Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Presenting myself

Hello everyone,

I have been reading this forum as a visitor for the last two months since I bought Mog, the magazine. I am a Belgian national currently residing and working from Nairobi, Kenya; where my car here is a 25 year old Defender HCPU, still strong because well maintained. I love it, as I always have had Land Rovers.

Back home I have a Skoda SW 4x4, and a replica Porsche Speedster, made years ago at APAL near Liege, all mechanical parts are genuine Porsche though.

But I have developped an interest for Morgan since proposed model types nowadays seem to better combine Morgan traditions and modern creativity.

I have always liked British and German cars; and from what I have already read on this forum (a lot) I wish to begin with thanks to all posters who contribute to such a pleasant and informative site.

Now I have to work harder to be able one day to afford a +4 or +8, in black, or deep bronze green, or silver.

Voila !

Best to all,

Hi Emmanuel, welcome to the forum. I agree is is a pleasant and informative site There are other Land Rover fans on here as well.
I hope you get you Morgan one day.

Welcome - from a fellow Land Rover fan... and Morgan owner

Welcome Emmanuel! Nairobi sounds exotic, what kind of interesting vintage vehicles can be found in the traffic there?

Welcome I lived in Nairoberry in the mid 90s.

A very interesting place in a stunning country.

You make me jealous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF5FAGgzmSI

Morgan in africa, it's done before.

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,

That was a great wee video. Loved the brolly perch.

Emmanuel,

Great to hear your experiences from Kenya and around. Having driven in recent years in Kalahari desert and from there south to central South Africa and generally through and around Botswana I would agree on the diversity of available roads. Some are pristine and some are a vague outline of what was once on a map - or not. The video reminded me of a lot of the terrain traversed and also of the sometimes remoteness for rescue if required. I was using a Landcruiser 4 cab. (This convinced me to buy a TLC SWB when I came home.) Remembering how occasionally without warning one corner or other would drop into a pothole or mini cravass - I would probably agree that fun in a Morgan could understandably be interspersed with a very quick education in 'diss' and re-assembly of same. Having said that - aside from India, Africa is a place where worn-out things never die. Someone somewhere always manages to use/ reuse/ refine/ redo/ remake or re-invent. You live in a wonderful place and you obviously appreciate it. So rare in todays' attitudes and focus.

Welcome to the forum and I'm sure your determination will afford you a Morgan when it finds you.

Welcome to the Forum. I enjoyed reading your posts. I think you will make some very interesting contributions to this site.