Final weekend, I visited the charming metropolis of Lahti, Finland. After a fast ferry trip from Tallinn, Estonia, and a motorway sprint from Helsinki, I arrived at Lahti Harbour, desperate to dive into what I actually consider is Northern Europe’s premier stance present: Fitted Fest 2024.
Organized by Niko Aaltonen and Antti Eskeli, founders of CDLC.CO, Fitted Fest has been a spotlight on my automotive present calendar since its inception. This 12 months marked its debut as a two-day occasion.
The present space stretched between the beautiful Sibelius Live performance Corridor and the scenic Vesijärvi Harbor. With over 250 vehicles invited from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and past, pleasure was palpable.
Contained in the live performance corridor, round 20 hand-selected vehicles headlined the occasion. The magnificent wood structure added an air of sophistication to the showcase.
I’ll take a better have a look at this wild VW Bus in an upcoming highlight.
Whereas bikes aren’t often featured on Speedhunters, a few of the two-wheeled creations on show have been genuinely spectacular.
Outdoors, the automotive parks have been a continuing hive of exercise. With area for roughly 200 entered automobiles, the range was outstanding. All the things from glossy European lightweights to basic American lowriders and race vehicles showcased the creativity of the European customized automotive scene. The standard of the builds was superb too.
As I wandered among the many rows of vehicles, it was evident that Fitted Fest had as soon as once more raised the bar.
Each automotive present has its ‘highlights,’ however within the North, they are often delightfully unconventional. Take this R32 Nissan Skyline with a Mercedes-Benz turbo-diesel engine swap for instance. Whereas the rationale stays a thriller, Alen is planning a full function, so keep tuned to seek out out!
The Tesla Mannequin 3, on air trip and slammed over SSR wheels, supplied a refreshing distinction to the various ’90s fanatic vehicles on show. It wasn’t the one modified EV; this Volkswagen ID.4 additionally drew important consideration. I additionally know of a dropped VW ID. Buzz in Finland, although it didn’t make it to FittedFest this 12 months.
4 MkIV Toyota Supras, every modified in its personal distinctive approach – which might you select?
I initially mistook this clear construct for a Nissan Silvia S13…
Nevertheless, it’s really a BMW E36!
My Estonian mates from Lowtown Workshop had a sales space showcasing three vehicles on static suspension and an E30 on luggage. Remarkably, all have been pushed to the occasion.
In reality, only some vehicles arrived on trailers; most entrants made the journey of their automobiles, having fun with them to and from the present.
A particular shout-out to the vehicles beforehand featured on Speedhunters – a number of have been current they usually seemed unbelievable.
The coveted ‘Individuals’s Selection’ award at Fitted Fest 2024 went to a pristine 1992 Lexus LS 400, remodeled in bippu (VIP) type by Andžej Kuldoš from Lithuania. This Lexus was a High 16 automotive at Ultrace and has claimed outright victories at smaller reveals. Its attract lies within the fusion of basic JDM and distinctive customized parts.
The outside is especially placing, due to an Evolution Complete Techniques V1 physique package from the late ’90s. Rumor has it solely 5 of those kits stay, making it extraordinarily uncommon. The wheels are a set of 3-piece, 18-inch Carving Head 40s by Work, full with Spinner Sort 1 heart caps.
A video is the one approach to totally respect Andžej’s customized hind lights, so try this Instagram story for a better look. Over 2,000 LEDs and numerous hours of soldering and programming went into crafting the ‘present modes.’
One other standout function is the chromed door handles, crafted from shredded US one-dollar payments. They comprise phosphorus, which makes them glow at the hours of darkness.
The inside boasts basic VIP styling, with a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel changing the Lexus authentic and a full seat retrim in Italian Napa leather-based.
One facet I’ve grown to like about Fitted Fest is its vibrant but relaxed environment. Many attendees in contrast it to Ultrace however famous it’s extra laid-back, set to the soundtrack of Finnish hip-hop.
Fitted Fest’s evolution from a modest native gathering to a significant occasion within the European customized automotive scene is actually spectacular. I left with my coronary heart stuffed with inspiration and my digicam stuffed with unforgettable moments.
Lahti, as soon as once more, you’ve set the low-car bar extremely excessive. I’m eagerly anticipating what Fitted Fest 2025 will deliver subsequent summer time.
Vladimir Ljadov
Instagram: wheelsbywovka
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