Paul Fahey

[Rod Grimwood]

Time to honour this legend, as we have in other threads for other legends.

Maybe photos from other threads can be added to this thread as well.

Paul has been a huge influence on NZ Motorsport.

[John McKechnie]

Paul Fahey set the bar when it came to more proffesional saloon car preparation in NZ.
Honored to meet him at Hampton Downs recently, he is still in fine health.
Absolutely a high achiever in life and his racing results speak volumes.

[Rod Grimwood]

Some of my favorites among the collection gathered over a long time.

Lotus Anglia

[Rod Grimwood]

Lotus Cortina

[Rod Grimwood]

Trans Am Mustang that changed NZ Motorsport in the professional approach to presentation and preparation.

[Rod Grimwood]

More Trans Am

[Rod Grimwood]

Another of Mr Shelby's toy's that Mr Fahey made his mark in.

[Rod Grimwood]

And when it started to change colours.

[Rod Grimwood]

My Favorite, the 'Little Screamer'. I can still remember that noise the first time over Rothmans at Puke. And the big spin between the left hander and Rothmans. This car really showed Mr Fahey's skill.

[Rod Grimwood]

And the big screamer, this car was exciting.

[GD66]

Nice work, Rodders. He really did set a benchmark when it came to car prep and setup, and while he wouldn't give an inch on the track, he wasn't into biff and barge. Class act.

[Kiwiboss]

We must also remember Paul surrounded himself with great people like Ray Stone(Right side) his main mechanic in order to achieve the championships he did!!

PS: whos that other famous guy with Ray?

Dale M

[hilstwist]

you beat me to it Rod.Good job.

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome thread Rod. This is my favourite Fahey picture, from Terry Marshall, as you've posted above Rod. Even though Fahey doesn't have a lot of sentiment for this car, its still a neat picture.

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[fullnoise68]

Yes Steve, I too have got this photo. I like it because it`s as if he`s doing up his seat belt saying to himself ` you pricks are in for a hell of a race this time'.

[kiwi285]

http://i47.tinypic.com/1dxzlc.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/15mbr4l.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/33ngs20.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/33tjkuh.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i50.tinypic.com/18g3t4.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/330cvgn.jpg

A great race driver who managed some fantastic feats in the smaller cars and really showed his prowess.

[fullnoise68]

Exactly Mike. From arrival to departure at any race meeting, Paul Fahey was a true professional. The presentation of all his gear, tow car, trailer, and obviously his various race cars, are a true credit to the man.

[Rod Grimwood]

you beat me to it Rod.Good job.

Your thoughts provoked it mate.

[Rod Grimwood]

The 'team' as you say Steve.

[Rod Grimwood]

And how it was most the time.

[speedsterboy]

I have twice owned the FIAT 125T that Paul Fahey and Graeme Lawrence raced in the 1972 B&H 500.
Paul actually rolled the car during the race although it did go on to finish (last of the 6 team FIAT cars but still respectably high up the order).
I rang him some 20 odd years ago when I still had the car to speak with him about it,and he was pretty blunt! saying that he didnt really want to discuss this car ,but would be happy to talk allnight about the Fords he has raced!!!
I thanked him and said 'another time perhaps' a little disappointedly....not one of his favourites then..

I do still have a photo of the car somewhere in the actual B&H so will post when I find it.

Speedsterboy

[Steve Holmes]

I have twice owned the FIAT 125T that Paul Fahey and Graeme Lawrence raced in the 1972 B&H 500.
Paul actually rolled the car during the race although it did go on to finish (last of the 6 team FIAT cars but still respectably high up the order).
I rang him some 20 odd years ago when I still had the car to speak with him about it,and he was pretty blunt! saying that he didnt really want to discuss this car ,but would be happy to talk allnight about the Fords he has raced!!!
I thanked him and said 'another time perhaps' a little disappointedly....not one of his favourites then..

I do still have a photo of the car somewhere in the actual B&H so will post when I find it.

Speedsterboy

I have interviewed Paul for a few magazine articles on some of his old cars, and some he loved, while others left a bad taste in his mouth. Not sure its so much a brand thing, probably more so the success, or lack of, and other dramas associated with each car.

[John McKechnie]

In a Classic Car magazine he set the record straight on the Mustang Fastback that he had then sold to PDL with no Ray Stone behind him.Yes he loved the cars he had success with, the others -a non event or hard work.Talking of straight talkers -he said Rod Coppins was a stock car driver once after a coming together.
Mind you, always admired Jack Nazer for writing "Leo did this" on the damaged panels.
Steve-were you waiting for me to write this so you could post the next pic- we are 1 minute apart?

[Steve Holmes]

Warwick Clayton photo from the Miss Victorious (http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?781-Article-Miss-Victorious) article.

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[fullnoise68]

Warwick Clayton photo from the Miss Victorious (http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?781-Article-Miss-Victorious) article.

16060

It`s just as well I`m fixing the damage on the Camaro. The things I could have written on the rear quarter alone!

[Murray Maunder]

Where's the track Rod (post 3 first shot)? Could that be Paritutu, the only track I recall in NZ with a steep dip like that.

He really did present beautiful looking cars, ahead of his time in NZ. Loved them all though I only got to see the Anglia recently on show at HD. Specially liked the FVA Escort and the Cologne Capri for the sheer uniqueness. Great that the master of kiwi muscle is alive and well.

[Oldfart]

Yes Paritutu

[kiwi285]

Where's the track Rod (post 3 first shot)? Could that be Paritutu, the only track I recall in NZ with a steep dip like that.

He really did present beautiful looking cars, ahead of his time in NZ. Loved them all though I only got to see the Anglia recently on show at HD. Specially liked the FVA Escort and the Cologne Capri for the sheer uniqueness. Great that the master of kiwi muscle is alive and well.

Hi Murray - I have sent you a PM Cheers Mike

[Rod Grimwood]

Another favorite photo with 2 of the best going at it.

And poster from HMC say's it all

[Milan Fistonic]

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[Michael Clark]

those are great shots!!

[Steve Holmes]

Those are fantastic Milan! Who was the other party involved in the rear panel damage on the Mustang?

[fullnoise68]

Probably a white Porsche!

[Steve Holmes]

Steve, you just know there is an email on its way from Dale right now! Ha ha ha.

[GPBK]

"Probably a white Porsche!"

Or maybe something a little more British and a lot less German than they are now.

[fullnoise68]

This was before she became Mary Carney.

[Steve Holmes]

"Probably a white Porsche!"

Or maybe something a little more British and a lot less German than they are now.

Amazing! How do you guys find this stuff? And all at a moments notice!

[GPBK]

Amazing! How do you guys find this stuff? And all at a moments notice!


This era was a big part of my life growing up so I have a 'little stuff' from back then. I have a pretty clear memory of being at a workshop in Wigram and picked up so I could reach in through a slightly opened window and unlock that Mustang when the keys were locked in it.

[Milan Fistonic]

While Fahey is quite rightly known as one of our best tin-top drivers we shouldn't forget that he started his motor sport career on bikes...

16306

(1954 Senior TT at Mangere)


... and that he had a brief and successful stint driving the Rothmans Cooper in 1965.

16307

[kiwi285]

Amazing - Fahey, Riley and Dawson were at it even in single seaters as well as saloons.

[GD66]

[QUOTE=Milan Fistonic;24822]While Fahey is quite rightly known as one of our best tin-top drivers we shouldn't forget that he started his motor sport career on bikes...[QUOTE]

True Milan, he rode on the Continental Circus with a best result of a fifth in the 1956 Dutch TT at Assen.

[hilstwist]

I remember at Levin, Dawson raced the two cars the same day! In fact one of my photos on this site has a pit shot of the Brabham and the Stang side by side. Maybe Fahey did the same ie race two on the same day?

[Milan Fistonic]

I remember at Levin, Dawson raced the two cars the same day! In fact one of my photos on this site has a pit shot of the Brabham and the Stang side by side. Maybe Fahey did the same ie race two on the same day?

You're right, Fahey raced the Lotus Cortina and the Cooper at that meeting.

[Bruce302]

Here is a piece of Paul's Cologne Capri from a 1974 Bay Park meeting. The tyre mark is pure Pontiac, This piece of fibreglass was wedged in the Firebird bumper at the end of the race. Reportedly Paul wasn't happy but a young Tanner girl had a souvenir.
Sorry Paul.

http://i39.tinypic.com/33dwd2f.jpg

[John McKechnie]

Bruce- that Burnt orange colour under the black tyre looks very familiar- its either Bunce Monaro or Tanner Firebird .
Its the latter and a fine souvineer. People have been known to rebuild an authentic car from pieces like this. I will tell the Fahey girl down the road about this.
Good strong Muscle Car withstands impact from smaller car during race.
I must get some m/m mags for this race.

[Bruce302]

John, It looks like the red is under the blue and white, but it could do with further inspection. Not sure if the car was ever red before Paul got it, or even if it was a gel coat.

[John McKechnie]

Bruce- Paul got the car from Germany , a genuine ex-works Cologne Capri.
So your saying the colour has not rubbed from the Firebird, but I am sure RSRODGER could tell you of its European colours.
First time out was Air NZ colours, then this white/blue- no red/orange in either..

[BMCBOY]

First time out was Air NZ colours, then this white/blue- no red/orange in either..[/QUOTE]


18237

18236

[Rod Grimwood]

Mr Tanner had the car in red, so think thats where the red came from, was in pits after and remember a few rumblings about a couple of incidents back then. Alot of postering and finger pointing and some ones parentage was bought into conversation at some stage. Think it may have come from Capri back right corner and lodged in Firebird front left from Harmans Corner attempt.

Gee you forget these little bits until some one brings them up, thats what is so good about this place, history is being bought out from sleep.

PS. Brilliant photos Ross

[Milan Fistonic]

Who remembers this race?

Just shows that a top class driver can produce the results no matter what car you put him in. Second place and fastest lap despite "body contact" with Allan Woolf at the hairpin.

18405


Not sure if this is before or after the "body contact" but it could explain the fastest lap.

18404

[Michael Clark]

I was there!

[Steve Holmes]

Who remembers this race?

Just shows that a top class driver can produce the results no matter what car you put him in. Second place and fastest lap despite "body contact" with Allan Woolf at the hairpin.

18405


Not sure if this is before or after the "body contact" but it could explain the fastest lap.

18404

Wow, that is cool! Was this just a one-off?

[Steve Holmes]

First time out was Air NZ colours, then this white/blue- no red/orange in either..


18237

18236[/QUOTE]

Beautiful photos Ross! That one of it lifting the inside wheel through the chicane is typical pose for the RS2600s. Just really spectacular cars.

[Steve Holmes]

Here is a piece of Paul's Cologne Capri from a 1974 Bay Park meeting. The tyre mark is pure Pontiac, This piece of fibreglass was wedged in the Firebird bumper at the end of the race. Reportedly Paul wasn't happy but a young Tanner girl had a souvenir.
Sorry Paul.

http://i39.tinypic.com/33dwd2f.jpg

That is amazing Bruce! Does he still have it or is this an old photo? I can't figure out what the red is through. These cars were just painted white when racing in the ETCC, and as Ross pointed out earlier, it was white when Fahey first shipped it to NZ. I wonder if its got something to do with the fibreglass resin?

[John McKechnie]

Absolutely damaged from rubbing against the Firebird - same red colour in pics from 1975 Grand Prix, black is of course from tyres.
Anyone got a pic of this Baypark incident.?
Steve H - this is actual piece, which Robin gave to Bruce.

[Steve Holmes]

Ahhh, thanks John. Nice souvenir Bruce!

[Michael Clark]

Was there another 180B race? I am sure I saw Wayne Jones and Reg Cook as well..

[Milan Fistonic]

Was there another 180B race? I am sure I saw Wayne Jones and Reg Cook as well..


There were three races - 12 drivers and six cars

Race 1

car 1 - George Wilson - Grid 1 - 5th
car 2 - Leo Leonard - Grid 6 - 3rd
car 3 - Alan Woolf - Grid 5 - 6th
car 4 - Paul Fahey - Grid 3 - 2nd
car 5 - Rod Coppins - Grid 2 4th
car 6 - Dennis Marwood - Grid 4 - 1st


Race 2

car 1 - Wayne Jones - Grid 3 - 3rd
car 2 - Jim Richards - Grid 6 - 2nd
car 3 - Red Dawson - Grid 1 - 6th
car 4 - Rex Hart - Grid 5 - 5th
car 5 - Grant Walker - Grid 2 - 1st
car 6 - Reg Cook - Grid 4 - 4th


Race 3

car 1 - Wayne Jones - Grid 5 - 3rd
car 2 - Jim Richards - Grid 4 - 2nd
car 3 - Dennis Marwood - Grid 2 - 6th
car 4 - Grant Walker - Grid 1 - 1st
car 5 - Paul Fahey - Grid 3 - 4th
car 6 - Leo Leonard - Grid 6 - 5th

[John McKechnie]

Really, really, really hard to imagine Red Dawson in a little datsun

[Steve Holmes]

There were three races - 12 drivers and six cars

Race 1

car 1 - George Wilson - Grid 1 - 5th
car 2 - Leo Leonard - Grid 6 - 3rd
car 3 - Alan Woolf - Grid 5 - 6th
car 4 - Paul Fahey - Grid 3 - 2nd
car 5 - Rod Coppins - Grid 2 4th
car 6 - Dennis Marwood - Grid 4 - 1st


Race 2

car 1 - Wayne Jones - Grid 3 - 3rd
car 2 - Jim Richards - Grid 6 - 2nd
car 3 - Red Dawson - Grid 1 - 6th
car 4 - Rex Hart - Grid 5 - 5th
car 5 - Grant Walker - Grid 2 - 1st
car 6 - Reg Cook - Grid 4 - 4th


Race 3

car 1 - Wayne Jones - Grid 5 - 3rd
car 2 - Jim Richards - Grid 4 - 2nd
car 3 - Dennis Marwood - Grid 2 - 6th
car 4 - Grant Walker - Grid 1 - 1st
car 5 - Paul Fahey - Grid 3 - 4th
car 6 - Leo Leonard - Grid 6 - 5th

Milan, were the three races all held on the same race weekend, or spread over three different events? Thats a really quality line-up of drivers.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Wow, that is cool! Was this just a one-off?

I can see a new class coming shall we say 40 cars like we see here,driving like this,i would pay to see this the place would go off.A bit of speedway driving ,maybe some late braking like paul did sometimes.

[Milan Fistonic]

The three races were all held on Sunday March 9.

There were problems with the cars not being of equal performance. You'll notice that car 3 finished last in every race.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Milan.

[jellywrestler]

I spoke to Paul today he has a handful of his book still for sale, if anyone's interested I can give you details