This weekend, two of Sweden's largest car meets are being held, mainly dedicated to American cars and their associated culture.
But what's unique about the classic car culture in Sweden is that it's incredibly broad.
The farther south you go in Europe, the more car enthusiasm becomes an elite hobby. Here in Sweden, it engages both the rich and the poor.
The socio-economic breadth is greater in Sweden. We have a strength in that, that so many people are interested in old cars, and then it can be different cars, says Fredrik Nyblad, editor of the car magazine Klassiker.
One factor he highlights is that there is a strong general technical interest and a "do-it-yourself" culture in Sweden.
This has strongly characterized the car culture. If you have an old car, you fix it yourself.
Something for everyone
Older European everyday cars are something that both those who have a lot of money and those who don't can engage in, explains Fredrik Nyblad. The classic American cars, on the other hand, are expensive and not something everyone can afford.
There is a concern around the country that there is no renewal within the culture. This is not shared by Fredrik Nyblad, who points to the enormous car show Custom Motor Show in Jönköping, which attracted almost 100,000 visitors at Easter. There, you'll find everything from American cars to European classics, but also a lot of customized cars made by young people – a niche highly appreciated by young people.
Specific brands are also something that engages even young people, and in Sweden, there is a strong culture around both Volvo and Saab.
Constant change
What constitutes a classic car is constantly changing. New people come in, but also new generations of cars. It's constantly being replenished from behind, and the newest classics are often the cheapest.
What we notice is that you get stuck in what you liked when you were a little boy or girl. Mostly boys, I must admit, adds Fredrik Nyblad.
