Ferrari Steals MTN Motor Show

Oct 01, 2002

The F-399, has 750 bhp, which is enough power to snap the ‘G’ off a pair of frilly G-string knickers

By Timothy Bukumunhe

The F-399, has 750 bhp, which is enough power to snap the ‘G’ off a pair of frilly G-string knickers

Without a doubt, the Formula One Ferrari F-399 was the star of the weekend at the MTN (co-sponsored by AITEC and Shell) car show at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel.
The Ferrari F-399, which exemplifies a feat in engineering, is a race car that has propelled Michael Schumacher into a triple world champion. The thrust under its hood is well in excess of 750 bhp which simply, is enough power to snap the ‘G’ off a pair of frilly G-string knickers in the 2.3 seconds it takes the driver to accelerate from 0 to 60mph (100kph)! That aside, it has a staggering fuel consumption of just under four miles to the gallon to power along 2997cc 048 engine with 10 cylinders, each with four valves. It also has a semi-automatic gearbox with seven forward gears. Need we say more?
The Ferrari aside, there was a $38,000 330ci BMW that came complete with television (LTV was showing at the time) satellite navigation (though the chances of getting lost driving from Kololo to Nandos are pretty slim). It also had rain sensor, memory seats and a computer –– well enough gadgets to make the driver of a Toyota Corona feel embarrassed about pulling up next to you at the traffic lights.
The latest offering on the market from Spear Motors came in the form of a $70,000 plus Mercedes Benz E-Class, which like the BMW, comes with a hefty manual detailing its wares. Sales man Gilbert Wavammuno was obviously taken in by the car that he serenaded anybody who looked like they had $70,000 in loose change lying about in the bank and showed off the cars features to them. Meanwhile, the S-Class, which previously had been the Merc to drive, looked idle and neglected as the crowds spread all over the E-class.
But car shows are not just about showing off new cars. There was a 1930’s Daimler hearse on display, it’s last occupant being Nicholas Ridley, a one time advisor to former British premier Marg-aret Thatcher who died in the early ‘90s.
Liberty Insurance came up with a real gem of a gimmick to attract visitors to their stall. A written off Toyota Corona which was driven under a lorry (it is hard to imagine that the driver survived) apparently did not go down well with other stall-holders who, wanted it removed.
A vintage and almost intact 1960’s Audi was one of the stars in the classics section alongside a matchless motorbike, a 1960’s ‘bat fin’ Mercedes, a FX London Taxi and a 250s 1950 Mercedes.
The more relaxing moments of the show were the children’s car design competition which, Moses Watama won for the third time in a row for his Fuso truck.
As the sun soared, it was time to quench one’s thirst but brewers: Nile and Uganda breweries, put up a poor show. People constantly complained about the chap in the Nile wagon who, rudely and constantly barked out “bring your money first!” before he would serve anybody. Uganda Breweries on the other hand were castigated for only serving Guinness and Heineken. “Where is the Bell or Tusker?” customers moaned to two docile-looking attendants. Ends

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