Final weekend, I visited the charming metropolis of Lahti, Finland. After a fast ferry experience from Tallinn, Estonia, and a motorway sprint from Helsinki, I arrived at Lahti Harbour, desirous 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 automobile present calendar since its inception. This yr 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 automobiles invited from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and past, pleasure was palpable.
Contained in the live performance corridor, round 20 hand-selected automobiles headlined the occasion. The magnificent picket structure added an air of sophistication to the showcase.
I’ll take a better take a look at this wild VW Bus in an upcoming highlight.
Whereas bikes aren’t often featured on Speedhunters, among the two-wheeled creations on show had been genuinely spectacular.
Outdoors, the automobile parks had been a relentless hive of exercise. With house for roughly 200 entered autos, the range was exceptional. Every part from modern European lightweights to traditional American lowriders and race automobiles showcased the creativity of the European customized automobile scene. The standard of the builds was wonderful too.
As I wandered among the many rows of automobiles, it was evident that Fitted Fest had as soon as once more raised the bar.
Each automobile 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 characteristic, so keep tuned to search out out!
The Tesla Mannequin 3, on air experience and slammed over SSR wheels, supplied a refreshing distinction to the various ’90s fanatic automobiles 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 yr.
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 truly a BMW E36!
My Estonian associates from Lowtown Workshop had a sales space showcasing three automobiles on static suspension and an E30 on luggage. Remarkably, all had been pushed to the occasion.
In truth, only some automobiles arrived on trailers; most entrants made the journey of their autos, having fun with them to and from the present.
A particular shout-out to the automobiles beforehand featured on Speedhunters – a number of had been current they usually seemed implausible.
The coveted ‘Individuals’s Alternative’ 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 automobile at Ultrace and has claimed outright victories at smaller reveals. Its attract lies within the fusion of traditional JDM and distinctive customized parts.
The outside is especially hanging, because of an Evolution Complete Programs V1 physique equipment 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 middle caps.
A video is the one method to totally recognize Andžej’s customized tail lamps, so take a look at 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 characteristic is the chromed door handles, crafted from shredded US one-dollar payments. They include phosphorus, which makes them glow at midnight.
The inside boasts traditional VIP styling, with a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel changing the Lexus unique 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 automobile scene is really spectacular. I left with my coronary heart filled with inspiration and my digicam crammed 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 convey subsequent summer season.
Vladimir Ljadov
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