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Classic Cars in Rhodesia

KENYA G-M

Make Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
History          
Year 1926
Owned by John Douglas then Syd Downey
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers B-5555/KEN
References
 

 

Make Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History          
Year 1934
Owned by Bill Nortier around 2000
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Healey
History          
Year 1950
Ordered new by a Dr. Gratton, who took delivery on 17th May 1950. Modified by the factory during four visits in the first few months after delivery. The changes are unspecified but may include the four extra cooling vents in the sides and top of the scuttle. The car also has a scoop on the bonnet of the same design as that later used on the E-Type Silverstones. Shortly afterwards the car was taken to Kenya by Dr. Gratton, where he raced it extensively for two years. Later owners include Eric Cecil and Mrs Mary Wright (1955-1962) who also raced and sprinted the car. It is unknown who owned the car from 1962-1977 when the modified Riley engine was replaced
Model D-type Silverstone
Chassis No. D51
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers LVS 474, KAA-655/KEN
References The Automobile April 2007 p.51;
 

 

Make Hispano-Suiza History          
Year 1921
Originally delivered to Mademoiselle Suzanne Deutsch de la Meurthe in1921, of the Lorraine Oil Refining Family, who was a well known Hispano owner and aviator. In 1935 the car was heavily modified (for desert and jungle use) by Roger Dupont and his French crew (one of whom may have been Count Jean T. de Grammont), who took it on a raid from Paris to Cape Town. In 1939, Dupont returned to Cape Town and tried to haul  the car back in a raid from Cape Town to Cairo, but the trip was halted in Kenya due to the start of WWII. In the 1950s the car belonged to a member of staff of a Creamery in Thompson Falls, Kenya, as an open tourer painted yellow with an aluminium bonnet. The car was also fitted with a small brass plate on which were engraved the words ‘Cape to Cairo Rally 1939’. Acquired in 1960 by Mr. Rupert Jamieson from the Nairobi dealers, Lewis & Hodgkiss for around £50. Returned to England in the early 1970s, where it was acquired by Mr. Tim Hewison, a well known Hispano-Suiza collector, at which time the car was in a very tired state. Sold on to Mr. Georges Kolb, a Swiss Collector, who had the car fully restored with Labourdette tourer coachwork. Fitted with a cone clutch and self starter pedal.
Model H6B - 6.6-litre 32hp
Chassis No. 10040
Engine No. 300067
Coachbuilder Labourdette (original & current)
Body Style Skiff torpedo (current)
Colours
           
Registration Numbers C-3319/KEN, 5177-RB3/FRA
References
 
H-SKolb

 

Make Hispano-Suiza History          
Year 1922
Originally delivered to London. Owned by Mr. Rupert Jamieson in Kenya in the 1960s. Returned to England as a complete, but dismantled car in the early 1970s. Acquired by Mr. Tim Hewison and sold on to George Kolb of Switzerland. Apparently used as a spares car for a number of other Hispano-Suiza rebuilds.
Model H6B - 6.6-litre
Chassis No. 10494
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Hispano-Suiza History          
Year 1927
Sold new to Neverlandsche in Holland. In 1933 the torpedo body was replaced with the dhc body. Acquired by a Mr. Lippman and imported into England in 1934. Sold in 1937 through Brooklands Motors of Mayfair to a Mr. Findlay, who took the car to Kenya. The car returned to England in 1958 in a rather poor state, having been donated to Lord and Lady Montagu, who took delivery in 1960. Stored until 1974 in the reserve collection of the National Motor Museum, painted black and cream. It had been sent to Morin Scott for rebuilding, but after some time of inactivity, was taken back in unfinished condition. Sold by the Montagu's to Mr. N. Harley, who had the Wyvis body fitted. Seen competing at Silverstone by Tim Hewison in 1974. In 1975 it was offered for sale, advertised as rebuilt and in excellent condition. Upon acquiring the car, Tim discovered that the chassis was in need of much restoration, which was completed a year later. On taking the car out onto the M3, an engine problem developed and the sump was found to be full of water. The sleeves, which were originally screwed-in, had been replaced with push-in wet sleeves, which had dropped down and allowed water into the sump. A new engine was now sought and after world wide enquiries, engine 320228 was found in Kenya, ex chassis 12100. This engine was in good order and was fitted to 11937. Tim discovered a pair of Van Beek foot plates at an autojumble, which fitted the bolt holes on this car’s chassis, so they may quite well have been off this car. The car was then taken to Australia, where all the main and big end bearings ran, as the oil pump had been incorrectly fitted. The engine was then rebuilt and gave faultless service afterwards. The car is still in Australia. Fitted with a Brooklands Motors, Bond Street, Mayfair plaque on the dashboard. Engine 320098 was given to another Hispano collector in Australia and was fitted to an H6C short chassis car.
Model H6C - 8-litre short chassis
Chassis No. 11937
Engine No. 320098
Coachbuilder Van Beek, Veth & Zoon - Arnhem, Wyvis
Body Style Torpedo, drophead coupe, replica of original torpedo
Colours
           
Registration Numbers BYU ***, F-1921/KEN
References National Motor Museum; Kent Karslake - MS June 1950
 

 

Make Hispano-Suiza
History          
Year 1926
Owned in 1956 in Kenya by Gordon Ferrar. Owned in the 1960s by Mary Wright, believed to have been sold to someone in America c1970s for £2300. Ex Crampton, Niles Fletcher, Jennings, June Wright. Acquired in the 1960s by David V. Uihlein, whose family owned the car till 2013 when it was auctioned by Gooding & Company.
Model H6B
Chassis No.
Engine No. 301585
Coachbuilder Hooper
Body Style Tourer
Colours
           
Registration Numbers A-3496/KEN
References EAVCC63, EAVCC9/67
 
H-S

 

Make Hispano-Suiza History          
Year
The molten remains and a useable engine were acquired by Rupert Jamieson in Kenya, after the car had been destroyed in a barn fire. Sold to Mr. Tim Hewison, England in the early 1970s. Sold on to a French Collector. Photo below either this car or the other Dick Jennings car destroyed in the fire
Model H6B - 6.6-litre
Chassis No. 11859
Engine No. 301848
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Hispano-Suiza History          
Year
Owned by Dick Jennings in Kenya, damaged beyond repair in a barn fire on the Jennings Farm c1960s. Engine acquired by Rupert Jamieson in Kenya and sold to Mr. Tim Hewison in the early 1970s. In order to obtain the engine, Mr. Hewison had to buy a 6.6-litre engine, no. 301848, as well as two cars, ch. 10040 and 10494. The two cars and engine were sold on to other collectors, this car going to someone in France.
Model H6C - 8-litre
Chassis No. 12100
Engine No. 320228
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Hispano-Suiza
History          
Year
Hispano-Suiza owned by Monty Jennings, apparently ex de Hane Segrave. Possibly 11859 or 12100. A possible for the de Hane car is PK 3781, transferred from someone in West Sussex to a new owner in London on 6 Aug 1937.
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Horch
History          
Year 1940
White car, seen in the late 1960s in an industrial area  in Nairobi.
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Horch
History          
Year
Army style Horch seen in Mombasa by John Wroe around 1980
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Hotchkiss
History          
Year 1930
Purchased in Piccadilly, London and bodied by a local undertaker. Imported into Kenya by Lawrence Bental. Acquired by David Harris who sold it to Guy D'Olier 1963-70s. Fitted with various bodies in its lifetime, the original was a torpedo type body, then it carried a safari box body, then an open tourer body. The current body with a Talbot bulkhead and a dickie seat was fitted for the film "Out of Africa" in 1985 and has to be the most hideous body ever fitted to a car. Car came second, behind the Model A of Guy Bromley, in the 1973 Nairobi-Mombasa Marathon. Acquired by John Wroe on 09 Oct 2007, John hopes to fit a body similar to the original.
Model AM80
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers T-1091/KEN
References Esso Rally 1965, EAVCC63
 
HotchkissHotchkiss

 

Make Hupmobile
History          
Year 1922
Acquired by Tim Hutchinson in 1950, only known Hupmobile in Kenya in 1965, still owned by him in 2003. Shortly after acquiring the car, Tim did a 1500 mile safari from Fort Ternan to Tanga and back. Used extensively in the 1960s and 70s on EAVCC rallies and runs. Used in the film 'Out of Africa'.
Model Model R, 4cyl
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers B-2739/KEN
References Esso Rally 1965; EAVCC63
 
Hupmobile

 

Make Indian Motorcycle
History          
Year 1941
Owned by Rick Agagliate around 2000. Engine acquired from John Wroe and fitted to a BSA frame. Rick was then given an Indian frame that had been found in a tree in Tanzania and the engine was fitted to this frame.
Model Scout
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References JWroe
 

 

Make International
History          
Year 1928
Originally owned by Alan Black, a well known hunter, and used to take Royalty and celebrities on safari. Said to have been used to carry the Prince of Wales whilst on safari, but now though not likely. Owned by Stewart Hamilton in the 1960s, later acquired by John Wroe, who still owns the vehicle. The owner prior to Mr. Wroe used the vehicle for ploughing work. Used in the filming of the BBC television series "Edward and Mrs. Simpson", as well as in "Out of Africa", "White Mischief", "Shadow of the Sun", "Young Indy" and "Life of Ernest Hemingway".
Model Harvester
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours Grey over black
           
Registration Numbers T-1882/KEN
References Automobilist 6/3
 
InternationalInternational

 

Make Invicta
History          
Year 1930
Owned by Brian Humphreys 1965-66, in the Nanyuki area. Fitted with an ill fitting Railton radiator surround acquired from one of the Barberton Brothers (Dmead) and battered mudguards, the original radiator had been stolen by African scrap merchants in Kenya during an engine overhaul. Taken to South Africa by Brian sometime in the late 1960s. When seen around 1970 by R. 'Gobbo' Johnston of Johannesburg, the price asked was too high and his offer of half the amount was refused. However Two odd years later (c1972) the owner contacted 'Gobbo' and said he could have the car for the previously offered price. 'Gobbo' fetched the car and drove it back to Johannesburg. Around 1975 the car was stripped and rebuilt, a new radiator surround was constructed, based on dimensions taken of the radiator on Waldie Greyvensteyn's low chassis S-Type Invicta. Still owned by 'Gobbo' in 2004. Later acquired by R. Currie.
Model High Chassis 4.5-litre
Chassis No. A106
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style Tourer
Colours
           
Registration Numbers TSN-1931/SAF, JZF-529-GP/SAF
References Automobilist 3/4; Esso Rally 1965; Photo BNoik
 
Invicta

 

Make Ivory Calthorpe Motocycle
History          
Year 1930
Owned by Tessa Hamilton
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References THutchinson
 

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year
Owned by Dr. Forbes Brown in Nairobi. (Possibly the 41/2 saloon mentioned by John Norris in the Bentley Drivers Club Review 205 p227.
Model 4.5-litre
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References EAVCC9/67, EAVCC64
 

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year Mid 1930s
Owned by John Bonnett in the early 1960s. Acquired in the 1970s by David Hopcraft.
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style Tourer
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year
Owned by Major Windham, who was shot in a hunting accident in Uganda.
Model 3-litre
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year
Owned by a Dentist in Eldoret, had a peculiar front axle in the form of a 'V' to clear the sump.
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References John Norris
 

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year 1936
Shown as a 1935 car on the V5C but thought to be 1936. Believed to be fitted with a sanction 3 engine with twin magnetos and carburettors bolted directly to the Weslake designed head. Thought to have been a saloon, the car went to Tanganyika before going to Kenya, from where it was shipped to the UK in 2001. Offered for sale by Coys Auction 6 March 2012, sold for £40,000.
Model LG45
Chassis No. 12139
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style Saloon? now tourer in style of M45 body
Colours Cream over Blue
           
Registration Numbers RAS 233
References classiccarsforsale.co.uk
 
LG45LG45
 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year 1930
16 July 1930 registered to Central Garage, Bradfield. Noted at the Lagonda Fete, Brooklands 17 July 1930. Shipped to Kenya in 1948 by two Policemen. 30 June 1950 noted with R.D. Morgan of Subukia, then by 16 Aug 1957 with Jack Ruben of Nairobi. Raced and rallied at the Nakuru track a number of times. Owned by Michael Lewis Somen from around 1964 to 69, ownership shared with Bob Dewar. Runner up in the 1964 Esso Rally. Featured in Autocar p.414 25 Feb 1966. Sold around 1969 to The Hon. Bruce R. Mckenzie, who was President Jomo Kenyatta's right hand man. On his passing away around 1970, the car passed to his daughter, Alexandrina "Sandy" McKenzie, who returned to England with the car in 1971. The car was in dry storage until 1990 when it was offered for sale by Sotheby's at Hendon in July that year, believed to have been sold for £68,000. July 1990 registered DS 8501, new owner David Simpson of Dartford, Kent. Broken up around 1994, the body was fitted to a 2-litre car, OH9894, built up from parts.
Model 3-litre low chassis
Chassis No. Z9727
Engine No. Z1475
Coachbuilder Tourer
Body Style
Colours Green, later Ivory with red upholstery
           
Registration Numbers KW 8900, W-2666/KEN, DS 8501 References Guy Bromley; Sothebys July 1990; Esso Rally 1965; EAVCC Newsletter 1964 & 9/67, Lagonda Club
 
LG45

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year
Used in the film "White Mischief"
Model LG45?
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style Drophead coupe
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Lagonda
History          
Year 1954
Owned by Dominigue Antoine in Nairobi
Model DB 2.6-litre
Chassis No. LAG/50/434
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style Drophead coupe
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References Lagonda Club
 

 

Make Lancia
History          
Year 1934
Advertised as a 1929 car. Original body by Farina, a very advanced car for its time, dry sump engine, oil cooler, servo assisted brakes. Clayton Dewandre servo braking, 4 valves per cyl. Used by the Italian Ambassador before WWII in Addis Ababa. When Colin saw it, it was still fitted with its 2-d coupe body, standing alongside the Nairobi Post Office in the 1950s, acquired by him in the early 1960s. Rebodied with a tourer body. Sold around 1969 to Guy Bromley's father, Charles. Sold to David Hopcraft in 1974.
Model Di Lambda, 8cyl
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder Farina, ?
Body Style Saloon, Tourer
Colours Grey over black with red upholstery
           
Registration Numbers KG-1058 trade plate; T-6821/KEN
References Guy Bromley, Colin Clinton-Carter
 
LanciaLancia

 

Make Lancia
History          
Year
Owned by Ian Johnson in 1963, being rebodied in that year
Model Di Lambda
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Levis Motorcycle History          
Year 1916
Owned in Kenya by Bob Rose, restored over a number of years.
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers B-644/KEN References Bob Rose
 
Levis

 

Make Maserati History          
Year

Model Sebring
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers KNX-630/KEN
References
 
Maserati

 

Make MG
History          
Year 1950
Re-imported to Britain from Kenya in 1957, exported to Switzerland in 1979 - when acquired by Anton Piller. The car was purchased in a rusted state, but completely original.  Being rebuilt together with YT EXR3214 also owned by Anton.
Model YT
Chassis No. EXR4220
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccy/ytparade.htm
 

 

Make MG
History          
Year 1933
Owned by Jeremy Cornish 1963-65
Model J2
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers Esso Rally 1965, EAVCC63
References
 

 

Make MGB
History          
Year 1967
Owned by Renzo Bernardi
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References THuchinson
 

 

Make Minerva
History          
Year c1908
Owned by a Mr. Campling in Nairobi, recalled as possibly the first car in Nairobi.
Model
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours
           
Registration Numbers
References
 

 

Make Morris
History          
Year 1930
Apparently driven from Cairo to Kenya. This car's first owner was a Capt. R.J. Von Mentzer, who was a miner in Soroti, Uganda. Capt. Von Mentzer later moved to Kenya with the car, where she then passed onto Mr. Renshaw Barberton, who acquired her to take him and his bride on their honeymoon. The car was later converted into a pick-up and used as the farm milk lorry, luckily the body panels and interior had been stored in a barn, though the wood had been eaten by white ants. Given to Chris Corry-Thomas in 1964, on the premis that he spent at least £70 on restoring the car. After getting the car to Kimugu Estate, Kericho, the restoration was started and when finished was painted blue. Used for many rallies in Kenya over the years. In 1968 the Corry-Thomas' moved to Malawi and the car was trained from Kericho to Mombasa, shipped to Beira, Mozambique, trained again to Blantyre, Malawi, shipped across Lake Malawi and driven to Chombe Estate. In the 1970s the Corry-Thomas' moved to Rhodesia, where after initial use, the car fell into disrepair and was dismantled by their Sons. In 1989, the Corry-Thomas' moved to England, but the car stayed in what had by then become Zimbabwe. During the next few years the car was restored by Mr. Lat Fuller of Salisbury and resprayed maroon and brown. In 1997 the car returned to England, and is still owned by Chris Corry-Thomas.
Model Cowley
Chassis No. D342301
Engine No. 385074
Coachbuilder  
Body Style 4 door Folding head saloon, export model
Colours Blue then maroon and brown
           
Registration Numbers S-422/UGA, KCF-297/KEN, BC-4104/MAL, 57-942-E/RHO, 75-728-M/RHO, SV 6650
References EAVCC66, EAVCC69, Chris Corry-Thomas
 
CowleyCowley

 

Make Morris
History          
Year 1927
Owned by a Mr. Carnegie in the 1960s and 70s. Car now in England
Model Cowley
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder  
Body Style
Colours Yellow over black
           
Registration Numbers KBK-344/KEN
References Guy Bromley. Photo Chris Corry-Thomas
 
Cowley

 

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