Car enthusiasts fill Swedish event despite high fuel prices

Thousands of car enthusiasts have gathered in Haaparanta, Sweden, for the Classic Motor Meet event, with many heading straight to the pump to fill up on cheaper fuel after crossing the Finnish border.

Among them were Kati Jäärni and Marko Tuhkanen, who drove from Kajaani in a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air towing a caravan, consuming 20 litres per 100 kilometres. Tuhkanen said the group would have made the trip regardless of fuel costs.

The event, which drew over 11,000 visitors last year, features a wide range of vehicles, primarily American classics. Event host Janne Smeds noted the inclusive atmosphere, with everything from high-performance cars to slow-moving EPA tractors—driven by young Swedish enthusiasts—sharing the same space.

Local builder Tobbe Oja showcased a custom car, a modern reinterpretation of a 1930s Ford, which took five years to complete. Named “Thor” after its owner, the one-of-a-kind vehicle blends vintage style with modern features like air conditioning and central locking.

Smeds, a car enthusiast himself, highlighted the importance of younger participants, calling them the future of the hobby.