Palle Eriksson

Palle Eriksson's 1924 Chevrolet roadster. The first version of Palle's rod was shown at the 1965 Hot Rod Show in Stockholm.

Order from: Sweden - Norway - Rest of the world

Early life

Per-Erik "Palle" Eriksson (b. 1943) of Stockholm, Sweden. Palle lived in Västerhaninge, and belonged to the second generation of Swedish hot rodders.
His father, David Eriksson, ran a successful company called 'X-tegel' located in Vendelsö.
In the early 1960s, Palle bought a cheap 1928 Harley-Davidson 750cc with a sidecar to play around with.
Unfortunately not having a driving license, so after a police control, his approval for a car license was postponed until he was 20 years old, 1963.
He got in contact with other motor gangs rising south of Stockholm area, like the Sandberg family and "Sillarna".

Together with Arne Saxin, who lived close to the Broberg family in Enskedefältet, Palle went on a trip to Monaco, just as an adventure.

In 1962, he swapped the Harley for a complete windshield from an early Ford, together with some other parts.
Deeply inspired by his friends and Hot Rod magazines, the intention was of course now to build a Hot Rod!

First car

He modified a frame from a mid-1930 Ford with kick-ups in front and rear, prepared the frame for the new driveline.
He used roadster body pieces from three different Chevrolet year models, mainly 1924.

The big engine was taken from a crashed 1958 Chrysler, a 392 ci Hemi producing 380 hp (!) with two 4-bbl carbs.
For more details, see Palle_Eriksson's_1924_Chevrolet.

The car was first painted by Bo 'Gamen' Sandberg in the popular purple color, however Palle had it re-painted in yellow in late 1964.

This was the most spectactable cars in Sweden at this time and of course draw everybodys attention on the street and in magazines.

Show time and a wild trip to Italy

The wild Hot Rod won 1st prize at the first exhibition SHOW-64, as well as the first Hot Rod Show April 1965.
In Marmorhallarna Palle borrowed a rotating platform for the car, giving it an extra push on the show.

It was also diplayed at Hot Rod Show 1965 November Marmorhallarna.

Palle got much credits for his building and engineering skills, so the Hot Rod Show promotor Jonas Qvarnström
asked him to assemble a project car during the November Show. In a roped-off area, a large table was used for all
components for the car, most of it chromed for over 4.500 SEK.

Palle, welldressed in a white long coat, worked 3-4 hours a day to set the T-bucket together.
The rod became later the Stig Dahlin T-23 Yankee Car.
Palle helped other Hot rodders in the Stockholm area with many things during these years.

During the summer of 1964, Palle was one of the guys joining the Trip to Italy.
We are currently checking what REALLY happened to Palle during this trip as he got the car damaged in Germany and presumably in jail?

The South Africa adventure

Many rumours have been spread regarding Palles trip to South Africa in 1966.
Kustomrama let Palle himself tell us the true story including exclusive photos from the stay;

Later years

He moved to Florida, USA in the late 1960s and started a car dealer company Ericsson & Meyer.
The journeys between US and Sweden were many, including transporting cars and boats for trading.
He got a contract for transporting goods from South America to Florida, bought two cargo ships and earned well.

In the beginning of 1980s, Palle purchased a T-23 bucket rod in Florida. He shipped it over to Sweden and modified it for
better safety and looks. With US plates, fenderless and wild stance, he cruised in Stockholm area fully legally.

The rod remained in Sweden, never got registered, and still need a new owner to get it back on the streets!

Palle Eriksson's Cars

Palle Eriksson's 1924 Chevrolet Roadster
Palle Eriksson's Ford T-23 Roadster