Stockholm

Ralph Lysell’s visionary automobile as featured in Daily News Sun, November 4, 1934. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1907, Ralph Lysell pursued an ambitious automotive project in the United States before becoming a pioneering industrial designer in his home country. This radically streamlined car, designed while he was living in America, featured a teardrop-shaped body, a rear-mounted engine, gearless transmission, and a one-piece stamped frame, all of which were far ahead of their time. Lysell planned to produce three versions with power outputs ranging from 40 to 160 horsepower, boasting 40 miles per gallon on crude oil and 28 miles per gallon on gasoline. Though the article suggested the first prototype was nearing completion on Long Island, New York, the car never made it to production. Various reports claim he was forced out by the U.S. auto industry, lost his factory in a flood, or ran out of funding. Following this failed venture, Lysell returned to Sweden, where he became a key figure in industrial design, later working with L.M. Ericsson, Volvo, and other major Swedish companies.

Bo "Gamen" Sandberg's 1951 Hudson of Stockholm, Sweden. Widely regarded as the first flame-painted custom car in Sweden, Gamen's Hudson set a new standard when it hit the streets of Stockholm in 1958. Bo bought the Hudson in 1957 at age 17 and transformed it into a local legend by hand-painting flames over a purple base, a radical move that helped introduce American custom style to Swedish streets. Inspired by visits to the U.S. and fueled by car magazines few others had access to, Bo also founded The Road Devils that same year, with the Hudson proudly wearing club plaque #0. More than just a teenage cruiser, the car became a symbol of Sweden’s growing raggare scene and launched Bo’s lifelong mission to spread hot rod culture across Scandinavia.

Bosse Ericsson's 1932 Ford Roadster of Norrtälje in Stockholm, Sweden. Built in 1959, Bosse's Ford was one of the first hot rods in Sweden to run a Chevrolet V8 engine.

The famous Mooneyes Dragster on display at Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm in 1961. Built on a Dragmaster kit chassis and powered by a Chevrolet small-block engine with a Potvin front-mounted supercharger, the car had previously run an 8.97 ET in the United States before going on a European tour sponsored by Revell and Wentzels Hobby. The appearance of the Mooneyes Dragster in Sweden left a deep impression on local hot rodders such as Hans Broberg and Kjell Gustad, inspiring them to build their own dragster shortly after. Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

In 1961, Björn Ramsten founded The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club with a group of neighborhood friends in Stockholm, Sweden, naming it after the popular animated sitcom. This photograph, taken at Fredhäll in 1961, shows the club’s 1947 Buick convertible along with members Nils-Erik Schullström, Tommy Ternström, Björn Hammar, Tore Ström, and Björn Ramsten. Driver "Kurre" is also present, while Lelle Larsson operates the camera. During this era, clubs such as The Road Devils, Car Angels, and Teddyboys were active in Stockholm, but as Björn recalled, “We were 6–7 friends with cars that started a local club called The Flintstones. The Road Devils already ravaged around a bit in folk parks and such, receiving a bit of coverage. We didn’t do that. We were just interested in cars and thought it was fun.” Photo by Lelle Larsson.

The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club was one of the pioneering car clubs in Stockholm, Sweden during the early 1960s, marking an important chapter in the evolution of Swedish custom car culture. The club was founded in 1961 by a small group of neighborhood kids who grew up in Fredhäll at Kungsholmen in Stockholm. Inspired by their passion for American cars and the burgeoning custom scene, these young enthusiasts came together to celebrate their love for automobiles long before they were legally old enough to drive.

The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club's 1947 Buick Convertible. Owned by members of The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club, a notable club in the early Swedish custom car scene, the Buick was acquired by a group of teenagers in Stockholm in 1961, it became an emblem of youthful creativity and camaraderie during a formative era for hot rodding and car clubs in Sweden.

Hasse Broberg and Kjelle Gustad's 1938 Chevrolet Convertible of Huddinge in Stockholm, Sweden as it appeared in the early 1960s. Bo Sandberg and his girlfriend Morris gave the car a flame paint job in 1962.

The Sill Drivers Story: Hot Rod Life in Stockholm 1957-1964 - Step back in time and experience the birth of the Swedish hot rod and custom scene through the lens of the Broberg family from Enskede, Stockholm. Filmed on Super-8 between 1957 and 1964, these rare home movies captures the early days of car culture in Sweden, from backyard builds to drag racing at Skarpnäck. The film was shot mostly by Hasse Broberg and features moments from the life of the Sill Drivers, a group of young enthusiasts who turned their passion for cars into a lifelong journey.

Bo Sandberg's 1959 Ford Thunderbird of Älvesjö in Stockholm, Sweden. This version of Bo's first Thunderbird was completed in 1962.

Kent Olof Olsson's 1955 Chevrolet of Johanneshov, Stockholm, Sweden. A familiar sight around Vendelsö in the early 1960s, Kent Olof's mildly customized 1955 Chevrolet sedan reflected the spirit of Sweden’s emerging hot rod and custom scene. Painted flat black with red and yellow hand-laid flames, the car was nosed, shaved, and de-handled in the rear for a clean two-door look. Red wheels and a matching interior completed its personal style. Captured in photos from The Broberg Family Collection circa 1962, the Chevy became part of the vibrant early Stockholm custom scene, parked outside garages where young builders like Hasse Broberg and Kjelle Gustad gathered to shape Sweden’s rod and custom culture.

The first version of Lars Erik Ljungkvist's 1932 Ford Roadster, of Huddinge in Stockholm, Sweden, was completed in 1963. At the time there were about 30 hot rods in Sweden.

Bengt Wennergren's 1949 Ford of Enskedefältet in Stockholm, Sweden. When Bengt bought the Ford, the rear end was already restyled by Leif "Grillkorven" Rose. The build was completed in 1963.

Hasse Broberg's Modified of Enskedefältet in Stockholm, Sweden. The build was started by Pelle Karlson, but Hasse, a member of the Sill Drivers, bought it and completed it in 1964.

The second version of Lars Erik Ljungkvist's 1932 Ford Roadster, of Huddinge in Stockholm, Sweden, was completed in 1964. This version was painted Marigold Metalflake.

Hans-Erik Larsson of Stockholm bought Roland Larsson's 1932 Ford Roadster in 1964.

Sven Sandberg's 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible of Stockholm, Sweden. Sven's Sunliner was completed in 1964, featuring a Burgundy Mist paint job by his brother Bo Sandberg. Bo ran a custom shop named Yankee Customs.

Hans Broberg and Kjelle Gustad's 1957 DeSoto of Enskedefältet in Stockholm, Sweden was built in the early 1960s. Hans and Kjelle belonged to a little club called Sill Drivers, and they were often called "Sillarna". This photo shows the car as it appeared in 1964.

The Surfin Bird version of Bo Sandberg's 1959 Ford Thunderbird of Älvesjö in Stockholm, Sweden was completed in 1964.

Cover of the official souvenir program for the April 1965 Hot Rod Show in Stockholm, Sweden, featuring four standout custom rods exhibited at Ostermans Marmorhallar. The event played a significant role in popularizing hot rod culture in the region during the mid-1960s. The bold pink header and vibrant car photography reflect the show’s celebration of hot rod artistry and innovation.

A view of the April 1965 Hot Rod Show at Ostermans Marmorhallar in Stockholm, Sweden where hot rods and custom cars were prominently displayed for thousands of visitors, reflecting the emerging popularity and artistic flair of the Scandinavian hot rod and custom scene. The first edition of the Hot Rod Show was hosted by Bosse "Gamen" Sandberg, Acke Nordström, and Jonas Qvarnström. The idea for the show came to Gamen after witnessing the success of an indoor car show hosted by Roffe Skoghag at Scania’s facilities in Tanto, Södermalm. The inaugural event took place from April 21 to 26, 1965, spanning from Wednesday to Sunday. The show was noted for its impressive attendance, drawing over 20,000 visitors. Its success led to a follow-up exhibition later the same year. The second edition was held from November 10 to 15, 1965, and it is believed that many of the same vehicles that appeared in the first event were featured again. Photo from The Christer Wistam Collection.

Bo Sandberg's 1923 Ford Model T Roadster, Purple Passion, of Stockholm, Sweden. The build was completed around 1965.

Palle Eriksson's 1924 Chevrolet roadster of Stockholm, Sweden. 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

Sven Sandberg's 1932 Ford 5-Window coupe of Stockholm, Sweden. Sven started the build, known as the Glowing Coupe, in 1961. The first version was shown in 1965, featuring a paint job by Bo Sandberg of Yankee Customs.

Christer Lundberg's 1937 Ford Coupe of Stockholm, Sweden. Built in the early 1960s, an early iteration of the coupe was shown at the 1965 Hot Rod Show in Marmorhallarna in Stockholm.

A midsummer 1965 photograph of Tore Ström's 1954 Ford Sunliner, shown here with 1957 Chevrolet headlight rings and a 1955 Pontiac front bumper. Tore sold the car around 1965–66, while it was still in red primer, and it was later restored back to stock. Photo from The Lelle Larsson Collection.

Christer Gref's 1956 Ford Fairlane of Stockholm, Sweden. Known as "Chrille," Gref lived in Hägersten in Stockholm. This vehicle, tastefully modified and parked near the bridge to Djurgården Island in Stockholm, was immortalized in a photograph taken by Roland Larsson in 1965. Despite its striking appearance, Gref's Fairlane was never displayed at any of the early Swedish Hot Rod Shows during the 1960s. This absence from the custom car spotlight has made it somewhat of a mystery within Swedish car culture. It remains unclear whether Gref actively participated in the car scene or preferred to enjoy his Fairlane privately.

Björn Ramsten's 1957 Chevrolet at Fredhäll in 1965, showing the early stages of his custom modifications. Inspired by local custom cars and American magazines, Björn began altering the Chevy in metal that year. “I started out making a scoop on an extra hood I had. A piece of sheet metal between the torpedoes and some chromed teeth from an Opel Kapitan air-intake,” he recalled. Although his time in the army from 1965 to 1966 slowed progress, he still managed to create a grille inspired by Bosse "Gamen" Sandberg's Surfin Bird, fashioned from gold-painted sequins. “I handmade all those sequins. Cutting out square pieces of metal that I bent before soldering on a nut and painting them in gold.” Photo from The Lelle Larsson Collection.

Sven Sandberg's 1959 Chevrolet Impala of Stockholm, Sweden. The car was originally a two-door hardtop, but Sven cut the roof off it and fit it with a tonneau cover in 1965.

Bengt Wennergren's 1931 Ford Model A Roadster of Enskedefältet in Stockholm was built by Bengt between 1962 and 1966.

Lars-Erik Johansson's 1931 Ford Model A Roadster, of Stockholm, Sweden, was completed in 1966. Named "The Orange Fink", Lars Erik's roadster was known as the lowest showrod of Sweden at the time.

Arne Lindstrand's 1955 Chevrolet of Stockholm, Sweden. Arne's Chevrolet was restyled in the 1960s. This is how it appeared at the 1966 Hot Rod Show in Stockholm.

Bo Sandberg's 1959 Ford Thunderbird of Stockholm, Sweden. Named The Wild Bird, Bo's Thunderbird was completed and made its debut in 1966. Bo ran a customs, paint, and parts shop in Älvsjö, Sweden, called Yankee Customs.

Order from: Sweden - Norway - Rest of the world

The flyer for the April 1967 Hot Rod Show in Marmorhallarna, Stockholm. Two Hot Rod Show's were held in Marmorhallarna in 1967. The first took place April 5-9, 1967.

Bo Thalinsson's 1953 Ford Sunlinner Convertible of Stockholm, Sweden. Built by Bo, the build was completed in 1967.

A rare Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club group photo taken in the summer of 1967 at the parking lot outside Henry's Cafe. From left to right are Rolf Balk's 1956 Chevrolet, Björn Ramsten's 1957 Chevrolet, Tommy Ternström's 1957 Ford, Lelle Larsson's 1956 Chevrolet, and Tore Ström's 1955 Chevrolet. Photo from The Lelle Larsson Collection.

Bo Hedenström's 1956 Ford Fairlane of Stockholm, Sweden. The build, know as the Avalanche, was started in 1966 and completed in 1967.

Björn Ramsten's 1957 Chevrolet of Stockholm, Sweden. Built during the golden age of Nordic custom culture, Björn was a founding member of The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club. Inspired by icons like Bill Cushenbery and the Alexander Brothers, Ramsten began the transformation in 1965, blending American flair with Swedish ingenuity. Powered by a 327 with performance upgrades, the Chevy saw action on both the street and dragstrip, notably competing at the historic First Go race at Anderstorp in 1968. The build was completed in 1967, and it was shown at the Hot Rod Show the same year. After changing hands several times, the car’s custom identity was gradually lost to restoration, but its legacy remains a cornerstone of Swedish custom history.

Bo Sandberg's Cool Cat. The Cool Cat was a customized Jaguar E-Type built by Bo Sandberg of of Yanke Customs in Älvesjö, Stockholm, Sweden. The build was completed in 1967, featuring a a red and pink Metalflake paint job.

By 1969, Tore Ström's 1955 Chevrolet convertible of Stockholm, Sweden had undergone a mild restyling that included dual stacked headlights, shaved trim, a custom grille, and an antenna mounted on the windshield frame. This version of the car represented The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club at the 1970 Hot Rod Show. Tore went on to become a well-known upholsterer, and the Chevy was reportedly restored back to its original form—another lost Swedish custom. Photo from The Björn Ramsten Collection.

Lil John's 1966 Chevrolet Caprice of La Mirada, California. Lil John is the founder and first President of the famous Majestics Lowrider car club mother chapter of Southern California. Lil John's list of Lowrider show cars representing the Lowrider Majestics car club helped set the standards in the 1970s and they each were ahead of their time in paint design, patterns, and murals. The Caprice was completed in 1978. Lelle Gran bought the car in Florida in 1978 or 1979. He brought it to Sweden in 1979, where it became one of the first lifted cars in Europe.

The 1986 Hot Rod Show was held March 1-9, 1986 at Skärholmsmässan in Stockholm, Sweden.

Henrik Forss' Bucket T of Stockholm, Sweden. The first version of Henrik's T Bucket was completed in the Summer of 2001.

Henrik Forss' Bucket T of Stockholm, Sweden. The second version of Henrik's T Bucket was completed late in 2001.

Jon Karlsson's 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 of Stockholm, Sweden. Jon bought the Ford in 2011. He is a member of the Los Boulevardos Car Club, and in 2012 he hit the streets with the car restyled in a mid to late 1960s custom, early lowrider look.

Alexander Hernesten's 1957 Buick Century of Stockholm, Sweden. Inspired by Jack James' legendary Watson-flamed Buick, Alexander's Buick is a faithful 95% tribute to one of custom history’s most iconic flame paint jobs. Acquired in 2015, the build spans ten years and two countries, with Alexander—based in London—returning to Sweden to work on the car. In 2025, Micke Eksrud laid down the signature red, orange, and yellow flame job, complete with mismatched wheel well colors and copper-plated trim. Blending Swedish craftsmanship with American show car tradition, the Buick is a transatlantic homage to Larry Watson's House of Style.

In the 1960s Stockholm was known as the hot rod capitol of Sweden. The hot rodders of Stockholm used to hang out at the Cupido cafe at Roslagsgatan.

The first organized Swedish drag race event was held outisde of Stockholm, October 1-2 of 1966. Amongst the cars attending were Bosse Gamen's dragster, Sven Sandberg's 1932 Ford 5-Window coupe, the Glowing Coupe, Lars Erik Ljungkvist's 1932 Ford Roadster, and Göran Silfors' 1932 Ford Roadster, the Early Bird. Bosse's dragster did the quarter mile in 11 seconds reaching a speed of 230 km pr hour. It rained on the second day of the event, and due to the wet track, Göran's roadster did the quarter mile in 18,4 seconds, while the Glowing Coupe did it in 16,6 seconds.