Have you considered turning your pastime into a side business? That, therefore, is the tale of Empire 007, also known as Prince Johnson of Nakuru County.
In an interview with a vlogger on Friday, April 22, Johnson talked about his enthusiasm and love for cars in general and old cars in particular.
The man, who works two jobs as an IT specialist, revealed that although he also sells computers, he prioritizes his automobile business since it pays more.
“Although I work as an IT specialist, I have always had a passion for cars. Interestingly though, I make more money from my passion than from my real hustle,” he said.
Johnson went on to say that when he was sixteen, his family was startled when he paid Ksh40,000 for his first car in Form Two.
“I wasn’t even given the proper paperwork by the individual who sold me the automobile. I wasn’t sure if these were significant,” he said.
Johnson claims that the most costly vehicle he ever purchased was a Toyota Vitz together with a Ksh700,000 car that he renovated for roughly Ksh300,000 and sold for Ksh1.3 million.
However, the least expensive vehicle he purchased cost him Ksh35,000, while the renovations cost him Ksh150,000.
It appears that Johnson has a distinct taste and an eye for abandoned and run-down cars based on his extensive collection of old cars. Like sports cars, the majority of his vehicles have yellow paint.
Searching for vintage cars that were discarded almost two decades prior, Johnson travels throughout the nation extensively, proving the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
He claimed to have purchased at least 100 vehicles for his business. He mentioned that some of his redesigned cars have been in numerous music videos around the nation.
Obtaining replacement parts for his vintage autos is one of the ongoing difficulties he tackles. He occasionally purchases multiple vehicles in order to obtain parts for a single vehicle.
“It might cost up to a year to prepare a car, making it a costly and difficult process. He went on, “This is not (a venture) for everyone (or faint of heart).”
In the next four years, Johnson wants to be running his business full-time and renovating additional abandoned historic cars. Along with this, he intends to collaborate with other countywide auto enthusiasts to plan an annual car exhibition.
“It is advised that anyone considering this endeavor have a clear understanding of their motivations. Is it for profit or just a hobby?” he suggested.
By Newshub