It’s that time again, time for the CBA Concours d’elegance. A time to check out some beautiful old cars with soul, cars that could tell a story. I am pretty excited about it, and can’t wait. Last year I had so much fun. I went and saw some great cars. Who am I kidding those cars were beautiful on another level? There is so much work that goes into making those cars beautiful. It’s not easy making an old car look like it just got off the showroom. There is a lot of love and hours making something old beautiful, if you think it’s easy try thinking of how much makeup and exercise it would take to make a 50-80 year olds look as beautiful as they were at 20. It’s a hard job I tell you but making those cars sparkle is a labour of love.
I also told you how I fell in love in my love affair ignited. I was supposed to learn how to ride a motorbike but one year later I haven’t but it is still on my bucket list though. Hopefully I will get that ride I was promised last year. I am looking forward to seeing the bikes. Those bikes are gorgeous, and last year they were a crowd puller. Everybody wanted to take a selfie with the bikes or bikers, umm some of those bikers look good, what can I say.
There are some great cars on show this year and even DJ Adrian has been bitten by the restoration bug. He is preparing his 1961 VW Karmann Ghia for the concours. Previously he has been competing with a VW Bettle (my favourite type of car).
For those who have never been to a Concours event the assessment of cars at the Concours starts with an inspection of underside on the Total Quartz ramp. Afterwards cars are driven along the judging line for separate checks on the external finish, interiors and engines. Motorcycles are assessed in a similar way at the Racecourse parade ring.
There are some pretty old cars this time including 1926 Ford Model T, 1928 Ford Tudor, a 1958 VW Beetle, a 1951 Jaguar Mark V, a 1934 Railton and a 1947 MG TC. There are also some old motorcycles including a 1925 DKW of Sati’s Classic, some vintage motorcycles from South Africa including a 1925 Triumph, the rare 1927 Raleigh and a 1946 Harley Davidson.
The Concours is also a family event and you can take your children to the children’s entertainment corner where they can play, colour and get something to eat. The Starehe Boys Centre matching band will be entertaining the crowd; there will also be a parade of all the Concours cars and motorbikes.
This year something interesting that is happening is that competitors have been invited to wear costumes at the Concours. It will be interesting to see what kind of fancy dress they will be wearing. There will be car and motorcycle Victor Ludorum awards which are earned by the Concours competitors with the best combined vehicle and costume scores.
One of the things I am looking forward to is seeing this locally built replica of an early 1930s Alfa Romeo 1750 sports racing car. Ms. Silvia Cassini will be showing this unique car which was built by her late grandfather Vittorio who was leading coach builder and restorer of rare vintage cars.
The tickets are Ksh. 800 in advance for adults and Ksh. 400 for children. Tickets at the venue will be Ksh. 900 and Ksh. 500 for children. Tickets are available at all CBA Branches in Nairobi & Thika, as well as at the Sarova Panafric, The Stanley, Capital FM and online at Ticketsasa.com
