When people think of classic cars, images of a 1967 Mustang or a 1959 Cadillac might come to mind. But across Africa, an entirely different lineage of beloved vehicles has shaped everyday life—and many of them are disappearing without a trace.
In Nigeria, the Peugeot 504 wasn’t just a car; it was a national icon. Produced locally in Kaduna, Nigeria for decades, it served as everything from family transportation to long-distance taxis and government convoys. In Ghana, Kantanka vehicles—homegrown and symbolic—are still seen as a proud testament to African engineering, though production remains limited. Even the ever-resilient Mercedes-Benz C230 and Volkswagen Beetle, though not native, have embedded themselves in the cultural and economic fabric of the continent.
But unlike the West, where there’s a strong community of restorers, collectors, and preservation societies, Africa lacks formal infrastructure to protect and celebrate its automotive heritage. Most of these historic cars are left to rust on roadsides or chopped for parts once they’re no longer “useful.”
Preserving automotive history isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about understanding industrial heritage, design evolution, and national identity. These cars tell the story of post-colonial Africa’s push for self-sufficiency, economic growth, and cultural resilience. Losing them means losing context.
Fortunately, a few efforts are emerging. In Kenya, Africa Concours d’Elegance hosts classic car showcases, while individual enthusiasts in South Africa and Nigeria are forming private car clubs and Facebook groups dedicated to restoration. Yet these remain niche communities, often unsupported by government or industry.
What’s needed is a multi-pronged approach:
- Digital archiving of models produced or widely used in Africa.
- Partnerships with auto manufacturers to preserve early models.
- Incentives for local restorers and auto historians.
- Classic auto shows and museums to draw public interest and tourism.
The time to act is now. With global supply chains strained and the shift toward electric vehicles accelerating, Africa’s ICE-era relics could soon vanish. But with intentional preservation, they could instead become centrepieces of cultural memory, engineering education, and even new business opportunities in vintage restoration.
Because just like the 1965 Shelby Cobra or the Citroën DS, Africa’s classic vehicles deserve their place in the spotlight—and in the garage of the future.
