Hello everyone,
Only a decade ago one could see lots of vintage and classic cars, especially old 4WD, driving in and out of town. Series Land Rovers, but also vintage Range Rovers and Land Cruisers. Most in various states of transformation, mainly for a safari purpose, with roof hatches to view the wildlife, elaborate wood and canvas interiors, as well as all sorts of reinforcments and mechanical modifications. Because of the continuous presence of foreigners, the tourism industry and East African Rally, Kenyans of African, Indian and European origins are very experienced in making the car of your wish at affordable prices. For instance I asked one gentleman to ditch the old 4 cylinder petrol engine and gearbox of my 110; and replace them with a 300 Tdi and autobox, a dream in today's Nairobi conjested traffic, as well in muddy off-road.
Nairobi these days may have lost some of its classic colonial appearances and wide-ranging crime up until 2000, but during the last years the emergence of a multi political party system and a Kenyan middle class have both changed the old "Nairobbery" into a much more pleasant society to live in (my opinion only).
To be complete I must admit that during the last 5 years, special police squads were tasked to eliminate the most violent crime gangs ... violently.
Harsh, but efficient. Nowadays, we are no longer watching our backs and our bags constantly.
Regardless, the overwhelming majority of Kenyans are charming people, with a long experience of interaction with foreign visitors. Simple respect towards everyone creates immediate positive reactions. There is hardly a better place to live, raise children and work in one of the last spots on earth where one person can find a variety of opportunities and make a personal difference.
Moreover, the geography and diversity of landscapes is amazing.
This country is a blast, one of the prettiest on earth.
I imagine I may sound a bit like Kenya's PR office, but having worked and lived on most continents, I decided to come back to Kenya after fifteen years of absence.
Back to the question, yes there are many classic cars, especially British. But as in Europe they are usually parked away and out only on special occasions. I know a few African barns with motoring heritage treasures ... and rare gems though.
Morgan in Africa ... Thanks for sharing the video. However, on Kenya's deteriorating road by ever growing traffic and torrential rains, I don't see one surviving for long; though the old and delicious Buick/Rover v8 petrol is a very well known engine here. The end of the video was a little daft with the guy and his shotgun ... as well as the cliches. Personally, I prefer the one from inside the Plus 4 SS in and out of Italian mountain tunnels, posted by a member of the forum; or those shot at Francorchamps where I live when I am in Belgium.
Voila, I wish not to bore you much longer with my personal. But since there are lively discussions on this forum between a collection of very interesting persons, I decided to contribute somewhat, despite the fact that I don't own a Morgan ... yet.
Best to all,
