In memory of a motoring legend – Farih Fauz

It was a sad moment to note the passing away of a doyen in the motoring heritage of Sri Lanka. On 9 January Farih Fauz bid farewell having done yeoman service to the protection and preservation of the motoring heritage of Sri Lanka.

For those who had the pleasure of knowing him, there was always a humble smile and a warm greeting that held sway whatever the circumstances were and he would part ways with his traditional “God Bless You.”

Farih’s affection to motoring was paramount from his childhood which is evident with the memorabilia and a collection of motoring miniatures which I am sure is second to none on local soil. 

He was one of the key figures that were instrumental in creating the Vintage Car Owners Club which took over from the Veteran Car Club and was appointed the Founder President of the Club. 

He was an avid car enthusiast from his childhood. Much of his interest was also spurred by his uncle Mueed Khalid who used to take him to witness the motor races as a youngster which may have been the root to the cause. 

It was a delight to all veteran car enthusiasts when Lord Montague of Beulieu fame visited Sri Lanka and a Vintage Car exhibition was put together to coincide his visit and Farih played a major role in ensuring the exhibition was up to mark with his meticulous manner of handling the event.

It was “Red Letter Day” way back in 1987 when the Dept. of Motor Traffic moved towards getting about a motion of scrapping all documents pertaining to vintage vehicles that belonged to the A-Z series with the reason being the lack of revenue earned by the annual license fee and the lack of space to maintain the files due to the influx of motor vehicle imports to the country. This would have spelt “Death-knell” to the motoring heritage of Sri Lanka which spurred the interest of many enthusiasts who began their untiring efforts of lobbying key persons involved in Government to do away with the decision taken by the authorities.

It was at this time when the Vintage Car Owners Club was formed under the amiable guidance of Farih who took up the mantle as the founder President and worked towards saving the motoring heritage of our country. The untiring efforts paid off with the then Minister of Transport M.H. Mohamed who gave a keen ear to the issue and not only was the decision taken away but also a discounted revenue license fee of Rs. 25 was granted to all vehicles registered under the A-Z Series. This was a fabulous achievement and is upheld to-date thanks to the efforts of a group of fine gentlemen who set their sights in achieving their goal, and to Farih who was a keen contender in winning this great achievement which gave a new lease of life towards the preservation of vintage motorcars in Sri Lanka.

With the VCOC up and running with a band of “likeminded” colleagues, he set about the annual event calling it the Checkpoint Rally which was a resounding success. Each check-point was manned by a sponsor of the event who gave the participant a gift as they passed by. Farih understood the hardship of the owners of vintage cars as they had their share of difficulties in obtaining the basics such as tyres and spares which were long gone from the shelves of any distributor which was at times an absolute nightmare which led to the vehicles ending up in derelict state. Not forgetting the costs in keeping a vintage up and running. He was also instrumental in offering a cash incentive to the members who participated at the events as an added encouragement to keep their vintage “delights” in roadworthy condition. 

The Checkpoint Rally became a star attraction and was ably assisted by another “motoring marvel” being the likes of Mana Jayawardena who was the master of ceremonies at the rallies whose charm and fanfare added to the lustre of the event. It was at this time when Mana, being an owner of a later day Classic went on to convince Farih to give an opportunity to the later day motorcars which didn’t belong to the A-Z series. This spurred the creation of the Classic Car Club of Ceylon that was inaugurated at his residence with Mana taking the helm of the newly formed Club.

He also initiated two VCOC motor shows at the Lanka Oberoi which found many admirers both foreign and local who had the opportunity to witness the “Oldest of the Old” in Lanka. The Ambassador of the United States of America who visited the show made a special comment by saying, “I wish I owned them all”.

Farih was also the key initiator in creating a special identification plate for all vehicles that belonged to the VCOC and it is hoped that this trend continues at present.

Another passion which is evident if you had the pleasure of visiting his residence at Manthri Road was a great collection of miniature models cars on display that may be second to none. Along with a band of miniature enthusiasts, the Miniature Model Club was formed and took off to a flying start with many collectors both young and old who came together to host two exhibitions at the Hotel School premises and the Mount Lavinia Hotel and his one wish was to keep the interest growing with the many young enthusiasts who took great pride in their collection.

This brings me to the encouragement and support he extended towards the VW Beetle Owners’ Club where he never missed an event and his warm presence at the start of an event which was of great encouragement to the organisers. He did recall many years ago, when the local agents Car Mart Ltd., drove four brand new VW Beetles in different colours through the in-gate of his uncle’s residence to convince him of a purchase. This would have been a unique advertising tool that won many customers and certainly left a great memory in young Farih. 

He would always encourage the activities of the club and would ensure to convey his best wishes by his ever presence at the start. He was of the view that a happy car would be the end result of a happy member which was his sound advicce that he extended to the club. I would recall his parting words saying, “You jolly fellows, keep it up!” and “Keep it up” would be the best honour we could give to our dear departed friend. We will miss him and his encouragement dearly and may his soul rest in peace.

Peter Jasinghe

President, Volkswagen Beetle Owners’ Club