Uncovering South Africa’s Forgotten Role in Ford’s Legacy

When we think of Ford, certain models spring to mind instantly—the Mustang, the GT, and the Ranger, to name a few. But some lesser-known stories of Ford’s history have left an indelible mark on both the brand and the automotive world, especially those tied to South Africa.

Let’s take a nostalgic look back at some fascinating Ford facts and the surprising role South Africa played in them.

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In the mid-1970s, Lee Iacocca, then President of Ford Motor Company, visited South Africa and was introduced to a unique creation—the Granada Perana V8. This model, developed by South African automotive legend Basil Green, left such an impression on Iacocca that he requested one for his personal use in the U.S. However, there was a minor oversight. As Stuart Johnston writes, “Iacocca, after receiving the right-hand-drive Granada from Green, sent a telex asking if South Africans were aware Americans drive on the left.” This small hiccup didn’t dampen Iacocca’s enthusiasm. A left-hand-drive version was quickly sourced from Germany, and Green worked tirelessly to fit in with the powerful V8 engine before shipping it back to the U.S., giving the Perana name a brief foothold in North America.

The Perana story doesn’t end with Iacocca’s Granada. Green’s earlier creation, the Capri Perana V8, remains one of the most collectable classics of the 1970s. However, as Johnston notes, “Green’s company produced nearly twice as many Granada Peranas from 1973 to 1976 than the Capri models.” Though overshadowed by the fuel crises of the 1970s, the Granada Perana gained popularity as a luxurious, powerful vehicle, often used for towing caravans rather than high-speed runs, highlighting its versatility.

Image: Ford

Lee Iacocca is perhaps best remembered for his role in the creation of the Ford Mustang, which debuted on April 17, 1964, and became the fastest-selling car in history. Ford’s ability to tap into the desires of younger drivers—particularly females—played a key role in this achievement. Stuart Johnston recalls, “Dealers were swamped. In Texas, a customer won a bidding war on the showroom Mustang and slept in the car overnight while waiting for his check to clear.” This frenzy marked the beginning of Ford’s Total Performance program, which aimed to inject excitement into the brand. The Mustang was more than just a car—it was a symbol of Ford’s commitment to pushing the limits of performance and accessibility.

Related: Ford’s Mustang GTD Aims for Sub-7-Minute Nürburgring Lap Time

Ford’s foray into motorsport also deserves mention. The legendary Ford Cosworth DFV V8 became one of the most successful engines in Formula 1, achieving 155 Grand Prix victories between 1967 and 1985. In other motorsport arenas, Ford’s dominance extended to rallies and saloon car racing. The Lotus Cortina, for instance, helped Jim Clark secure the British Saloon Car Championship in 1964, while in South Africa, Koos Swanepoel clinched the South African Saloon Car Championship the same year, driving a Cortina.

Beyond the track, Ford’s influence in South Africa extended to practical and versatile models. The Ford Cortina, launched in 1962, became a top-seller in both the UK and South Africa. Johnston highlights an often-overlooked fact: the Cortina’s third-generation pick-up variant was designed and built in South Africa and later exported to England, showcasing the country’s engineering prowess. However, South Africa’s most enduring contribution might be the Ford Bantam. First introduced in the 1980s, this half-ton pick-up was designed, engineered, and built exclusively in South Africa through three generations until its discontinuation in 2011. As Johnston reflects, “The Bantam was built on a variety of Ford platforms, from the Escort in the 1980s to the Fiesta by its final iteration.”

One of the Bantam’s standout features was its RoCam engine, produced at Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Available in 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre configurations, the RoCam was a testament to Ford South Africa’s engineering expertise. When the Bantam was discontinued to make way for the larger Ranger in 2011, the Struandale Plant shifted its focus to producing turbodiesel engines for the Ranger, including the new 3.0-litre V6. Ford’s Silverton Plant near Pretoria, meanwhile, remains the only facility in the global Ford network to manufacture its own chassis for the Ranger.

Turning back the clock even further, the legacy of Henry Ford himself is intertwined with motorsport and innovation. As Stuart Johnston recounts, “Before he founded Ford, Henry raced one of his first cars at the Grosse Pointe Racecourse in Michigan in 1901, and he won.” His belief in racing as a cost-effective way to gain publicity paid off, laying the foundation for the company’s future success. Ford’s motorsport heritage dates back to these early victories and continued through to the company’s domination in various racing formats across the globe.

Image: Ford

While Ford’s racing pedigree is widely recognized, fewer people know about the brand’s early assembly efforts in South Africa. After importing vehicles from Canada for two decades, Ford became the first manufacturer to set up assembly operations in South Africa in 1923. Ford Motor Company of South Africa was born in a converted wool store in Port Elizabeth, where the first Model Ts were assembled. By 1925, over 18,000 Fords were on South African roads, far outstripping the competition.

By the time Model T production ended in 1927, Ford had sold more than 15 million units worldwide, with significant contributions from South Africa. From these humble beginnings to the advanced production capabilities of today, Ford South Africa has continually played a vital role in the brand’s global success story.

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