Dude, here’s my car | An axe, jail time and a beauty in a barn

Sentenced in 2015 to six years and nine months for orchestrating a failed home invasion of a Werribee South market gardener he believed had hundreds of thousands of dollars stored in a safe at the property in 2013, Perri died while serving his term.

Perri, who had bought the car new, still owned it when he passed, though it had sat neglected and undriven in a shed for 36 years.

It was one of only 300 made, the magic production number to allow Ford to put one on the race track.

MOVE’s Andrew Church says the Phase III was the fastest four-door production sedan of its time, clocking speeds of around 142mp/h (228kp/h), and a highly sought-after machine.

Perri’s Phase III, however, wasn’t driving anywhere without an engine or gearbox.

Pulled from the ‘barn’ covered in axe wounds and dust, it was sold in that condition by Gray’s Auctions for $400,000 in 2020.

It cost another estimated $200,000 to restore.

That restoration was carried out at Shepparton’s Southern Rod and Custom.

“Imagine the hidden treasures that could have possibly been found during the restoration process,” Mr Church mused out loud, mentioning there were traces of what was believed to be dried blood found inside.

Displayed with the car are its original wheels, damaged bonnet and hacked-up panels.

The immaculately restored beast, however, doesn’t have a mark on it.

“The owner wanted the car restored to full factory showroom glory,” Mr Church said.

“The high-end, top-notch restoration has been perfect to bring the car back to life.

“A lot of components in the car have been retained from original.”

Reverted to its former period-correct youthfulness, this street performer is unlikely to ever be forgotten in someone’s back shed again.

And hopefully equally unlikely to be the target of any further axe-wielding assailants.