A rare 1928 Durant, one of the last of its kind in Africa, has been confirmed as a competitor in the upcoming 2024 Africa Concours d’Elegance, set to take place on Sunday, September 29 at the Nairobi Racecourse.

Entered by Sachit Shah, the vintage car will compete in the pre-1930 class, a highlight category for car enthusiasts attending the event, which also marks the 52nd edition of the Concours and celebrates the anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.

Built by the now-defunct Durant Motors Corporation, the car represents a fleeting piece of American automotive history. Founded by Billy Durant in 1921 to rival General Motors, Durant Motors closed in 1932 after producing vehicles using Continental engines and saloon bodies made by the Budd Company.

The 1928 Durant on show in Nairobi, likely the only one in Kenya and among the few in Africa, features a unique wooden box body that reflects the practical design choices for passenger and cargo use in the 1930s.

In addition to the Durant, the Concours will showcase an impressive range of cars and motorcycles, both from veteran participants and newcomers.

Rally legend Rob Collinge will display his 1966 Ford Mustang, while Thomas Frowein’s rare 1968 Saab 96 and Paras Shah’s 1937 MGTA are also expected to draw significant attention.

Newcomer Pablo Kengara will present a 1970 Fiat 500F alongside a 1985 Mercedes Benz W123, while Hamed Ehsani debuts with a 1976 Morris Minor and a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.

Leo Otieno, another first-time participant, will exhibit a 1971 Alfa Romeo 1750GTV, a project he’s been restoring for six years. The competition’s sports car and pre-1930 vintage car classes are among the most anticipated, with the winners often emerging from these groups.