Koehler’s Jaguar wins Concours d’Elegance

By Feverpitch Reporter

Matthias Koehler achieved his first overall car victory in the CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance with his gleaming burgundy red highly prepared 1972 Jaguar E type. This iconic classic sports coupe first appeared in the classiest competitive motor sport event last year and brought Koehler to the prize podium with third place.

The overall motorcycle winner was Sati Jabal with a 1925 DKW which tied with Rick Agagliate’s 1937 competition Moto Guzzi bike. Following the Concours rules the advantage was given to the older machine and Sati took home first prize.

While the Alfa Romeo Owners Club prepared for the Concours Matthias Koehler has been painstakingly improving the external finish, interior and the massive V12 engine of his Jaguar. His meticulous preparation paid off with a commanding victory.

Koehler finished four points ahead of the Phoenix Aviation 1928 Ford which has taken first place twice. The 2011 winner Diccon Wilcock had to be content with third place in his 1934 Rialton, but he had the satisfaction of winning the class for pre-1940 cars with his ancient British sports car.

Gavin Walton and Bevan Beckmann, who were representing the Vintage Motorcycle Club of South Africa for the first time, had a successful outing. The 1936 AJS street bike of Gavin Walton attracted an admiring crowd of spectators and was placed third overall. This impressive result also earned him first place in the up to 650cc class for street motor cycles.

Bevan Beckmann gave CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance spectators the first opportunity to view a Ducati at the Nairobi Racecourse and he earned the prize for second place in the up to 900cc class. Beckmann was also selected for a meritorious award and was delighted with his results.

The eight MG sports cars from Australia accompanied by one from England and one from South Africa were constantly thronged by fans. The MG drivers spoke warmly about the enthusiasm of the crowd, the Nairobi Racecourse venue and the organisation of the event.

Dave Godwin, the leader of the group, registered second place in the class for sports cars made before 1970 and Peter Carthy who also hails from Australia was third in the post 1970 sports car category. British MG enthusiast Nigel Fowler brought his 1979 MGB GT home in third place in the up to 1800cc touring car class.