My wheels: James Kacumba, ‘We have had it since1982’
What you need to know:
James Kacumba is a businessman with a travel agency, St Ambrose Limited. His car, a Chevrolet Impala, made in 1977, is a vintage car that he likes to talk about.
Did you buy your car?
No. It belonged to my father who gave it to me after he had imported it from America in 1982 but he unfortunatelypassed on.
How have you been able to maintain your car?
It can take up to two years without requiring servicing. When there is need to, I import the spare parts from United States of America. My mechanic gets some of them from Victoria Motors. I imported the shock absorbers and brake pads. Though it is an old car, it is not hard to maintain because some of its spare parts like the oil filter are similar to those of a Volvo which are available on the market. I as well have a personal mechanic who is the only one that does its servicing.
What do you like about it?
It is quite comfortable and it also has good and strong shock absorbers in that even if I hit a pothole, it’s not easily felt. It is a kind of car that does not break down or experience mechanical problems often. When I am on the road, most people look at it in awe.
What is its engine size?
It is 4,000cc.
Is it automatic or manual?
It is automatic with a speed limit of 220kph.
When do you drive it?
I drive it only on Saturday and Sunday to avoid scratches from boda boda riders and other reckless road users.
Have you received offers from people wanting to buy it?
I have received quite many of them. Desh Kananura, Juma Seiko and Hassan Basajjabalaba, among others all wanted to buy it but I was not willing to sell. The highest bidder was offering Shs35m. The funny thing is that I have never called anyone, they all stop me and ask if I am willing to sell.
Where did you get the inspiration to drive it?
It is my father who inspired me to drive it though I often used to ask him for it. It is a very comfortable car with very soft cushions.
Do you share it with your friends?
I do not share it with anyone, for even if they hire it for a wedding, I drive it myself. And when I am out of the country, I park it at home.
ABOUT THIS IMPALA
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in the US. The changes in the automobile marketplace resulted in Chevrolet redesigning the Impala once again in 1977 to meet changing demands.
The new downsized Impalas were shorter in length, taller and narrower than before. The new Impala’s frame was a shortened version of the one introduced in 1971 and would be utilized until 1996 when the B-body production line was shut down. Even with its trimmer exterior dimensions, the new Impala featured increased headroom, rear-seat legroom and boot space. Production of the downsized model increased substantially over 1976, and the Impala regained the number one US sales position. The redesigned 1977 Impala/Caprice was named Motor Trend’s car of the year. The new body was taller and narrower than the 1976 model.
