Photos of a restored dilapidated Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) elicited debate on Sunday, June 4, with most Kenyans interested in its stylish transformation.
The facelift was attributed to a former cabin crew attendant who now works as a mechanic, Captain Omar.
Speaking to the Pamurick Show, Omar revealed how he transformed the junk into a classic 1978 International Scout II worth Ksh37 million.
The owner had declined to sell the vehicle in its initial state. Marvelling at the opportunity the vehicle presented in terms of cost, Omar pressed the owner for two years to trade it with a Ford Mustang. .
He (the owner) was adamant that he would not sell the car, but after back and forth, he agreed to trade the car with another classic car that resembled the Ford Mustang GT," he indicated.
The vehicle underwent a massive transformation, with Omar replacing the engine's car with a V8, panel beating, body fitting, and paint works to fit the 1978 International Scout II model.
He noted that his passion for transforming old junk cars was inspired by American industrialist Henry Ford who created his first car out of passion.
"I deal with all types of cars but transforming junk into classic vehicles is my forte. If you bring a project, I promise to build it to perfection and give you a brand new vehicle," he indicated.
Career
Raised by a single mother, Omar noted that he had a passion for automobiles since he was young, as he would model toy cars from raw materials.
Before relocating from Kenya, he worked for six years at a local IT company. He then landed golden opportunity to work as a cabin crew in Europe.
His work entailed flying to the USA, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Australia.
Omar, however, decided to quit his job and launch his garage in Dubai alongside an Arab partner called Westcourse Customs - a franchise from the US. He later left the company to set up Omar's garage in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
