The following feature was first published in SDE
John Kimani, a mechanical engineer has designed and built Limousine from his Nissan Sunny B14. The 25-foot stretch black limo comes with all the features found in the original machine minus the logo, headlamps and other specs. The 55-year-old mechanical engineer, who lectured in city colleges for more than two decades, took more than five years to turn his dream into reality early this year.
Kimani says that he bought well-maintained Nissan Sunny B14s and started the process of interlocking them for more than five months before the limo was used by the first couple. “Initially, I thought it will not take much time or cost a lot, but around 25 men had to come in under my instruction and close supervision all the time,” explained Kimani.
Some of the parts that had to be changed include suspension springs, exhaust pipe, and braking system, as well as the fitting paint applied by a glass expert. Kimani’s limo comes with cosy seats, cabinet for champagne board, large led screen and air-conditioner adjusted to passenger specifications.
The interior finishing includes lights that change depending on the occasion, from purple, greenish to red, making the interior warm and conducive all the time.
Kimani recalled that, “Not long ago, the vehicle was parked outside a bank in Kiambu town. Unknown to me someone had alerted police that it was a security threat judging by the tinted windows and ‘unknown owner.’ I received call from the area OCPD advising me to park it elsewhere.”
Kimani charges Sh50,000 per day within the city and an extra Sh10,000 for towns outside the city. An original limo can set one back almost ten times that much.
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Kimani says it’s easier to drive a truck than a limo, hence the need for a specialised driver and that aside, “I am planning to design other limos for other towns, not only as means to expand the business, but also to drive point home that with enough support, we can go the extra mile in the motor industry.”
