Custom Motor Show at Elmia 2026

The Custom Motor Show 2026 Elmia is one of those events that never really fits into a single category. It's not just a car show, but just as much a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, history, and the future all under one roof.
Here, extreme show builds, iconic classics, pure racing machines and projects still in progress meet. And in between, the audience, from families with children to hardcore enthusiasts, trying to take it all in at once.
This year's edition was no exception.

BMW M2 (Berglaget Gold)

A BMW M2 in “Berglaget Gold”, built by Dice Wrap Industries and painted by Mullsjö Lackering.
Behind the car stands Dan “Tango” Ambjörnsson, with a clear connection to Nürburgring where he has spent a lot of time behind the wheel. It shows in how the car is built.
Wide screens, aerodynamic solutions and a no-compromise attitude point more towards lap times than parking spots. The colour draws you in, but it's the overall package that makes you stay.
It looks extreme, but at the same time feels honest.

BMW M2Apple Computer livery

A BMW M2 with Apple Computer-inspired livery, owned and driven by Jimmy Särås.
The colours set the tone immediately. The classic rainbow design from Apple's early era works unexpectedly well on a modern track car.
But this is more than a visual tribute. With a lap time of 7:21.82 around the Nürburgring, the car is built to be driven for real.
The Gran Turismo sticker on the windscreen ties it all together. Digital racing culture meets real-world driving.

Lamborghini Aventador SVMeguiar's)

A Lamborghini Aventador on display by Meguiar’s, largely in its original condition.
In an environment where much has been extensively reimagined, it becomes almost more interesting to see something that doesn't try to change. The Aventador really doesn't need anything more.
Here it's about the finish, surface, and presentation instead.
A reminder of how strong the factory design already is.
I have driven both myself Aventador, Aventador S and Aventador SVJ, which adds an extra dimension to how one views the car here.

Custom Volvo (Morgan Svennarp)

A heavily modified Volvo P1800 in an intense metallic green colour, built by Morgan Svennarp.

At first glance, the silhouette is clear, but beneath the surface, it's something else entirely.
The car is in fact built on a Dodge Stealth, which is the American sister model to the Mitsubishi 3000GT.

That explains the proportions, width, and stance.
The bodywork has been redesigned to tie the visuals together, smoother, wider, and more cohesive than the original, but with a technical foundation that takes the car far from what a P1800 once was.

It's a build where nothing has been left to chance.
One that doesn't shout, but holds your gaze.

Volkswagen Karmann GhiaTingsryds Paintworks Ltd)

A Karmann Ghia in a muted green tone that at first glance feels restrained, but which turns out to be something else entirely.
Beneath the surface lies an extensive rebuild, where an LS1 V8 has been relocated forward, with a front axle from a BMW E39 and a rear axle from a BMW E90. The body has been both widened and lengthened, while preserving the original lines.
The building is designed by Sven-Inge Fagerström, who also designed the rims himself.
The result was greatly rewarded at this year's Custom Motor Show, including a win for Best Interior in Hall B.
Discreet at first glance. Extreme in the details.

Rat rod pick-up (GMC AFKWX 1944)

Built by Merrik Hornschuh from Germany.
Nothing is faked here. Rust, patina and worn surfaces are the whole point.
The proportions are exaggerated and the expression is crude.
Among my perfect show builds, this one is almost the most striking.

DeLorean (electric conversion, Markus Sörlin)

A DeLorean with open gull-wing doors, now with modern electric drive.
The contrast works. The shape remains, but the powertrain points forward.
An icon in a new guise.

Audi RS 6 Performance (Jon Olsson / Innominate)

One of the fair's biggest crowd-pleasers.
The graphical wrap changes in the light and draws you in instantly.
Widening and details build upon an already strong foundation.
I have driven myself Audi RS 6 Performance and it's a car that delivers exactly what it promises, whether it's everyday use or full attack.
It lands somewhere in between a show and a performance.

Volkswagen Transporter (Toni Ruotsalainen)

A rolling sound system from Finland. At Custom Motor Show 2026, it's clear to see the wide range. The rear is more stage than car, and here it's as much about design as technology.

Tesla Cybertruck

One of the most debated cars right now.
Raw, angular and almost unreal in reality.
I was the first, and still the only, Swedish journalist to test drive it and write an article about it.
It's a completely different thing to drive it than to just look at it.

Volkswagen Golf GTI 50 Years

50 years of GTI. Still relevant.
Compact, usable and built around driving pleasure.
I will borrow it for a test drive – the article will be on CarsCollection.com.

Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 (Thomas Lennstrand)

Group B in its purest form.
Short wheelbase, extreme aero and brutal power.
Built for one purpose. To go as fast as possible.

Dolphin Dreams (Fredrik Molander)

At the Custom Motor Show 2026, it's noticeable even in the smaller details.
A show truck where every surface has been meticulously crafted.
Airbrush, light and chrome in extreme detail.
More experience than transport.

Ferrari 308 (Rickard Fritz)

My friend Rickard Fritz's project.
Engine out, parts dismantled.
Raw, honest and full of potential.
This is the start of something.
Rickard also owns a Ferrari Testarossa, which I photographed for my article about the model celebrating its 40th anniversary last year., which gives an extra dimension to following this project from the start.

Facel Vega (Olof Grönkvist)

French elegance meets American power.
Hand-built and exclusive, with an interior that leans towards aeroplanes.
Another time.

Lancia Stratos (replica) & Fiat 131 Abarth Rally, Ewa Andersson

Two different personalities, same goal. The Stratos is uncompromising. The 131 Abarth is more subtle. The Alitalia colours tie together a raw rally era.

Oden (MonsterRace Team, Kewin Harrysson)

Raw power. No subtlety.
A monster truck taking over the room.
Next to one of the tyres, a mother is taking a photo of her son.
Perspective is everything.
It is precisely that balance that makes Custom Motor Show 2026 something you'll want to return to.

Restoration Show Halls

This is about the process.
Project, history and cars on the way back.
Everything starts somewhere.