It is yet another year for the revelers of classic and vintage motor vehicles. The CBA Concours D’elegance is back marking the 47th edition of this annual series organized by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club and mainly sponsored by Commercial Bank of Africa. The event, dubbed the classiest event on the Kenya Motor Sports Federation calendar will be held in the Ngong Race Course on September 24th 2017.
The theme of this year’s series will be ‘Beauty and the Beasts’ which will be incorporated through a traditional fairy tale style created to depict the classic old tale. The theme will be a bold representation of the aspects that most stand out during the event. The social aspect depicted by the social interaction and variety of fashion ensembles –beauty, and the beautiful selection of classic and vintage cars- beasts. Speaking during a press briefing, CBA’s Group head of Marketing, Chris Pasha said that he loved the theme as it embodied both the Concours and CBA brands.
This year the event has attracted a full field of 70 cars and 40 motorcycles. The cars will be divided into 12 classes with the motorcycles battling in 8 classes. Judging of the cars will solely be based on the cleanliness and overall condition of the car. Drivers are often spotted wearing rather creative outfits that complement their vehicles perfectly. Although encouraged since it adds a pomp of vibrancy and style, no points are awarded for it.
This year the organizers main objective is to shift focus to the motor aspect as opposed to the social aspect. The regulations released by the Afro Romeo Club will require drivers to ride or drive their motor vehicles to the total grand ramp where judging will commence. Vehicles that refuse to start and cannot be driven around will lose a total of 10 points. Two officials will then go ahead to assess the general condition of the vehicles. This will be to determine their functionality. Moving on, the vehicles will drive past the ramp where more officials will give a detailed assessment on the cars exterior, interior and boot compartments. After completion of judging there will be a spectacular grand parade of all participating vehicles for all spectators to marvel at.
Last year the event attracted participants from places as far as South Africa. This year they have garnered even more traction with entries spanning as far as Australia. Vehicles in the competition lineup will include the 1991 Nissan 240RS from Uganda, The Ferrari Africa and The GVA Falcon sports car from Tanzania. The series will see the Introduction of never seen before bikes like the 1974 Laverda and the 1966 Triumph TR6C. Among the cars to watch out for are the; 1962 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and the Maina Muthuma’s Morris Minor. The new huge Rolls Royce including Rolls Royce Boat Tail are guaranteed to be crowd pleasers. The event will also have famed sports driver Ian Duncan compete for a prize in the Rally Car Class.
Women have not been left behind in this stunning display of classical and vintage bliss. Lesley Carrell who won the overall grand title in Uganda in 2015 will be making her way to the competition with her Fox Wagon. Julia Wilcock’s 1952 MG TD will also be competing in the sports car class.
The organizers have also added the heritage collection which will compromise of displays of historic vehicles, old machinery and equipment. Those interested in breaking bank will also have the chance to visit the Auto Expo. This is a section that displays newer car models on sale next to their older vintage versions.
The CBA Concours D’elegance is largely a family event with an expected crowd of up to 11000 people- 10,000 adults and 1000 children. Over the years the organizers have provided sections that have helped pique the interest of the younger generation. The Motor Sports Arcade next to the Brookside Zone will contain activities that target integration of this culture in the minds of our children. They are after all the drivers of tomorrow. There will also be Motor Sports Clubs that can provide all the need to know information about classical and vintage motor competitions. This continued engagement with our children has borne fruit with the youngest competitor in the motorcycle and car competitions being 19 and 22 years of age respectively. The section will also provide video and virtual reality games which will be sure to keep the little ones happily occupied. There will also be a wider selection of foods as opposed to last year which can only be regarded as incentive for all foodies out there.
At 2.30 pm, there will a spectacular free fall parachute drop. The podium prize giving will be at the main grandstand. After the titles are awarded, the guests will be treated to a fashion show in keeping up with the Concours D’elegance spirit. The day will culminate in a lively performance by the famous Kenyan musician- Nyashinski. This year’s series will be one for the ages. So grab your tickets as early as now, dress to impress and come ready to have a classical elegant retreat.
We have 2 tickets to give away. Tell me why you want to attend in the comments below and you could win the pair of tickets. I will announce the winner on Wednesday morning next week. Winner must collect tickets by September 22.
