When Green offered up the Capri V6 in 1969, Ford took note and began production of its own 3.0-liter V6. Green also worked directly with Ford from 1974 on after he became a dealer, winning several Dealer of the Year awards. According to Green, his dealership came to fruition after a conversation with Lee Iacocca, who wanted one of his Ford Granada Mk1 V8s.
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