WAY BACK IN THE DAYS OF HORSES AND CARRIAGES

Way back in the days of horse drawn carriages the French aristocracy paraded them in the parks of Paris during Summer weekends and holidays.  In the 17th Century this pastime became known as the Concours d’ Elegance (a gathering of elegance).

In due course, carriages became museum pieces and the advent of the motor car brought a competitive edge to the Concours.  Rival manufacturers vie with each other for prizes and the attention of potential buyers.  Today there are Concours d’ Elegance events around the world which attract owners of classic and vintage cars and motorcycles.

In Kenya, the Concours d’ Elegance tradition has been maintained by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.  This country’s Concours is over 20 years younger than the event at the Pebble Beach in California.  This is rated as “The most prestigious and varied event of its type in the world.  The cars are magnificent examples of the best from around the world”.

“Pebble” as insiders call the event is all about the style and history and most of “those who know” from the automobile industry make a point of being there.  An auction of fine and rare cars is an important feature of the Pebble Beach Concours.  At a recent event a 1933 Alfa Romeo Tipo 8C 2300 Spider was sold for 1.6 million dollars.

Although the Concours at the Nairobi Racecourse is not in the same league as Pebble Beach, the organisers are striving to achieve international status.

In the past, Kenya registered cars and motorcycles have been joined by entries from England, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.  Among the noteworthy machines last year were six cars made before 1940 including a 1925 Bentley and a 1933 Rolls Royce.

The overall car winner for 2000 was an immaculate 1948 Austin Champ military vehicle entered by Grant Stephenson.  The oldest motorcycle was a Triumph made in 1939 and the top two wheeler award was won by a 1955 BSA entered by Edward Pengilly of the British Airways Classic Vehicle Association.  He made Concours history by becoming the first overseas winner.

Competitors delight in driving their superbly prepared cars down the judging line in front of the crowded Racecourse grand stands.  The assessment process starts with a ramp and an inspection of the under side.  This is followed by separate checks on external finish, interiors and engines.

Classes for motorcycles were introduced during the eighties, a step which widened the appeal of the Concours.  The bikes are marked at the Racecourse parade ring and judging follows a similar pattern to the system used for cars.

The Yes! Concours d’ Elegance on September 30th will be the 31st in the series organised by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club and every effort is being made to put together the best ever Concours.

A classic Car and Motorcycle Sale will be held at the Racecourse in conjunction with the Concours on September 30th.  This is limited to 40 entries and is open to any vehicle made in 1976, or earlier, regardless of the machine’s condition.  The Classic Sale offers an ideal opportunity for owners of unwanted old cars and motorcycles to sell them to enthusiasts.

Vehicles on offer in past years have ranged from a Concours condition MG to cars which were towed to the Classic Sale area at the Racecourse.  Among the crowd pulling entries in 2000 were a 1973 Jaguar and three Mercedes made in the sixties.

Already there is a rush for places in the Concours and the Classic Sale.  To ensure high standards of judging, the Yes! Concours entry list is limited to 70 cars and 40 motorcycles.  Entries are accepted on a first come first served basis.  Auto Expo, the motor trade section, is almost fully booked.  This is open to vehicle franchise holders and agents for motoring accessories.

Information on the Concours, the Classic Sale and Auto Expo is available from the Bob Dewar Publicity offices in Norfolk Towers, Kijabe Street.  The telephone numbers are 316160, 229793 and the postal address is Box 41305 00100, Nairobi GPO.

Website Designed and Maintained by Nouvelles Images
© Copyright 1999 to 2008