The smell of fresh polish, the gleam of chrome under the Nairobi sun, and the hum of lovingly restored engines will once again fill the air at Ngong Racecourse as Kenya prepares to host the 2025 Africa Concours d’Elegance.
This year’s edition, set for Sunday, September 28, promises to be a particularly emotional and historic celebration, officially named the Bob Dewar Memorial Edition in honor of the late Bob Dewar, a pillar of Kenya’s motoring scene.
Organized by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, the Concours d’Elegance has grown into the most prestigious motoring event in East Africa, attracting entries from across the continent and beyond.
Far more than just a car show, it is a stage where automotive artistry, heritage preservation, and lifestyle converge in an elegant blend of culture and history.
Bob Dewar, who passed away in 2023, was instrumental in growing the Concours from a niche hobbyist gathering into a world-recognized spectacle. Renaming the 2025 event in his memory is a nod to his decades-long dedication to nurturing Kenya’s motoring culture.
By mid-2025, more than 50 entries had already been confirmed, with vehicles coming from as far as England, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Among the most anticipated is a 1937 Austin 7, fondly known as the ‘Baby Austin’ entered by UK’s Madatali Chatur.
From South Africa, Jonathan Somen is expected to showcase a 1976 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV, while Kenya’s Victor Odero has registered a rare 1988 BMW E30 M3 — the only one of its kind in the country.
On the motorcycle side, French enthusiast Dominique Antoine will bring his 1925 Triumph 500SD and a 1959 BSA B33, continuing the tradition of mixing both ultra-vintage and classic two-wheelers.
These entries highlight the event’s unique blend of nostalgia and engineering prowess, with machines that are not just restored but brought to near-factory perfection.
Unlike traditional races, the Concours is not about speed or power. Instead, it is a “competition of elegance” — a meticulous examination of vehicles based on originality, condition, cleanliness, and historical accuracy.
Judges will scrutinize everything from the external finish and interior trims to the engine bay and undercarriage.
Every scratch, stitch, and polish counts, making the event as nerve-wracking as it is rewarding for entrants.
But Concours d’Elegance is not just about cars and motorcycles. It has evolved into a lifestyle event that appeals to families, fashion enthusiasts, and culture lovers.
Visitors can expect live music, children’s entertainment, vendor stalls, and a showcase of contemporary cars alongside vintage marvels.
In previous years, fly-pasts and parades have electrified the crowd, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere at Ngong Racecourse.
For Kenya and the wider region, the Africa Concours d’Elegance is more than a showpiece. It is a preservation of history, ensuring rare models are not only seen but also maintained in pristine condition.
Restoring vehicles to concours standards is no small feat; it often involves sourcing parts from overseas, painstaking craftsmanship, and significant expense.
The event also cements Kenya’s place on the global motoring map. Since 2006, the Concours has held continental status under FIM-Africa, making it a recognized championship for motorcycles in Africa.
With international entrants now a regular feature, the Nairobi Concours serves as both a cultural bridge and a tourism magnet.