Mika Lehtonen has dedicated himself to restoring an old Tunturi moped, which was once considered undesirable, showcasing a unique piece of Finnish automotive history.
Mika Lehtonen, a 51-year-old from Tampere, has been restoring vintage mopeds in a small storage space as a hobby for over a year. His latest project involves a Tunturi Mikro, an old moped that was given away as bingo prizes during the 1960s and 70s in Finland. The rare moped was previously owned by a woman from Ikaalinen, but her husband was too embarrassed to be seen riding it in public, leading to the moped being neglected in a covered storage area for over 50 years.
After discovering the Tunturi Mikro through an online advertisement, Lehtonen saw potential where others saw a relic of the past. Despite its unpopularity, Lehtonen became fascinated by this particular model, noting its rarity in Finland—only 374 units were imported. His quest to restore the moped not only reflects his passion for classic vehicles but also highlights the changing perceptions around such unique automotive pieces over the years.
The restoration journey is not just a personal challenge for Lehtonen, but also a celebration of a bygone era in Finnish moped culture. By reviving this Tunturi Mikro, he is preserving a piece of history that many have forgotten, and perhaps encouraging others to appreciate the value of these once-overlooked machines.
