Zlombol 2024 to Norway

Have you noticed all the colorful Polish cars that have appeared on Norwegian roads lately? They participate in a charity race with nostalgic cars. This year, the goal is the Atlantic Road in Norway.

The Atlantic Road

This year's rally is number 18. Starting in Katowice on Saturday 29 June, the first cars reached the border to Norway already on the night of Monday 1 July. After 2 race days, the participants gather at Gardermoen Raceway for a motor event followed by a party. They then continue north to the finish line, which is at the end of the Atlanterhavsveien on Nordmøre. It is expected that everyone will arrive within 4 days. Afterwards, many of the participants will probably continue their journey to other tourist destinations.

The vehicles

According to the regulations, the vehicles must be at least 20 years old and manufactured in a former Eastern European country. All types of vehicles can be included – cars with and without caravans, vans with overnight accommodation, buses, motorbikes and scooters. Traveling several hundred miles in an old hobby vehicle requires a lot of preparation. Many of the cars have therefore undergone full technical restoration. Zlombol probably means "scrap race" or something like that, but the cars seem to be in very good condition for their age.

Many of the cars have taken part in previous races

Fully packed FSO Polonez station wagon

The event

Zlombol (Złombol) is a rally that gathers Poles in older, nostalgic cars. It is a "non-profit" event where the proceeds go to charity. This year, they will be used to strengthen mental health services for children in Polish orphanages. The income comes from participation fees, sale of effects and sponsorship income.

The participants

The participants appear to be completely ordinary, adult people. You can probably assume that they like motoring and have a sporty attitude to all the challenges that an event like this can provide.
 
During the communist regime, Poles could not freely go on holiday to neighboring western countries. It only happened in the 1980s when the regime fell. Small, under-engined cars with roof racks were for many years a characteristic of Polish tourists. I am sure that many of the participants in this year's race have fond childhood memories of early holidays abroad.
 

Skoda dominates

The cars in close proximity are relatively modern cars. Many of them are the Skoda Felicia, which with its early Volkswagen roots must be safe choices. The cars in the pictures are of the FSO Polonez brand - the successor to the Polski Fiat 125p. Polonez were never sold in Norway, but Polski Fiat 125p became quite popular here at home in the 1970s. I don't know exactly how many cars are participating this year, but according to a previous message on social media, it could be 650 different teams - maybe more. No one travels alone. The cars I saw along the road on Monday were filled with people and luggage, and there was a good atmosphere between the teams along the road - and probably also when they stop for the night. The social framework around an event like this must be very special.
 
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