He has been enjoying the pleasures of Anatolia for 47 years.

Retired civil servant 78-year-old Hasan Fehmi Ayan has been taking care of his Anadol brand car, which he purchased in 1977 and still preserves its original parts, for 47 years.

Ayan, who started working at the State Institute of Statistics in 1968 and worked there until 1998, served as a branch manager for 16 years during this period.

Ayan explained that he has always dreamed of owning a car since his childhood and stated that he decided to realize this dream in 1976.

After having the economic means to buy a car, Ayan turned to the Anadol brand, explaining his choice by saying, "I am a man who loves my flag. I also love Vehbi Koç very much. I chose Anadol because the car made by Vehbi Koç is a domestic car. There is even a Hittite stag in its logo."

HAS NOT SOLD IT SINCE 1977

Ayan, who stated that he had to postpone his dream because he went to the military in 1976, said he applied to buy his car in 1977, continuing: "At that time, yellow-black cars had just arrived for the first time. The car came off the production line on March 3, 1977, and I bought it on April 27, 1977. There were three colors of cars when I went; white, blue, and the newly released lemon yellow-black car. I liked it and bought it. Since then, I have fallen in love with the yellow color."

Ayan noted that he generally used his car for short distances and rarely over the 47 years.

ONLY SEEN LONG DISTANCE ONCE

Ayan stated that the State Institute of Statistics where he worked is 3.5-4 kilometers away from his home, saying, "If I go to the office by car two days a week, I don't go three days. Sometimes, even in rainy weather, I wouldn't take the car out; it would stay here all week."

Ayan explained that he only went to Balıkesir once for a long trip with his car, and that his vehicle broke down during that journey, and since then, he has only used it for a maximum of 9 kilometers within the city, stating that due to the time that has passed, his car has very few kilometers, at 21,500 kilometers, and is still operational.

"I GAVE IT TO MY GRANDSON IN MY WILL"

Ayan stated that only once did his wife use the car, saying, "Even though my wife is a traffic police officer, she didn't use it much. She used it once and scratched it. After that, she didn't touch it."

Ayan mentioned that there is no part in his car that is not original except for a piece from the electrical system and a stolen hubcap, and he noted that he wants to donate the vehicle to his grandson after he passes away.

Ayan said, "The car is registered in my wife's name, but I gave it to my grandson in my will. I was born on April 1, and my grandson was born on April 2. He will continue after me."

"IT CANNOT BE MEASURED WITH MONEY, I LOVE MY CAR"

Ayan stated that since 2009, he has only taken his car out for inspections and has not taken it out of the garage otherwise.

Ayan conveyed that he wanted to sell his car in 2020 but did not want to part with it, saying, "A dealer wanted to buy my car for 300,000 lira to display it. I said, 'It cannot be measured with money, I love my car.'

"LET HIM SEE THE CAR HIS GRANDFATHER PRODUCED"

Ayan also addressed Ali Koç, Vice Chairman of the Board of Koç Holding and President of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, saying:

"Let Ali Koç watch me. Let him see the car his grandfather produced. He can come and take a look whenever he wants. However, the ownership of the car will belong to me. He can use my car for display. Other than that, I won't give my car to anyone."

HE DOESN'T DUST IT SO THEY WON'T LEAN ON IT

Ayan explained that he goes down to his garage every morning to take care of his car, saying: "I start my car every other day. I go and buy gasoline in a can. I don't clean my car. If someone parks next to it, they won't lean on my car because it is dusty. If it is clean, they might even sit on it. The garage door is also a steel door. I should hear the sound of the door when it opens and closes. I also put sand on the hinges of the entrance door inside so that it makes a sound when it opens and closes."

Regarding Turkey's domestic electric car Togg, Ayan expressed that the production of such a vehicle after many years is "a wonderful thing." Ayan added that he still keeps the original logos he received with his car in 1977.