FYI: The 2024 Fitted Fest by CDLC.CO showcased four standout vehicles that captivated attendees with their unique stories and personalizations.
At Fitted Fest 2024, held at the picturesque Sibelius Concert Hall and Vesijärvi Harbour in Finland, four car builds transcended the rest with their distinct stories and personal touches. These cars weren’t necessarily the most extravagant nor the most expensive, but they left a lasting impression.
Henri Heimakainen’s Fiat Abarth 1000TC Replica
Henri Heimakainen’s Fiat Abarth 1000TC replica is a masterpiece that manages to evoke both nostalgia and admiration. Initially a rusty Fiat 600, abandoned since 1994, Henri’s expertise in car projects and welding transformed it into a stunning replica of the famed Abarth 1000TC race car.
Key Features:
- Origin: Rescued in 2020 from a neglected state.
- Transformation: Rebuilt with fiberglass panels into a 1000TC replica.
- Design: Wide rear fenders, rear wing, and iconic Abarth paintwork.
- Engine: Stock A112 Autobianchi Abarth unit, producing 70-80 horsepower.
The car’s lively spirit is evident, drawing smiles just as the original Abarth racers did in their heyday.
Jan Fulkko’s Mazda RX-7 FD3S
Jan Fulkko’s journey with his 1994 Mazda RX-7 R2 exemplifies determination and craftsmanship. Jan, a sheet metal worker and auto painter by profession, sourced the severely damaged car from a Japanese auction, where it faced numerous defects and potential flood damage. However, Jan’s intuition led him to revive it, inspired by the Red Suns RX-7 from the anime "Initial D."
Key Features:
- Restoration: From wreck to wonder with an RE Amemiya body kit and personalized modifications.
- Wheels: Customized Desmond Super Longchamp XR3 wheels, resized from 17 to 18 inches.
- Engine: Fully studded, street-ported 13B-REW with a Holset HX40 Super Turbocharger, producing 512hp.
- Livery: Toyota’s Lightning Yellow paint with early 2000s-inspired carbon fiber accents.
The RX-7 stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its incredible performance enhancements.
Antti Esquerri’s BMW E21 Group 5 Tribute
Organized by Antti Eskeli, the Fitted Fest also showcased his manual BMW E21, tributing the iconic Group 5 class. Initially an ex-ice racer, Antti’s acquisition came fitted with a Pesch Motorsport Group 5 body kit. His goal was clear: to craft a Group 5 homage fit for public roads in Finland.
Key Features:
- Body Kit: Pesch Motorsport Group 5.
- Suspension: BC Racing components.
- Wheels: Rare three-piece FET Zisa wheels.
- Possible Engine Swap: Current M10B20 engine might make way for a Mazda 13B rotary engine.
The car’s future might include further upgrades, making it a continually evolving project.
Former Nakai Akira’s RWB 964 Stella Artois II
The Stella Artois II, a 1992 Porsche 964, marks a significant creation by Akira Nakai of RWB. Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2019, it combines Nakai’s signature style with significant performance tuning.
Key Features:
- Engine: Turbocharged 3.6L producing 500-600 horsepower.
- Design: RWB-spec Aragosta suspension, GReddy turbocharger, handcrafted exhaust.
- Provenance: Built by Nakai and later sold to a Finnish collector.
- History: Idlers Club track days and races in Japan, retaining its authentic wear.
This car’s inherent details and rich history make it a magnet for enthusiasts, adding layers of intrigue with every glance.
Concluding Thoughts
These vehicles represent how personal passion and creativity can turn classic models into legendary builds. Reflecting not just technical skill but also the love and vision behind each project, these four cars from Fitted Fest 2024 were memorable in their own unique ways.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
