The Faux Pas was built in 1959 by Jack French using chassis, suspension, wheels and brake components from Len Lukey, who was producing these items for sale, the patterns for which originated from a Cooper Climax T43.
To this chassis, French fitted a Holden ‘Grey’ engine with a Repco Highpower head mated to an MG TC gearbox.
Later on a Cooper ERSA gearbox was fitted. In 1959 and1960 Jack competed very successfully in circuit races, hillclimbs and sprints, exclusively in Victoria. In April 1961 the car passed to Barry Stilo of Benalla.
Barry specialised in the Victorian country circuits that were very popular at the time (most are sadly long gone now). He set the original Lap Record at Winton Raceway in November 1961.
In 1965 Barry sold ‘Faux Pas’, and it continued to race throughout Victoria where it was suited. However by the mid 1960’s it was being outclassed by the smaller and more nimble race cars and little more was heard as it passed through several owners.
In July 1978 Peter Caffin bought the car and began a full restoration. In 1988 Stuart Powell acquired Faux Pas and the car appeared again, this time in historic racing where it was a regular front runner.
In May 2008 the current owner purchased the car and undertook a comprehensive restoration. It made its first appearance at the Tasman Revival Meeting Eastern Creek Raceway in 2008. Since then Faux Pas has competed at most historic events in NSW, VIC and QLD.
During 2018/2019 race season Faux Pas won every trophy event in all three states and broke two long standing lap records at Sandown and Phillip Island raceways.
