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| Friday, 22 October 2004 |
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by Kapila Somaratne, Panadura group correspondent A 22-year-old school leaver Rajeev Fernando has proved his innovative genius for the second time in four years when he turned out a fully equipped car using mostly scrap parts from his father's garage at their home in Nalluruwa. This motor car was the centre of attraction at the recently held exhibition at the Leeds International School in Panadura. Rajeev invented his first motor car in 2000 while still an Advanced Level student of Sri Sumangala Panadura. From his childhood, Rajeev practically grew with motor cars, of which there was quite a collection in his home backyard which housed his father Vijith Fernando's motorcar repair shop. After school, he was often seen assisting workmen in the garage sometimes covered in grease. Rajiv learnt everything about cars and spent most of his time stripping and then refitting the various components into cars brought for repairs. His first motorcar was named "Rajeev 2000". Its windows were made of plastic and the petrol tank fitted in the roof. The car was powered by a 1300cc turbo engine and equipped with disc brakes. Rajiv told the Daily News he collected the scrap body parts from the backyard. "I also purchased a condemned chassis of a Korean Motor car from a repair shop," he said. He then made a sketch and noted specifications. "I used alloy wheels enabling the vehicle to be controlled at the bends. I also had to shop in Panchikawatte for specific spare parts. The auto gear box with a six cylinder engine together with a computer was then installed completing the car." Rajiv said the whole project of modification cost him Rs. 400,000. The car can carry five passengers and has a maximum speed 160 kilometres. Rajeev is incidentally the grandson of former Observer Editor Lionel Fernando. His father Vijith is a former Panadura Urban Councillor. |
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