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.[1]
Contents
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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
Did you enjoy this article?
Kustomrama is an encyclopedia dedicated to preserve, share and protect traditional hot rod and custom car history from all over the world.
- Help us keep history alive. For as little as 2.99 USD a month you can become a monthly supporter. Click here to learn more.
- Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive regular updates and stories from Kustomrama.
- Do you know someone who would enjoy this article? Click here to forward it.
Can you help us make this article better?
Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com if you have additional information or photos to share about The Flintstones of Hollygroff Car Club's 1947 Buick Convertible.
This article was made possible by:
SunTec Auto Glass - Auto Glass Services on Vintage and Classic Cars
Finding a replacement windshield, back or side glass can be a difficult task when restoring your vintage or custom classic car. It doesn't have to be though now with auto glass specialist companies like www.suntecautoglass.com. They can source OEM or OEM-equivalent glass for older makes/models; which will ensure a proper fit every time. Check them out for more details!
Do you want to see your company here? Click here for more info about how you can advertise your business on Kustomrama.