From that heavy purr to that roar classic to the collector vehicles, Kenya’s CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance will be bringing all that class and vintage at one gathering for a spectacular show of greatness.
Described as the classiest event on the Kenya Motor Sports Federation, the event gives car enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their well-kept and built motor vehicles, the vehicles are then assessed and rated by experienced judges and the owners of the best cars feted. To determine the best automobiles judges look at; cleanliness and condition plus bonus points for age.
A number of vehicles have been lined up for the September 25th event, from the 1949 Bentley MK VI, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, and 1972 Mercedes Benz 450SL, to the swankiest motorcycles such as the 2001 Honda Shadow and Yamaha Vista 2002. About 70 cars and 40 motorcycles will be showcased.
Car enthusiast Magdi Riad is among the contestants in the Nairobi event and will be showcasing five cars. The oldest of Magdi’s cars is a 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe which will be in the up to 3,000 CC touring class together with his 1967 Chevrolet Impala and a Ford Mustang made in 1978.
“I am preparing these machines for my daughter, Mikaella, because of my deep enthusiasm for cars which appeal to me. This fits the theme of the Concours which is “the Spirit of the Machine”. Magda says
Other notable contestants include: Sati Gati-Aura, Paul Chemngorem’s 1962 VW Karmann Ghia, entertainer DJ Adrian’s 1961 VW Karmann Ghia, Ugandan Edgar Katamujuna 1977 VW Kombi, and Kenyan radio personality Larry Asego’s 1974 Volkswagen Camper.
Sati Gata-Aura a popular CBA Africa Concours entrant will compete with his 1947 MG TC for the first time, which is expected to be a star attraction to the crowds. Other sports cars include the 1954 MG TF of Chandan Gidomal and the 1967 MGB entered by Alec Davies also appearing in the Concours for the first time.
The most recent motorcycle entry has come from Deep Patel, competing with a Triumph Daytona which will compete against 19 massive machines from the Uganda Bikers Association team.
Classic bikes to be showcased include; The 1935 Cotton of Piet Maas , the 1957 NSU Supermax of Roland Nancekivell and Stephen Helm’s 1979 Moto Guzzi who will represent the Vintage Motorcycle Club of South Africa under the sponsorship of the Galleria Mall. Uganda enthusiast Stephen Tabaruka will present his 1957 BSA to compete with Ted Wanday’s 1956 BSA and the Ducati of Gilgil based Russel Hughes.
The Nairobi event which also doubles up as a family gathering is slowly becoming popular among the youth. Attractions such as children’s center, live band music, and a free fall parachute drop for the family fun side as the car lovers ogle at the beauty vintage has to offer. The Concours also offers an opportunity for people to sell their classic cars.
Since its inception, the event which began as an Alfa Romeo car-show-only event has attracted entries from as far as Argentina, Australia, England, Germany, Malawi, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Among the past winners have been: 1928 Chevrolet, a 1928 Ford, a 1926 Fiat, a 1934 Alvis Firefly, a 1934 Railton, a 1951 Daimler DB 18 Barker and a 1952 MGTD and 1941 Indian Scout, a 1937 Moto Guzzi, a 1930 Ivory Calthorpe, a 1925 DKW, a 1922 Douglas 4HP and a 1915 Indian Model B in the motorcycle category.
The Concours will be held to mark Alfa Romeo Owners Club’s 46th anniversary