Walk through history as enthusiasts display cars

By PHARES MUTEMBEI

Mr Chandrakant Shah, owner of Vitaform Products, owns a car that he says could as well be a member of the family. He says the 1972 Austin Mini is one of his most valued possessions, which he wouldn’t sell for any amount.

"It is family. It was my first car. I bought it for Sh18,000, my first money. I have bought 80 more cars after it, but my love for it is unequalled," he says.

His little peacock blue machine, perhaps smaller than Mr Bean’s (Rowan Atkinson) contraption, was one of the vintage cars at the AccessKenya Concours D’Elegance competition at Ngong Racecourse that attracted motor enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

Chandrakant Shah got 263 points in the 9th position. [PICTURE: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Mr Chandrakant and his machine were feted for their uninterrupted quarter decade appearance at the event. The theme for this year’s event was "A walk through history."

"It has had minor accidents over the years but I always restore it because it is an important part of me. I keep it gleaming and in good shape. The whole family learned how to drive it, it is a keepsake," said Shah.

Vehicle engines

"I was in a showroom recently in the UK and wasn’t impressed when I checked car engines. I have kept the car in the best condition. As you can see it is looking better than showroom cars!"

The motor show was a display of class and elegancy, as car enthusiasts savoured the sights of the vintage cars. The cars and motorcycles came in all shapes and colours, all makes and sizes, with owners keen to bag prizes in the AccessKenya Concours D’Elegance, one of the classiest shows in the motor sport calender. Some of the cars on show were manufactured in the pre world war years.

The vintage machines are a rarity on our roads and only a select few own them. The annual event features cars that were bought tens of years back and were classic pieces of art and design. Then, as is now, these cars were owned by a minority who are content to preserve and keep them in the family. The owners go to great lengths to maintain the cars, as even the most minor of defects do not escape the attention of judges.

Judges check for cleanliness of the engine and for any water and oil leaks as well as tyres, windscreen and other parts. The age of the competing vehicles is determined using logbooks and other forms of proof.

As many car enthusiasts would confess, the vintage cars looked much more appealing compared to the modern juggernauts. They aren’t the fastest but they are tasteful and full of grace. Some are sporty in looks and are marvelous pieces of innovation.

Better shape

The owners of the ancient motors did not flinch when recounting the years they have stayed in the family.

"This car is in a much better shape than when it left the factory," one exhibitor was overheard saying.

The Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider, a 1972 car owned by 89-year-old Angelo Esposito, was a beauty to behold. "Its in every sense a vintage. I bought it in 1972 for about Sh20,000. I have got attached to it so much and it will always remain in the family."

The 1966 TR4A IRS, owned by John and Diana Sawers, was in a class of its own. With its suspensions enabling one wheel to rise and the other to level, it makes the ride less bumpy in uneven roads.

"It gets more valuable as it grows older and it can now fetch us over Sh3 million. But we have had it for so long, it has become part of us. We would never sell it for anything, there is a piece of us in this car," said the couple.

The overall car winner was Diccon Wilcock with a 1934 Railton. The overall bike winner was Rick Agagliate with a 1937 Moto Guzzi, which also scooped most elegant bike award. The 1972 Jaguar of Mathias Koehler was adjudged the most elegant car.

Also giving the bikes a run for their money was the 1925 DKW of Sati Classics, which scooped second position overall. Paul and Jane Chemng’oren own some of the most classic cars in town, with their stable containing a Karmann Ghia, a 1975 Toyota Celica, an ancient Morris Minor, Volkswagen Beetle, and Land Rover among others. "We love cars and we collect old parts and put them together and build new cars with it!" said Jane, whose three entries won prizes.

Walter Teetz and Steffen Goetz and friends drove all the way from Namibia in their convoy of vintage Mercedes 108 280S. They belong to the Old Wheeler Club in Namibia.