Cruising into retirement with a 72′ Ford Fairlane 351

A childhood passion for cars led Roy Rajhdaw down a 40-year-long career in the automotive industry, with a single dream of buying a V8 when retirement came close.

Today at 57, the Seaward Estate resident is the proud new owner of a class 1972 Ford Fairlane 351 V8-Cleveland, which is in near perfect condition and came at a steal, too.

In Roy’s book, Ford is the only carmaker he’s ever been interested in since buying a Capri 3-litre in 1982.

In 1987, Roy added to the collection with a Cortina Ghia 3-litre. When he first laid eyes on the 72′ Fairlane, it was truly love at first sight.

He bought the Fairlane last year for R200 000 from a college student who had inherited it from his grandfather and needed the money for college fees.

A fully restored Fairlane like this can fetch upward of R400 000.

“To sit in the car for the first time was an awesome feeling. The sound of the V8 engine is something else and I felt like a king driving it,” said Roy, joking about the number plate on his Ford, which is ‘ROY LT1’.

Although it does at times need a second turn of the key to rumble to life, once properly fired up the rumble can be heard from more than a kilometre away, rumbling through the streets of Ballito.

The rare Cleveland edition is a collector’s item on many a classic car lover’s list. Ford spent a decade and some $100 million tinkering with the engine before taking it to market.

Although Roy has not tested the car’s top speed, he said he has managed as fast as 120kmph with ease.

The Ford Fairlane boasts with power of 186kW at 4 600rpm, and torque of 481Nm.

Roy plans to swap out the existing carburetor with a 4-barrel Holley he got from the previous owner.

You can catch Roy and his Ford Fairlane at the Ballito Classic Car Show at Ballito Junction on October 3.

For breaking news follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.