Classic Motorshow 2025 Brings Together Classic Vehicle Enthusiasts in Lahti on May 3–4
The Lahti Fair Centre will once again host Classic Motorshow, gathering fans of classic vehicles on the first weekend of May. Motorsport will be strongly represented this year, both in the exhibition halls and on the main stage. The show’s theme is the 1980s – a decade that catapulted many Finnish motorsport heroes to the very top of the world.
In the notorious Group B rally era, numerous Finnish drivers competed as professionals, and during the 1980s, Finland claimed no fewer than five World Rally Championship titles, won by four different drivers.
While it took fearless drivers to control the wild cars of that era, perhaps even braver were the co-drivers who joined them in the cockpit. These heroes will be seen and heard at the Classic Motorshow on Sunday.
At 1:00 PM on the main stage, legendary Group B co-drivers Seppo Harjanne, Ilkka ‘Kiiki’ Kivimäki, and Juha Piironen will share their stories.
They will be joined by Timo Pulkkinen, a motorsport journalist from that era, who will guide the discussion.
Each of the co-drivers claimed championships during their careers: Kivimäki with Markku Alén, Harjanne with both Timo Salonen and later Tommi Mäkinen, and Piironen alongside Juha Kankkunen.
The world of rallying was an intense and close-knit community, travelling to the most exotic corners of the globe – and collecting stories both from within and beyond the sport. Expect an unforgettable storytelling session. You’re warmly welcome to listen in!
40 Years Since Pekka Vehkonen’s Motocross World Title
Pekka Vehkonen celebrates the 40th anniversary of his world championship title this year. He won the 125cc motocross world championship in 1985, riding for the Cagiva factory team. Known for his explosive riding style and technical skill, Vehkonen quickly rose to fame in the motocross world.
A replica of his title-winning Cagiva will be on display at the Classic Motocross Finland booth in Hall B.
Pekka Vehkonen will visit the Classic Motorshow on Sunday and appear on the main stage for an interview with Timo Pulkkinen at 3:00 PM.
Pentti Korhonen – Motorcycle Racing Legend
Also on Sunday, legendary road racer Pentti Korhonen will take the stage. Korhonen competed in the World Championship Grand Prix series during the 1970s and achieved several podium finishes, including the bronze medal in the 350cc World Championship in 1975.
He will be interviewed by Timo Pulkkinen on the main stage at 12:00 PM.
Motorsport Highlights Throughout the Show
Classic Motorshow showcases classic vehicles from many angles. Motorsport is especially well represented at these booths:
Group B Rally (B6): A tribute booth telling the story of one of the most dramatic eras in rally history.
Fredric Donner’s Rover 3500 S (Lobby 1): A rare rally car, carefully restored and now shown to the public for the first time, along with the compelling story of its driver.
Friends of the Rally Museum (B17): Featuring a replica of Ari Vatanen’s Opel Ascona 400 and information on the association’s activities.
Classic Motocross Finland (C15): The MM-Cagiva of Pekka Vehkonen, motocross bikes from the 1980s, and a children’s motocross experience.
Classic Enduro (C13): Enduro motorcycles from the 1980s (Kawasaki, KTM, Honda, Maico, and more).
Historic Rally Club Finland (B18): Honoring the memory of Timo Mäkinen with a Ford Escort theme.
Lammi Motorsport Club (A6): Rally cars from the 1980s, rally simulators, and an introduction to the F-Cup.
Opel Team SF (A10): Displaying Eeva Lindholm’s (née Heinonen) Finnish Championship Opel Kadett Rallye (BTN-1), along with interviews of Opel rally drivers.
Finnish IMP Club (E12): A 1970s-style service station, frequented by local racers.
Ring Race Club (A7): Presenting the Circuit Racing series and the Finnish Championship event at KymiRing.
You’ll also find motorsport spirit, products, and services at these and other booths: Historic Race Finland, VW Aircooled Rally Series, RTE-Motorsport, DDN Sports, Eurowagon, Tykkimäki Motorsport Track, and Suomen Kaasutinexpertti.
As always with Classic Motorshow, the last gems and surprises will be revealed only at the venue.
Classic Motorshow 2025 offers a nostalgic and immersive journey into Finnish classic vehicle culture. Welcome to experience the races, stories, and legends – on both four wheels and two!
