Celeb rides: Altaf’s Chevy

By Matilda Nzioki

Fuelled by his passion to source for unique rides and give them a facelift then sell them, Altaf Abdalla bought his 1959 Chevy Biscayne as an old ramshackle. But today, this whip glides on the roads as passers-by turn their heads. It is sheer beauty. The Chevy has taken Altaf close to a year to pimp it up. He imported most parts including mouldings and number plates that are made of solid brass.

On the exterior, the car has a splendid paint job. It is painted zirallic red on the sides, front bumper and the rear while the roof is pearl red.

The interior is colour coded with white faux rabbit fur seats, dashboard, steering wheel and the roof.

The floor mats are well laid on the maroon carpet. It has custom-made front grille, shiny 17" mangel rims and low profile 255/45 ZR 17 falken tyres.

The car entertainment is even better as it boasts of four Pioneer woofers, four Pioneer midrange speakers, four Pioneer high speakers, four Pioneer tweeters, three Kenwood amplifiers, one 14’’ screen, a pioneer equalizer and Sony DVD player. Altaf has gone further to modify its diesel engine and gearbox. He says it is up for sale at Sh1.5million.

Pulse: How many rides do you own in total?

Altaf: Several but some are antiques which I only drive when going out. The rest are for driving to work. The ‘souped up’ ones are Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Chevrolet Biscayne, Mini Rover, Benz 124 and Honda Goldwing. The non-customised ones include Morris Minor, Jeep Cherokee, Jaguar XJ6, and Kawasaki Ninja.

P: Which one is your best and why?

A: Of course the Chevy because it’s a masterpiece and specially built for my son, Aryan.

P: If you had to get another car, what model would you choose?

A: I have a fetish for classic models. I would go for a 1965 Cadillac Coupe de Ville or 1964 Chevy Impala.

P: Would you ever paint your car pink?

A: Hell no! Maybe when I get a daughter, I would ‘soup up’ a pink ride for her.

P: How often do you drive this car and other antique cars that you own?

A: I have to drive the Chevy once a week. As for the others, only when I’m in the mood!

P: If your are not ‘souping up’ cars what would have been your alternative hobby?

A: I can’t imagine not doing it, but if I could think of an alternative, then souping up a plane would be a brilliant option. Hey, I might just try that! Oh yes, and one more thing Pulse is also a ‘souped up’ magazine.