Editor's Review

To give you a hint, you can only find them at the annual Concours d'Elegance, or your neighbour in the posh estate you reside in owns one.



Let's just agree that almost everyone is fascinated by cars, better yet, classy cars.

However, there are some that you would normally not see on the roads as often your neighbour's Toyota Premio, your friend's Subaru Legacy, or your Mercedes Benz C200. These cars remained covered in parking lots or at the back of the house and are treasured rather than driven. They are either classic, vintage or veteran. 

To give you a hint, you can only find them at the annual Concours d'Elegance, or your neighbour in the posh estate you reside in owns one.

Concours is the classiest event on the Kenya motorsport calendar and has accrued continental status for cars and motorcycles, having been recognized and sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Africa since 2006.

In 2020 and 2021, the event was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vintage cars were made between 1919 to 1930,  classic cars after 1930 and veteran cars were manufactured pre-1919.

In this segment, Nairobileo.co.ke takes a look at some of the multi-million vintage cars owned by Kenyans.

1934 Rolls Royce Boat Tail 

This beast is a modernised version of the Rolls Royce Phantom 1 and is available in two chassis lengths, 144ins and 150ins. It boasts a four-speed transmission, right-hand gear change and servomechanical brakes.

The engine has seven main bearings and dual ignition.

Its bodies are supplied through various coachbuilders. It has a magnificent boat tail that narrows to the rear of the car.


1951 Rolls Royce

During its era, it was considered the finest limousine in the world. According to reports, it was the last of the all-hand-built, all-aluminium, and custom-bodied Roll Royces.

This beast boasts a 6 Cylinder Transmission and its current market value is about Ksh 10 million.

1928 Ford Model A Pickup

This vehicle became the second market success for the Ford Motor Company after it was rolled out.

The all-steel car replaced the venerable Model T, which at the time, had been produced for nearly 18 years.

It has a 3-speed manual transmission and is powered by the 201 L-head Inline 4-cylinder.

 

1952 MG TD

The vehicle has a 2dr Roadster body style and can be configured for both right and left-hand drives.

It has a rack-and-pinion steering, smaller, 15-inch steel disc wheels and larger bumpers.

According to reports, the vehicle costs in excess of $14,600 (Ksh 1.5 million) upwards. 

1969 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider

This vehicle has a 5-speed manual transmission, dual Weber carburettors, soft top with boot, 4-wheel disc brakes, and solid wheels.

It is estimated to cost in excess of Ksh5 million.

1971 MGB Roadster

It is powered by a BMC B-Series engine, producing 95hp.

It is also one of the first cars to ever feature controlled crumple zones designed to protect the driver and passenger in a 30 mph impact.