Car Features

My dad was a Ford mechanic who specialized in old-school Fords. He didn’t just fix cars — he understood them. He respected them. And he passed that respect on to me and my brother. Together, the three of us built and restored many cars over the years. Each one had its own personality, its own story, and its own challenges. But one of the most unforgettable builds was the Ford Cortina Mk3 LDO Big 6.

There are many Cobras out there. Beautiful, loud, and fast — but similar. I wanted something different. Something that would stop conversations mid-sentence. Something that didn’t just look aggressive… but delivered something wild underneath the hood.

And if you know me, you know one thing: it had to be turbocharged. Everything else in my fleet is.

At the time, the car had no engine. No gearbox. No defined direction. Just a shell and a goal:

The First Chapter

The transformation began when the late Justin Roberts from Big Boss Auto got involved. The bakkie was dropped low — not just for looks, but for stance. That first step changed its whole attitude. It no longer looked like a little workhorse. It looked ready for something serious.

Then the real fun started.

At its core, Marlena started life as a 2005 Nissan 1400 Champ—a South African icon in its own right. But from day one, the goal was clear: transform it into a Datsun 1200-inspired classic, blending old-school Japanese styling with modern execution and personal touches.

Every year during my childhood, when my parents took their annual leave, we would make the long trip to visit him. Those visits were the highlight of my year. Not because of the holiday itself—but because I knew there would always be something special waiting in his driveway. My grandfather was constantly restoring old vehicles, and every trip revealed a new surprise. One year it might be a vintage sedan, the next an old bakkie brought back from the brink. Those memories planted a seed in me that never stopped growing.

The Engine Decision – From Coyote Dreams to Stroker Reality

Originally the owner had his heart set on a modern Ford Coyote engine. And who could blame him? The Coyote is an incredible motor. But at the time, prices were steep, and the physical size of the dual overhead cam design created packaging headaches in the Capri’s tight engine bay. Reality stepped in and forced a change of direction.

A Chance Encounter

While visiting friends at Hartbeespoort Dam, the author was introduced to something far more exciting than expected. His friend proudly wanted to show off her new Honda motorcycle, but the moment the garage doors opened, all attention shifted.

There it was – a classic truck quietly standing in the garage.

From Demo Car to Dream Build

The C2 was originally purchased as a demo model in 2008. Before this, my automotive journey included a modified Honda Ballade that served as a show car. When the Citroën entered my life, the intention was simple: keep it stock. But if you have motorsport DNA in your blood, you know that “stock” rarely stays that way for long.

Power with Character

Under the bonnet sits a 351 Cleveland V8, an engine renowned for its strong breathing, unmistakable sound, and raw muscle. It delivers a perfect balance of classic V8 grunt and reliability, making every drive feel like an event. Whether cruising or stretching its legs, the engine runs smoothly and confidently — proof of careful ownership and respect for the machinery.

The Car That Started It All

My pride and joy is a 2004 Opel Corsa Lite, finished in silver. The car currently sits at around 180,000 km, with a full service history to back it up.