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‘My Namatovu: I can’t sell her at any price’
Matovu bought his car at Shs200,000 and is proud of it. PHOTOS BY FAISWAL KASIRYE
For passersby, it is another old vintage car but for Elijah Matovu the Ford Escort is an invaluable classic, something you can only understand when he tells you that the 1969 model is called Namatovu, a name he says is given to only pretty ladies in the Ganda Ngabi clan.
This is really antique, how old is it?
Man, if I can refer to the user’s manual this is a Ford Escort model 1969. It is 20 years since I bought this car from a friend who thought it was too old and out of style to fit any one’s preferences, he needed to change and probably buy the newer models. What attracted me was the unique body build; the thing looked so unique.
Even now, it looks wonderful and well maintained, how much did you pay for it and how much can I part with, if for instance, I am to buy it from you now?
First of all let us set the record straight, she is called Namatovu, she carries me and I respect her for that.
Now to answer your question, he wanted more money but I paid Shs200,000 and moved on with what many called junk, but when he sees this today he wants to repossess it. You talk about buying and I am not surprised because you have just joined the list of 1,000 others that have proposed some even come with hefty pockets, others want to use her in movies and at functions but I have my reservations.
I must be the driver. But also even if I wanted to sell, what would I replace her with? Let me tell you this car is invaluable, certain things, especially vintage cars,just can’t have a price tag. A vintage appreciates in value every passing day. Say, for instance can you put a price tag on the Mengo turtles? You just appreciate and go, I cannot sell this car, no matter how much one offers.
What are the challenges of having such a car on Ugandan roads?
Everyone wants to have such a machine either for prestige or for scrap purposes. That is why when I take Namatovu for service, I make sure I am there all through supervising everything while the serviceman does his work, you can never trust anybody with such a treasure.
Everything has to be so particular, for instance, when it comes to fuel and oil, I go to Shell and not any other place. I have only one mechanic and I am the only driver who has ignited this car since I bought her in 1993. That is how I have managed to keep her in shape.
Another challenge is the lack of genuine spare parts. I remember when a fly-stone hit the wind screen last year, I could not get the actual replacement here, I had to make an order from Nairobi and it was more expensive than I expected.
Well, I guess to preserve Namatovu in good condition, she only comes out on rare occasions, am I right?
Surprisingly not, I drive every day from Kampala to Entebbe and back. Those are about 90km and more.
That is around 3,000km a month. I have a personal agreement; I do not exceed 80km per hour actually the fastest I have ever gone was 80kph.
The only thing you have to do with such a car is to carry out regular servicing.
Ensure that you buy genuine spare parts in case of any breakages, the only thing I have had to change often are tyres and I have changed two times only, I drive to Entebbe early in the morning and come back late in the evening when the tarmac is cool.
It is always advisable for old people to rest and have the young and firebrand work, why do you have Namatovu on a daily trek to and from Entebbe, wouldn’t you buy another car or use public means?
Cars are not people that get tired, yes they wear and tear but I think it also has to do with pride, prestige and respect. Most people would love to have what I have why not show it off. Fuel consumption is only five litres to and from Entebbe so I do not see any reason to use public means.
In 2010, I bought a Toyota Cami but I prefer Namatovu . People will gaze, others will talk to you, my children too like being picked from school with this one.
Recently, I went to an Old Budonians’ function and parked right in the middle of these latest fuel guzzlers and every one marvelled; parties and weddings are some of the moments I look up to, to show case.
A workmate recently brought me a Ford branded cap just to thank me for keeping the car in good condition.
This car has earned me membership at the Uganda Vintage and Classic Show.
Ford Escort
The Ford Escort was a small family car manufactured by Ford of Britain and Ford Germany from 1968 to 2000. The Ford Escort name was also applied to several different small cars produced in North America by Ford between 1981 and 2002/03.
The first use of the Escort name was for a reduced specification version of the Ford Squire, a 1950s estate car version of the Ford Anglia 100E, though this did not sell well in comparison to the other members of the 100E family. The Mark I Ford Escort was introduced in the United Kingdom at the end of 1967. It replaced the successful long running Anglia. The car was presented in continental Europe as a product of Ford’s European operation. This Escort was popular at the time of its introduction in Uganda. It was also used in motor rallies, thanks to its fast speed.
