Flåklypa Grand Prix: Norway’s Ultimate Vintage Car Adventure
- Marion Solheim
- May 22
- 3 min read
Updated: May 28
LOM: Each spring, hundreds of classic car enthusiasts gather in the mountain village of Lom for the largest vintage rally in Norway. Between towering peaks and winding roads, Flåklypa Grand Prix is a rolling tribute to pure joy on four wheels. The vintage car lovers sure know how to have fun!
A Rally with a Sunshine Guarantee
Every year on the last Saturday of May, the Flåklypa Grand Prix is held by the Jotunheimen Vintage Vehicle Club. The event takes its name from the beloved 1975 Norwegian animated film Flåklypa Grand Prix (internationally known as The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix). The action unfolds in the picturesque villages of Lom and Skjåk. In recent years, nearly 500 vehicles have participated in the rally every year.
A gleaming 1935 Morris 8 glides in with grace. A white 1968 Volkswagen Beetle radiates flower power. A 1957 Lincoln Premiere rolls by, straight out of another era.
-It’s impossible for me to choose a single dream car, laughs Jan Ivar Randen. He’s been the driving force behind the event since its inception in 1992.
-But I do have a soft spot for the oldest cars, he admits.
-Some date back to the 1910s. We’ve had a 1913 Mercedes here, and several Ford Model Ts. Truly magnificent vehicles!
Randen and his team welcome all kinds of vintage vehicles. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even tractors! The only requirement: they must be from 1969 or earlier.
Lom and Skjåk tend to show their best side in late May. Rain is rare. And in these surroundings, the good mood comes naturally! Bright green meadows with lambs playing, wildflowers lining the roadside, and enthusiastic crowds cheering from the sidelines. It all creates a festive, down-to-earth atmosphere. Flags wave, coffee cups are refilled - sometimes with beverages other than coffee.
-For sure! It’s always good weather here this time of year, says Jan Ivar Randen with a smile.
-I like to say that since I rarely pray, my request gets fast-tracked when I ask for sunshine in May, the veteran car general jokes.
Want to know about the lovely village Lom? Read more here!
The rally route winds its way through the actual village of Flåklypa in Bøverdalen. Yes, the one that inspired the fictional Flåklypa in the film. Along the way, participants stop at checkpoints to solve various challenges.
A 1936 Ford three-window coupe glides by. Beside it, a Volvo P1800 cruises peacefully, looking mighty fine in the scenery.
Cultural Significance
The event is more than just a car rally; it's a celebration of Norwegian cultural heritage. The original Flåklypa Grand Prix film, directed by Ivo Caprino and based on characters created by Kjell Aukrust, is one of Norway's most cherished and iconic films. It tells the story of inventor Reodor Felgen and his friends as they build the remarkable race car Il Tempo Gigante to compete against a rival who stole Felgen's engine design.
A full-scale replica of Il Tempo Gigante was constructed and has become an iconic symbol of the film's legacy. This car is often showcased at events and exhibitions, drawing fans of all ages.
Attending the Flåklypa Grand Prix offers a great opportunity to witness a parade of meticulously maintained vintage vehicles, in the midst of the stunning nature of Lom and Skjåk. No wonder the event attracts enthusiasts from across the country and beyond!
-What’s truly heartwarming, is seeing people come here from all across the country, says Jan Ivar Randen.
-And just really enjoying themselves together. We’ve had enthusiasts return every year for 30 years. That’s when you know you’re doing something right.
For more information, including registration details and event schedules, you can visit the official website.
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