As you, the reader, may have noticed RCC doesn't typically cover "replicas". In part, that's because they don't represent the singular vision of an individual or independent make. It's the passion and personal nature of such endeavors that is celebrated here. The Perentti, however, is not a replica as much as an automotive "what if?". As in, "What if the Aussies made a 2+2 C-3 Corvette?"...
The Perentti sportscar was designed and built by Revolution Fibreglass Pty. Ltd. in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater. It was introduced at the Sydney Motor Show in 1983. As mentioned, its styling was inspired by the 3rd generation Chevrolet Corvette. However, it had a longer wheelbase and an elongated cabin which made room for an extra set of jump-seats. Interestingly, a very similar model was actually considered at GM Design, at least on paper.
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| A 3rd generation Corvette proposal, by GM Stylist Roy Lonberger |
Mechanically, it was based on a Holden HJ Ute or Panel Van Chassis. A "one tonner" as they are called in Australia. It was powered by a 253ci 307 V8 5 litre Chev Engine with a Turbo 350 Automatic Transmission. The motor was moved back and down by an inch which gives it nearly a 50/50 weight distribution. With its running gear and its fiberglass body, it was very similar to the car that inspired it.
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| The Perentti showing its T-bar roof |
The Perentti featured 2+2 seating, a T-bar roof, large luggage area, and a choice of 6 or 8-cylinder engines. A safety feature was steel intrusion bars in the doors and body panels, in order to comply with Australian Design Rules standards. It was offered in kit and eventually "turn-key" form.
It was produced until 1988, with around two dozen being made. Revolution Fibreglass sold off the project to concentrate on their marine products. Unfortunately, the Perentti's new owners quickly went under and only managed to produce a handful of additional examples. That makes the car a real rarity today.
As an aside, the car's moniker is a reference to Australia's largest lizard, the Perentie.
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| The Perentti, as seen in the movie, "Fury Road" |
The car was recently thrust back into the limelight, making an appearance amongst other Australian classics in the epic Mad Max film, "Fury Road". At least two examples were given the post apocalyptic treatment by the movie's production company, along with the iconic Ford Falcons and Chrysler Chargers that did battle for the cameras. The Perentti definitely fit right in with the aesthetic of the series.
Over the years a handful of Corvettes found their way to collectors but 2020 marks the first time that the Chevrolet Corvette will be officially offered for sale down under. With a car culture that has a lot in common with America, a love of muscle-cars and big displacement, that's a fact that always surprised me. It's no wonder that this car was made.
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| The Perentti, with a later example of its American "cousin" at left. |
Some images courtesy of car collector extraordinaire, Stacey Nico.
Others are from the Perentti Owner's Group on Facebook.
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This Perentti has a custom front clip not
unlike Custom Vette's from the 1970's |
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| This Perentti looking smart with Pontiac alloy wheels |
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| Showing off its Holden 327ci V-8 |
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| A ram-air scoop add to the "Muscle-Car" look |
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| A period promo shot of the Perentti demo car |
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A 'Ute Chassis makes for an enormous wheelbase
(This example is owned by Stevo Hilly) |
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Perentti sporting Pontiac alloy wheels, belonging
to Owner's Group member Noel Dennison |
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| The tire fitment really makes for a perfect stance on this example |
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| This Perentti belongs to Owner's Group Member Colin Williams |
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Owner's Group member, Graham Mutton's, Perentti
sits nicely on period correct alloy wheels |
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| Colin William's Perentti looking like a brute at the garage |
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| Colin William's Perentti head on |
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| Ricky Rowe's Perentti |
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| An Advert from the period |
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| The interior of Brett Gooding's Perentti |
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