A great place for young people who love engines

The pizza disappears quickly, and the visitors head into the workshop hall to continue working on their pride and joy. Today, four cars are inside. Around one of them, a whole group of friends has gathered.

“My friends are helping me replace my engine with a six-cylinder diesel,” says the car’s owner. “I could never have done this alone at home. The staff are always nearby to offer support and advice. It’s great.”

Reuse and renovation

On one of the tables lies a complete engine, taken apart into its components. Suspended from the ceiling is a 1995 Volvo 940. Matilda Akusjärvi owns the vehicle, a so-called “A-tractor,” and she is giving it a thorough rust treatment.

“This was originally my brother’s car,” she explains. “I used to join him when he worked on it, and that’s how my interest in engines started. Now I come to Toppen about once a month. Everything I need to take care of my vehicle is here. It’s practical and inexpensive.”

At Toppen Motor Yard, young people aged 13 to 25 can rent a space for their car, moped, or snowmobile at cost price—either for a day or month-to-month. Pelle Brännström, one of three youth leaders at the site, has been part of the project since it started seven years ago and helped build the workshop on Industrivägen.

“We have three short-term spots and three permanent ones, two of which have vehicle lifts for work underneath the car,” he says. “We focus on reuse as much as possible. Everything young people need for repairs and renovation is available here.”

In addition to working on their vehicles, young visitors can join activities such as tire-changing evenings, meet-ups for A-tractors, film nights, flea markets, and open-house events. Through the youth council, they can also help plan the activity schedule.

A safe place to spend time together

Besides the workshop hall, the motor yard includes a common room with a small kitchen, a pool table, and a dartboard.

“Toppen is a workshop, but also a safe space where young people can relax, socialize, and feel welcome,” says Pelle Brännström. “Sometimes you just want to hang out with friends and take it easy. Everyone is welcome here.”

Casper Hansson visits the motor yard at least once a week. He likes that it’s a good place to work on vehicles, but also to meet new friends.

“The atmosphere here is very welcoming,” he says. “Everyone helps each other, even if we didn’t know each other before.”

In one of the short-term spots stands a friend’s A-tractor. It’s a newer model and doesn’t need repairs very often. Instead, the owner comes to Toppen to make modifications—such as installing a sound system, working on the paint, or changing tires.

“We have everything here: jacks, impact wrenches, and other heavy tools that most people don’t have at home,” Pelle Brännström explains. “And it’s more fun for the young people to work here together.”

Meeting others with the same passion

Toppen Motor Yard is run by the municipality and receives nearly one thousand visitors every year. Many parents also join, helping their children with their vehicles and being part of their free time. This contributes to the safe and friendly atmosphere.

“This is a place open to everyone,” say Julia Nordekvist and Neo Sandström Väätti, two of the youth coaches. “Maybe you live in an apartment without much space. Here you have access to a fully equipped workshop, you can practice your hobby, and meet others who share your interest. Not every community offers this opportunity.”

This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection.