Staffan Runhag

Staffan Runhag's journey into the world of custom cars and rods began in the quaint town of Enköping, Sweden. His initial foray into vehicle modification wasn't with cars but rather with mopeds and motorcycles. Alongside his friend, Anders Larsson, Staffan's early years were marked by a growing fascination and skill in transforming everyday vehicles into something more personalized and powerful. This period set the stage for his later ventures, showcasing his innate talent for design and customization.

One of Staffans fantastic drawings

A pick up that Staffan owned.

Staffan Runhag's 1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe.

Janne Råström's 1928 Ford Model A Coupe as it appeared when Staffan owned it.

Staffan helped Tord Enström lay flames on his 1939 Ford Tudor Sedan in 1983. The Tudor was Enström's first hot rod, and it was Staffan Runhag who tipped him about it in 1971. Working on and off the car, he completed the build around 1983. Photo from The Tord Enström Collection.

A Chevrolet custom that Staffan owned.

Staffan Runhag's journey into the world of custom cars and rods began in the quaint town of Enköping, Sweden. His initial foray into vehicle modification wasn't with cars but rather with mopeds and motorcycles. Alongside his friend, Anders Larsson, Staffan's early years were marked by a growing fascination and skill in transforming everyday vehicles into something more personalized and powerful. This period set the stage for his later ventures, showcasing his innate talent for design and customization.

A Maestro with a Pencil and a Wrench: Dual Talents

Over the years, Staffan's garage saw a parade of rods and customs, each bearing his unique touch. However, his talents were not limited to the garage. Staffan had a parallel career as a drawing teacher, inspiring young minds in schools around Enköping. His artistic prowess wasn't confined to the classroom either. He became a prominent contributor to the hot rodding scene through his vivid illustrations and posters for Colorod Magazine and the Hot Rod Show. These works were more than mere drawings; they were a window into the soul of a man who lived and breathed the hot-rodding culture.

The Writer's Touch: Staffan's Editorial Contributions

Staffan's relationship with Colorod Magazine wasn't limited to illustrations. He also penned several articles, weaving his deep knowledge and passion for custom cars into engaging narratives. These pieces were more than just articles; they were stories that captured the essence of the hot-rodding culture, told by someone who was deeply embedded in it.

An Artist First: The Memory of an Icon

Tord Enström, one of Staffan's closest friends, fondly remembered him as more of an artist than a mechanical handyman. Staffan possessed a remarkable memory for images and faces, a trait that not only made him a beloved teacher and friend but also a meticulous and creative custom car enthusiast. His ability to recall details translated into his work, where each car was not just a machine, but a canvas for his artistic expression.

A Founding Father: The Birth of SSRA

Staffan's legacy in the hot-rodding community is cemented by his role as one of the initiators and founders of the Swedish Street Rod Association (SSRA). His contribution to the club went beyond just ideas; he designed the logotype sticker, a symbol that would represent the club since its inception at Tidö Slott on June 14, 1975. This act wasn't just about forming a club; it was about creating a community, a family of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for hot rods.

A Life Celebrated: Remembering Staffan Runhag

Staffan's journey through life was marked by creativity, passion, and a deep love for the hot-rodding culture. He never got married, devoting his life instead to his art and his cars. In 2011, at the age of 64, Staffan Runhag passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the hot-rodding community. His life was a testament to the fact that one man's vision and dedication can leave an indelible mark on the world. Staffan Runhag may have left us, but his spirit lives on in every line he drew, every article he wrote, and in the heart of every hot rod that roars down the streets of Enköping.

Staffan Runhag's Cars

Janne Råström's 1928 Ford Model A Coupe
Staffan Runhag's 1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe
Staffan Runhag's 1937 Ford Slantback
Staffan Runhag's 1947 Chevrolet Coupe
Staffan Runhag's 1947 Ford Pickup
Ola Olsson's 1950 Ford 1983

Cars featuring Custom Paintwork by Staffan Runhag

Tord Enström's 1939 Ford Tudor Sedan