Overview
2013 AC 378 GT
Perana 10003 AC 378GT Zagato
Some of the best sports cars of all time are a result of international collaboration. The Shelby Cobra and Ford GT40 were both products of cross-border engineering, passion, and design. For another unforgettable example of what can happen when the sharpest minds from different continents put their heads together to create a car with singular driving characteristics, consider this Perana AC 378GT Zagato.
Zagato, of course, is the renowned Milanese coachbuilder, while Perana is a South African specialty vehicle manufacturer. The two companies came together to build the Perana Z-One and AC 378GT sports cars. All the hallmarks of fine Italian design and coachbuilding are present in this AC 378GT. The sleek Vinyl-Ester fiberglass body sports a signature “Double-Bubble” roof line. The Zagato 19 x 8.5-inch front wheels and 20 x 11-inch rear fill the wheel wells with beautiful balance. Many premium features on this exotic are not immediately apparent, such as the push-button hatch entry with gas strut operation, and push-button fuel entry.
The car is powered by a GM LS series V8 recently fitted with a new supercharger. The engine is a joy to hear with its stainless cat-back exhaust. The powerplant is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission and ZF limited slip differential. Drivers can go the distance on road trips thanks to a 22.5-gallon pressure tested stainless steel fuel tank configured for LS-series engines from GM. An oil cooler and dual-fan aluminum radiator keep things cool.
The chassis, suspension, and braking are also an exercise in international sophistication, with a steel tube space frame, unequal length A-arms, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, and front and rear anti-roll bars. The Z06 Corvette style big brake upgrade includes 12.8-inch rotors with 2-piston sliding calipers up front and 12.0-inch rotors with 1-piston sliding calipers at the rear.
The new custom interior is the ideal driving environment for the dedicated enthusiast. The Recaro adjustable sports seats keep a firm grip on the driver. Comforts include leather/Alcantara surfaces, air conditioning, and power door locks and windows. The sound system is world-class, with a Double Din radio that is iPod ready and MP3 compatible, and features USB port, SD card reader, and Bluetooth. It is satellite navigation ready. The 4.1 speaker sound system takes listening to a new level (the .1 is a sub safety glass throughout).
Perana 10003 is titled as 2013 SUPE and has 6150 miles. It is available for $224,995.00.