Picture this: it’s 2003, and Peter Lindenberg, a local powerboat champ, teams up with Port Elizabeth sports car legend Jimmy Price. Together, they set out to build the ultimate South African sports car – something that would make the world take notice.
Jimmy Price wasn’t just any car builder – he was the genius behind the chassis for Noble N400 and Shelby cars (yes, the ones in Ford v Ferrari). So, when he and Lindenberg decided to make their dream car, they formed the Perana Performance Group (PPG) with Colin Lazarus, a Ford dealership owner. The goal? To bring back the legendary Perana name and create something iconic.
Enter the Perana Z-One – a car so good, it’s almost a shame you don’t know about it. To design the Z-One, Price got in touch with Italian coach-builder Zagato, who was keen on a new project. What followed was a striking sports car, built around a Chevrolet Corvette C6’s V8 engine, delivering 325 kW of pure power. It was light, fast, and built for speed: 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h.
After months of work, the car was ready for its debut. At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Z-One caused a storm. Top automotive brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini couldn’t believe their eyes – a South African-built masterpiece, stealing the show.
But here’s the kicker: just as the car was about to take the world by storm, the 2009 financial crisis hit, and the market for high-end sports cars tanked. PPG managed to build just eight Z-Ones before the dream project was shelved. The car was later rebranded as the AC 378 GT Zagato by British firm AC Cars, but production was limited to just a few more units.
So, what’s the legacy? While the Z-One never became the global sensation it deserved, it remains the only South African-built sports car to have graced an international motor show. And for that, it’s still a massive achievement.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 6.2L V8
- Power: 325 kW
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 300 km/h
- Price: Sold for R2.45 million (2017 auction)
Would you like to take a closer look at this rare gem? Check out our full review or explore other unique sports cars available now!
Source Info: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/motoring/greatest-south-african-sports-car-you-never-knew-2024/