A 1928 Durant car made in America and entered by Sachit Shah, will be one of the highlights of the 2024 Africa Concours d’Elegance scheduled for September 29 at the Nairobi Racecourse.
The Durant Motors Corporation was founded by Billy Durant in 1921 to create an automotive empire which would challenge General Motors.
Engines made by Continental were used and saloon car bodies were made by the Budd Company until Durant closed in 1932.
The Durant will compete in the pre-1930 class and is likely to be the only remaining example in Kenya and among the few in Africa, featuring a unique wooden box body that reflects the practical design choices for passenger and cargo use in the 1930s.
In addition, Concours fans expect to see a mix of new competitors and regulars together with a variety of cars and motorcycles including those that have not appeared at the Racecourse in the past.
They will not be disappointed as the Concours field will feature interesting cars such as the 1966 Ford Mustang entered by legendary rally driver Rob Collinge; the 1968 Saab 96 by Thomas Frowein and the 1937 MGTA of Paras Shah.
Newcomer Pablo Kengara will showcase a 1970 Fiat 500F together with a 1985 Mercedes Benz W123 while Hamed Ehsani, making his debut in the event, will present a 1976 Morris Minor and a 1967 Volkswagen beetle. Another newcomer is Leo Otieno who has entered a 1971 Alfa Romeo 1750GTV which he has been restoring for six years.
