Sweden's greasers cruisin' in classic US wheels

[cobra de capell]

Sweden's greasers cruisin' in classic US wheels

July 13, 2007

By Pia Ohlin

Vaesteraas, Sweden - Thousands of mint-condition Chevrolets, Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles from the 1950's boulevard-cruise with Brylcreemed greasers draped over the steering wheel and rock 'n roll hits blaring on their radios.

You might think you've been transported back a half-century to small-town America but, no, this is a scene found in any number of towns across Sweden where the early days of the US car culture never went out of style.

The fascination for Thunderbirds, Chevrolet Bel Airs, Crown Victorias and De Soto Fireflites with their slick, tapered tail fins and two-tone finish led to a vast sub-culture that crossed over to Sweden in the late 1950's - and entered a time warp

Snip......http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?...icleId=3931943

Interesting.....I had no idea that this sort of thing also goes on in Sweden, Cool!

[tcrist]

CDC

Thanks for posting the picture. It looks great. I have family in Germany and I went on vacation to Germany & Switzerland a few years back. It was very supprising to me all of the 50's & 60's american style influance was there. They have resterants that take you back like you were walking in to ones in the 50's in America. Nothing german in it at all and all of the waiters spoke english. Probably better than I do. In Germany it is mandatory that you take an English class in the upper levels of school. My wifes cousin in Bremen Germany has an american room in his house. All fixed up like the 50's thru todays time. American flags and all.

Again, thanks for posting the picture.

Terry

[Ron61]

Ray,

Now that is a great picture and I had no idea that they still had so many of the 50s and 60s American automobiles left. And those all look to be in great condition. Boy, does some of those cars bring back some memories.

Ron

[cobra de capell]

Hi to both of you - I was really surprised when I ran into this on the web - I guess it's not like they would have non-American cars to fix up and put on display, with a few exceptions - it just shows how America influences that world. I looked for a Cobra somewhere out in the field – no can find! I’m not sure about the station wagon in the front row, but everyone has a favorite, even station wagons.

There is currently an advertisement running on TV, about how BMW is different, that has 8-10 cars running together down the freeway – they are all the same color, but appear to be different brands – one cannot tell the difference between them. Occasionally, I spot a car that has a nice look while I’m out and about – I actually have to get close enough to look at the badges to see the brand – one did not have to do that in the 50’s.

The interesting thing is that cars built in the 80's to date will not be displayed in this manner, anywhere. Even if they are, no one will attend. It was a great time to go through and look back on.

[imagine2frolic]

Cool picture with all that Detroit Steel! I am sure the influence goes full circle. Isn't this site about an English car with an American heart transplant? Not to mention the many European car clubs, and shows. My first car was a 62 MGA, and my 3rd a 66 Tiger, so I am a bit fond of those English cars. I have no prejudice of any kind to any make, except for maybe the YUGO!....LOL

[BMK]

The Australian Street Rod magazine often runs stories on both German and Swiss events.



Seems the 50' and 60's are really taking hold with clothing, tattoos, 50s music, dance and hair styles all depicting the 50's and 60's

[trularin]

Detroit had an affect on the world, and it shows.

I'll take that superbird.