Finnish customs authorities say more than 100 mostly vintage Soviet cars abandoned by migrants crossing the Nordic country’s border with Russia have actually been sold in a two-day auction that drew some 1,300 car enthusiasts to the Arctic.
Spokesperson from the customs unit in Salla stated Saturday the Finnish state netted some 19,000 euros ($21,000) for the sale of 129 cars.
Lots of were rusty Soviet-era Ladas and Volgas dated to 1970s and 1980s.
The cars, sold primarily to collectors in rates ranging from one euro to a couple of hundred euros, were left by migrants previously this year. Finland barred individuals from crossing the vehicles-only border point in Salla on bicycles for safety factors.
The greatest price in the auction was spent for a rare Volga 3010 model, which sold for 1,200 euros ($1,318) to the Salla Municipality “as a souvenir,” county official Asko Viitanen said.
