AFRICA’S 40TH CONCOURS DE’ELEGANCE HELD IN KENYA.

Africa’s version of pebble beach de’elegance was held in Kenya, where hundreds of classic vehicles and motorbikes were paraded in front of eager enthusiasts at the just concluded 40th edition of the AccesKenya Africa Concours de elegance. Organised by the prestigious Alfa Romeo club of Kenya, the Concours is a platform where vintage classics are displayed to fans and enthusiast alike. This event traces its roots back to the 17th Century French aristocracy, who 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 automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles Every year hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles take part in the Concours d’elegance at the Nairobi Race Course. Kenyan and overseas competitors flaunt everything from Bentleys and Volkswagens to Saab’s and Alfa Romeos. There were 12 vehicle classes and 8 motorcycle categories. Renowned Judges with a trained eye inspected the vehicles inside out, and no bolt or nut is left unexamined. At the end of the show there was a lively and exciting procession of all the cars around the course, the highlight of which are the pre-1940s vehicles. The 1972 TriumphHurricane motorcycle shipped in all the way from England won the classic motorcycle category, and reigning champion; the 1928 Ford model A vehicle scooped pole position for the classic vehicle category two years in a row. The judges had a field day as they checked and assessed to the last detail the condition of the vehicles, including the judging of attire adorned by the participants. This year’s classic event was the biggest, with spectator numbers hitting past the ten thousand mark. Numerous competitors from far and wide came to grace the event, with the Ugandan motorcycle association fielding a huge contingent of motorcycles competing in the Concours d’elegance.