The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club's 1947 Buick Convertible

1947 Buick Convertible owned by members of The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club, a notable club in the early Swedish custom car scene. 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. Before they were old enough to drive, the members of the Flintstones pooled their weekly allowances to purchase this 1947 Buick Convertible as the club car. According to Björn, it required extensive rust repairs and received mild custom work, including a red and white paint scheme drawn by Nils-Erik Schullström. This photo, taken at the motor vehicle inspection center in Västberga in 1961, captures the Buick in its early form. 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.

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.

Nils-Erik Schullström’s original concept sketch for the 1947 Buick Convertible that served as the Flintstones’ club car. The scan, courtesy of Björn Ramsten, highlights the distinctive red and white paint scheme they applied to the vehicle.

A rear-end shot of the 1947 Buick in 1961, featuring the Flintstones plaque designed by club artist Nils-Erik Schullström. According to Björn, the Buick received a driving ban in 1962 due to faulty brakes, a worn-out front end, and other mechanical issues. It was parked at a friend’s parents’ summer house while awaiting restoration, but when they grew tired of the abandoned car, they called a junkyard to remove it. Photo by Lelle Larsson.

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1947 Buick Convertible owned by members of The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club, a notable club in the early Swedish custom car scene. 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.

Background and Acquisition

The Buick was purchased in 1961 by The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club, founded by Björn Ramsten and a small group of neighborhood kids in Fredhäll at Kungsholmen in Stockholm. Although most members were not yet old enough to drive, they pooled their weekly allowances to buy the convertible, which required extensive rust repairs. According to Björn, “A lot of rust repairs, and a little bit of custom work” were undertaken to get the car roadworthy. The club named itself after the popular animated sitcom The Flintstones, reflecting the playful spirit and enthusiasm of its young members.

Customization and Design

The Buick’s most prominent custom touch involved a distinctive red and white scallop paint scheme, based on a sketch by club artist Nils-Erik Schullström. The club also performed minor modifications to personalize the car, though their resources were limited. The vehicle nevertheless served as a symbol of the members’ shared interest in American automobiles, which were highly coveted in Stockholm at the time. “Kurre” assumed driving duties since he was among the few in the group old enough to hold a license, and the Buick was frequently spotted at local hangouts such as Fredhällsfiken Freden, Solstugan, Café Bellman by Karlbergskanalen, Talluddens Cafe on the Solna side of Karlbergskanalen, and Henry’s Cafe in Skarpnäck.

Role in the Club

The Buick became the centerpiece of The Flintstones’ activities, embodying the club’s spirit of collaboration and adventure. While other local clubs—such as The Road Devils, Car Angels, and Teddyboys, drew attention through bolder antics, The Flintstones focused on the sheer enjoyment of cars. Photographs taken by member Lelle Larsson documented the club’s gatherings and the Buick’s evolution, capturing the tight-knit community that formed around the shared passion for custom vehicles.

Driving Ban and Disposal

In 1962, the Buick received a driving ban due to mechanical issues that included faulty brakes and a worn-out front end. While awaiting restoration, it was stored at a friend’s parents’ summer house. Over time, the parents grew tired of the abandoned vehicle on their property and called a junkyard to remove it. The club lost its cherished convertible, but the story of the 1947 Buick remained a defining chapter in the history of The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club.

Legacy and Significance

Although the Buick’s time on the road was brief, it played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s identity and influencing the local custom car scene. The project demonstrated how a small group of determined teenagers, inspired by American automotive culture, could collaborate on a custom car even before most of them had driver’s licenses. The Buick ultimately became a piece of Swedish automotive folklore, remembered for the creativity, friendship, and pioneering spirit that defined The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club and the era in which it thrived.