Lancia Thesis turned into a camper: sedan with roof tent
An Estonian enthusiast saved a rare Lancia Thesis from scrapping, restored it using 3D-printed parts, and converted it into a camper with a hard-shell roof tent.
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An Estonian enthusiast saved a rare Lancia Thesis from scrapping, restored it using 3D-printed parts, and converted it into a camper with a hard-shell roof tent.
In Estonia, SUV owners, including Porsche Cayenne, are registering their vehicles as motorhomes to reduce the new registration fee. The Transport Department confirmed the scheme is legal but has nuances. The tax has drawn criticism for extra costs and a drop in used car sales.
In Estonia, car dealer Upcar listed a BMW X7 registered with the Transport Department as a 'motorhome' (camper). This classification allows bypassing the higher car tax that took effect in 2025. The dealer claims the loophole was created by the state.
SUV owners in Estonia are re-registering their vehicles as motorhomes to avoid high registration fees under the Motor Vehicle Tax Act effective January 2025. The law exempts motorhomes from weight-based fee calculations. For instance, registering a BMW X7 as a motorhome reduces the fee from €6,000 to €2,400. The Transport Administration says it cannot intervene if EU requirements are met, while former Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev calls for regulatory changes.
Private individuals and car dealers in Estonia are exploiting a legal loophole by registering expensive SUVs as motorhomes, cutting the initial registration tax by 2-3 times. The Transport Department confirms the scheme is legal if the required equipment is installed.
According to Citadele Leasing, the volume of financing for motorhome purchases in Estonia increased by 85% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The market has already surpassed the figures of the record year 2024. Growth is attributed to the pandemic, geopolitical instability, and flight disruptions. Many buyers are young families and entrepreneurs, with prices for new models starting at €75,000.
Organizers of the WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2026 have prepared special zones for motorhome and caravan owners. The event will take place from July 16 to 19, 2026, in the vicinity of Tartu. Premium spots directly at special stages and standard parking are available for campers. A 4-day Rally Pass costs €59, a Fan Pass €69, with a 10% discount using promo code Camper10.
Narva Museum expanded accommodation options on the castle grounds, adding a caravan park and a tent camping site. Revenue from guest accommodation increased by over 25% compared to the previous year.
From June 12 to 14, 2026, the Karksi-Nuia Motokeskus in Estonia will host a round of the FIM Sidecarcross and Quad World Championships. Organizers offer parking for motorhomes and caravans at €50 for Friday to Sunday, with electricity not included. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable, with refunds only possible at the organizer's discretion in case of cancellation or postponement.
The number of motorhomes in Estonia is growing, increasing risks for owners. Insuring a motorhome differs from standard car insurance: the owner must accurately declare its real value, otherwise compensation is proportionally reduced in case of damage. For example, if the actual value is €100,000 and the insured sum is €50,000, only half is paid. Comprehensive insurance covers sudden events like accidents, fire, or vandalism, but not equipment wear.
In the podcast 'Blonde Behind the Wheel', motorhome owner Vladimir Goman discussed the real costs and daily life of living in a motorhome. He noted that air travel is cheaper but prefers traveling by motorhome. Topics included parking, winter use, sanitation, and road expenses in Estonia.
Victor Carchedi and Anita Currat from Chablais completed a motorhome trip through the Baltic states, covering 10,000 km in 4 months. The route included Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and 11 other countries. In 2024, the couple had already reached the North Cape. Victor edited a film about the journey, to be screened on March 15 in Monthey.
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