Copy by Jon Mikelonis. Photos courtesy of FordMuscle subscriber Ville Sievers.

Introduction
As automotive enthusiasts, our recreational time is not often spent exploring the various cultures of the world, but rather it is spent trying to preserve threatened American cultures, like Hot Rodding. Fortunately, the internet has opened our eyes to international trends in the automotive hobby we may have otherwised missed. Consider that right here, in our very own forums section, you will find readers from Germany, Sweden, Norway, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia. Sure, some of us grew up knowing that racing and modifying home built Fords was big in Australia, but it took three Mad Max film productions to send us the message. Through the power of the internet and the formation of the FordMuscle forums we are able to interact with enthusiasts from Finland who are overcoming great obstacles and other barriers to entry, in order to build and modify their favorite examples of Ford muscle.

Fords Cars and Enthusiasts in Finland
Ford of Finland imported cars from 1915 to 1992. Various models were brought in and like the United States, the 1960's were considered the Golden Era for musclecars. It was at this time when Ford shipped its' widest variety of models, including Mustangs, Fairlanes, Thunderbirds, and Galaxies, creating an odd footnote for the term "import car".

Overall, U.S. Fords are not and have never been a typical sight in Finland. Additionally, the relative high price of U.S. imports forced many Fins to purchase less glamorous Volkswagen Beetles or Ford's European special, the Anglia. However, the Anglia left something to be desired and made the larger and more powerful U.S. models seem especially exciting. Perhaps it was this lust for American muscle that has recently boosted the popularity of the hobby as long time admirers are now in the financial position to make a dream come true. Afterall, a good number of U.S. Fords have been privately imported to Finland over just the past 20 years. Currently, there are about 1000 Mustangs in the country with almost all of them being well maintained. 1965 to 1973 pony cars are most popular among Finnish Ford enthusiasts, but a good number of other models have been imported. See the picture galleries at www.mustangclub.fi or www.ford-freak.org to get a idea what our fellow hobbyists in Finland are working on.

The Finnish Rulebook
Finnish Ford Enthusiasts must play by a set of rules we are not accustomed to here in the United States. However, for the love of the game, they are getting it done. The glory of having a complete running Ford musclecar is especially rewarding in Finland. In Finland, governement legislation is not friendly for car enthusiasts. Engine swaps are quite strictly regulated as are many other modifications. Laws state that if you change 50% of the parts on your project car, you will be forced to pay a car tax which will be calculated on the basis of a new "similar" car.

Parts aquisition has its' drawbacks as well. Wrecking yards are all but absent of American cars, so bargain hunting is non-existent. Even though the largest speed shop in Europe is located in Finland, you can expect to pay double the price you would here for your next performance part. If you are wise you can order direct from the USA through Summit but you'll have to add Freight, Customs Fees, and Turnover Tax. Which adds up to about 50% of the purchase price.

On the positive side, smog laws are less restrictive than in the United States. All pre 80's cars are exempt in Finland. Also, once a car or a performance part is imported to Finland, it holds its' value much better than it would in the United States. Finally, there is an overwhelming amount of pride that comes with driving a killer example of Ford muscle, like Ville Sievers 1980 Fairmont Futura.

About the Car
Most likely, Ville Sievers' Fairmont was imported to Finland in 1980 by Ford of Finland. When he purchased the car there were only 56,000 miles on the odometer. The original engine was a 200cid inline six that produced a meager 88hp. It was not long before Ville sold the entire drivetrain and began plans for a 460 build. Unfortunately, legal issues prevented such an ambitious modification. Ville modified the I-6 k-member and planned on a 351 Windsor instead. The current 393 stroker is the Fairmont's fifth 351 Windsor version since Ville purchased the car.

The car is primarily used in the summertime, 1-2 times a week. Ville claims the car is very driveable and has given him little problems. On the road, performance is excellent. Torque and horsepower are plenty with the
393 and 5-speed combination. In Finland, there has been more than one superbike that has encountered the surprise of its' life. All the original power conveniences are in place and Ville even added extra noise insulation. She's all steel, but despite all of this the car weighs less than 3100 lbs. There is even room for a stereo and the trunk is big enough for his Hoosiers. The interior... roomy enough for the family. This Finnish 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura is definitely no trailer queen.