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WAY BACK IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY
#897 - 2--Chill--WAY BACK IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY--2008-09-20 03:43:35
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Way back in the seventeenth
century the French nobility gathered in the parks of Paris on high days
and holidays. They travelled in their best horse drawn carriages wearing
fine clothes for a social meeting which became known as the "Concours
d'Elegance "(a gathering of elegance).
Following the advent
of the motor car similar meetings were held by the owners of expensive
and luxurious machines. Car manufacturers soon took the opportunity to
display their latest models and the Concours developed into a competitive
event.
Today well kept cars
and motorcycles are judged at Concours events in many countries around
the world. 38 years ago the Alfa Romeo Owners Club held a Concours d'Elegance
in the grounds of a Nairobi Hotel to mark the Club's first anniversary.
This has grown into a spectator motoring event with Africa status and
this year's edition will be held at the Nairobi Racecourse on September
28th.
The majority of Concours
events are limited to a single make of car, or motorcycle and originality
is rated highly by the judges. The events are attended only by members
of the organising Clubs and dedicated motoring enthusiasts. In complete
contrast, the East African Concours d'Elegance is open to all makes and
the selection of the winners is based entirely on cleanliness and condition.
Bill Parkinson, the
Chief Judge, and a team of officials start the car judging at the Caltex
Ramp to assess the underside. After this check, competitors drive along
the judging line in front of the main Racecourse grand stands. There are
check-points for the paintwork and external finish, the interior and boot
and the engine. The process ends with a pair of judges marking road-worthiness.
The motorcycles are assessed in a similar way in the Racecourse parade
ring adjacent to the grandstands.
There are separate awards for Concours competitors wearing costumes. Theatre
personalities make a rating of the costumes and interview the competitors
in a prime location fronting the grandstand. The choice of fancy dress
is completely free but as the event is hosted by the Jockey Club, competitors
are invited to illustrate a horse-racing theme, or use costumes that suit
their vehicles. The introduction of costume prizes several years ago has
added to the status and style of the Concours.
Another feature is
a Classic Car and Motorcycles Sale for any vehicle made in 1982, or earlier
regardless of the condition of the machine. The cars which are on offer
will be displayed at the edge of the Racecourse within the competitors
car park. Space for the motorcycles has been allocated near the Concours
bike judging area at the parade ring.
In contrast with the
classic and vintage car and motorcycles contesting the Concours, Auto
Expo (the motor trade section) has a display of virtually all the new
cars, pick-ups and station wagons available on the Kenya market. The 28
exhibits are spread along the inside of the Racecourse which is also the
location of the children's entertainment centre and two refreshment points.
Information on the
East Africa Concours d'Elegance, the Classic Car and Motorcycle Sale and
Auto Expo are available from the Bob Dewar Publicity offices in Block
G of Norfolk Towers, Kijabe Street. The telephone numbers are 316160,
or 229793 (office hours) and the Concours website is www.concourskenya.com
.
While the assessment
of the competing cars and motorcycles is the main reason for holding the
Concours d'Elegance, the event has become a major date on Kenya's social
calendar and a family fun day. Motoring enthusiasts will spend the day
admiring a variety of cars and motorcycles which are not normally seen
on the road.
Spectators will be
treated to a Charity Market, a free children's entertainment centre, live
band music and the commentators will announce a series of fly pasts.The
programme will end with a parade of all the Concours vehicles in front
of the main Racecourse grand stands. This precedes the prize giving which
will be followed by the Grand Finale.
