The 47th edition of the CBA Africa Concours D’Elegance rated as East Africa’s classiest event on the calendar went down last weekend at the Ngong Race Course in Nairobi. The event attracted well over 10,000 car enthusiasts together with their families and friends to cheer 77 car participants and 41 motorcycles in various categories.
The annual classic and vintage cars event was generously sponsored by Commercial Bank of Africa (i.e. CBA) and well organised by Kenya’s Alfa Romeo Owners Club. This year round, the theme was “Beauties and the Beasts”. The beasts were represented by the 77 cars and 41 motorcycles while the beauties were represented by the classic fashionistas at the event. All were well prepared and ready to be judged for their preparation, cleanliness and, especially, their elegance.
concours d’élégance is a French term that means a “competition of elegance” and refers to an event where prestigious vehicles are displayed and judged. It dates back to 17th-century France, where aristocrats paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer weekends and holidays. Over time, carriages became horseless and the gatherings became a competition among vehicle owners to be judged on the appearance of their vehicles.
The competition was very stiff this year round featuring participants from other countries that included Uganda with 13 cars and 14 motor cycles, 11 of which were from the Uganda Bikers Association, who once again rode in convoy from Kampala to Kenya. Tanzania with 3 cars and finally, South Africa with 3 motor cycles. Over the years there have been entrants from as far away as Argentina, Australia, Mexico, England and Germany.
One of the high ranking foreigners to attend the event was Clive Mawson, the International Motorcycling Federation Africa vice president. He is also the FIM-Africa Vice President in-charge of Leisure, Touring and Road Safety. Mr. Mawson was clearly very impressed describing the event in one word, Outstanding.
Apart from the main competition, there were 28 Auto Expo stands (the motor trades stands), a Classic Car and Motorcycle Sale, and the Heritage Collection of old and interesting vehicles, equipment and machinery. As in previous years, there were live bands, a fly past, a parachute drop, a free and imaginative children’s centre, and plenty of places for eating, drinking and entertainment.
CBA Africa Concours D’Elegance Winners
Overal Car Category Winner - Dilcon Wilcock
This year’s CBA Concours D’elegance Sports Car Category winner position went to Dilcon Wilcock with his 1934 Railton in the cars category.
Julia Wilcock - 1st Runners Up
The first runners up positions went to Julia Wilcock with her 1952 Classic car.
Veronica Wroe - 2nd Runners Up
The second runners up position was taken by Veronica Wroe who had entered her 1934 Rolls Royce Boatail.
Motorcycle Category Winner - Dilcon Wilcock
Sati Classics - 1925 DKW
In the Motorcycle category, the Sati Classics with their 1925 DKW took the main prize.
Main Attractions At The Show
There was a huge collection of cars right from the classic vintage automobile to the latest car model displayed under various categories as show cased below.
Kakooza Wazzir (Uganda) - Mitsuoka Le-Seyde
Ugandan classic car enthusiast Kakooza Wazzir did not disappoint with his rare 1991 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde two-door coupe. The car is one of the most unusual entries in the Concours. The Mitsuoka Le-Seyde is a limited production car with only 500 being manufactured. Apparently, all 500 units were sold within four days of going on sale making it a very rare and stylish car.
Ian Duncan - 1972 Ford Capri Racing Sports Coupe
Among the notable personalities showcasing vehicles at the event included legendary rally driver Ian Duncan who got the crowds cheering wildly as they marveled at his 1972 Ford Capri racing sports coupe.
Ian Duncan won his class and received a meritorious award while second place went to the 1975 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer of Alpine Auto Parts. The Gilgil classic car enthusiast Fergus Robley was placed third in his gleaming red Alfa Romeo GTA.
Vinie O. and his Grand Pa
Congratulations to @VinieO. together with his grand pa who rocked the event with The Last King of Scotland costume and entered a magnificent 26 year old Mercedes Benz 300SE beauty. The car had been imported by his grandfather back in 1982 as a gift to his grandmother.
Larry Asego - 1974 Volkswagen (Scooby Doo)
Former radio presenter Larry Asego, hit the ramps with his 1974 Volkswagen Camper wagon featuring the classic Samuel L. Jackson’s costume from the movie, Pulp Fiction. He later emerged runners’ up in his category.
Joginder Singh - 1974 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer
Joginder Singh also fondly known as the “Flying Sikh” back during the days of the East African Safari Rally didnt miss out in the competition. He had his 1784 beast on display, a Mitsubishi Colt Lancer 1600GSR. This car is a hidden feature in the PlayStation game, Grand Turismo.
Joginder Singh happens to be the first Sikh driver ever to win an international rally, and also the first man to win the East African Safari Rally three times.
Nairobi City County -
The Nairobi County Government was not to be left behind at the event.
Mwangi Spiked - Cadillac Escalade & Range Rover
The flamboyant celebrity business guru Mwangi Spike who also happens to be a huge car enthusiast caused a stir with a couple of his beauties at the event. He had on display a custom kitted Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade.
There was an incredible fashion event after the awards were given to the winners and thereafter, guys went berserk when acclaimed artist Nyashinski took to the stage to perform some of his biggest hits to date. It was a superb performance.
Additional Photos
In summary, it appears that this classic automotive event keeps out doing itself each successive year as this happened to be the best ever with lots of memorable fun filled activities for the whole family. Next year will definitely be one to look forward to in the motors calendar.
