On April 10 through the 13th a group form the US flew to Sweden. To attend the ‘’Bilsport Performance & Custom Motor show’’ in Jonkoping Sweden. This is Sweden’s largest indoor show, and what a show it was. There were 4 buildings to go through, building A was their ‘’Street Hall’’ Tuner style, Building B ‘’Performance Hall’’ a version of SEMA. Building C ‘’MC-Hall’’ all kinds of Choppers, Bobbers and Street bikes. The last Building D ‘’Custom Hall’’ is where all the action is for Hotrod and Kustom cars.
The Bilsport people put on a great show. Attendance was full all 4 days with about 75,000 going through the gate. I was busy pinstriping all 4 days. The Bilsport people go all out on their displays. The American Graffiti display was the koolest I’d ever seen. Each and every display had its own look.
Oz Welch sent over his 47 Caddy from Oz Kustoms, along with John D’ Agostinos 61 Star fire and George Barris with some of his movie cars. Also, Marcus Walz, bike builder from Germany was there. Candy Clark, Cindy Williams and Paul Lamat were on hand signing autographs with the American Graffiti car for a back drop.
As I walked around to see the show, I forgot I was in Sweden till a Roadster caught my eye. A Volvo Roadster, a 5 cyl custom Roadster from a 1927 Volvo and then to see a gasser style metal flake Volvo with a straight axel, Nice….
Flying to Sweden with 14 Americans, with agents, wives, and car owners was an experience in itself. Seeing that side of the world was great, and how Hot rodding is alive and just as kool half way around the world. Talking to some of the car owners, builders, and painters and seeing their passion for Americana makes a great bond. We may not speak the same language, but we all understand the sound of a good running Flathead with tri-power. Till next year Sweden, Von Hot Rod
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