Khloe the camper
By Christopher Owuor, November 23, 2019Adalla Allan
GERALD KIRUI, LOGISTICIAN
RIDE: 1978 VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI LATE BAY (KHLOE)
ENGINE: 1.8-LITRE FLAT-4 PETROL CARBURETTOR ENGINE
Why this ride?
I began with a Volkswagen Beetle that I acquired from a friend who is a classic cars enthusiast. I would join him when he was going to compete with his Beetle, and that’s how my interest in classic rides was stirred.
After some time, I got married and got a family and that required an upgrade to a spacious vehicle as we craved to go for camps. So, I went for this classic camper van that I named Khloe.
Is any modification done to Khloe?
She is pretty much stock as far as the engine is concerned. It is the original engine. However, we have improved the electronics such as the radio and also given it new comfortable leather seats simply because the original Kombi ones are so hard and springy, making them uncomfortable.
I describe her as eye candy; everywhere she passes, especially in a traffic jam, she always gets a thumbs-up. That is the beauty of owning a vintage car. Many appreciate the works done on it and it feels good to the owner.
What else do you love about Khloe?
She is so reliable. We have had a few issues with the fuel system because we removed the pump, but we have never been stranded on the road. People may criticize why I drive an “old fashioned” manual transmission car, yet I get where I’m going. But, what makes me cherish Khloe most is that she is so generous on space.
Have you taken her to any long-distance road trip?
Yes, for instance, a trip we took to Marsabit county last year. That’s the furthest I have gone with her. We did quite some mileage through Nanyuki then Isiolo, and she did not cough at all apart from the normal mechanical problems. Given that it uses the antique carburettor, we had to add some litres of water to the cooling system.
Any drawback?
I think the only challenge is the spare parts. The ride is not manufactured currently, so getting some of its spares is not be a walk in the park.
Its either you import, which is quite expensive, or try to get them along Nairobi’s Kirinyaga Road. I cannot complain about the fact that everything is manual in this automobile since personally, I enjoy the ride that way.
Did you know?
The word Volkswagen means “people’s car” in German.