There are two kinds of museums: National institutions with an official mandate to cover a specific area and then there are those created by collectors and enthusiasts because they couldn’t help it. World of Classics south of Stockholm is the latter. Created by Leif-Ivan Karlsson to showcase his collection of vintage American cars from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the museum is a hidden gem in a small town industrial area far away from public transportation and main tourist destinations.
A smorgasbord for connoisseurs
Outside it looks like any other car sales and repair shop. Inside it is a three floor smorgasbord of Caddies, Chevys, Oldsmobiles and rarities from a time long gone. Like Pokémon each with their own little sign highlighting what is so special about exactly this car.
Neon signs and vintage gas pumps reflect in chrome and metallics. Forms and shapes from another time. You immerse yourself in the time period objects like jumping in at the deep end of the pool. Cars are grouped by manufacturer and sorted by year. This is for feinschmeckers and connoisseurs, not for the casually curious. There is no introduction to the period, no signs or video displays with trends and perspectives. Just raw objects on display for immediate appreciation.
I visited with my kids on a chance discovery on Google Maps on a weekday afternoon as we were in the area. Expectations low, I was blown away by this declaration of love to a time and culture that by now only exist in music and movies — and in the physical objects left behind. The top floor is a bar and lounge area with a stage and an interior reminiscent of a small town American diner anno 1960. Which made for a nice conclusion on this world class suburban surprise. Even without a serving of a burger and a milkshake.
The Swedish 'raggar' culture
So what is this thing with Swedes and American cars? Why don’t they drive around in the vintage Volvos and Saabs? Why get into a gas guzzling oversized death trap when you can own a family and environment friendly modern car? I have pondered this question ever since my wife and I first got stuck in a traffic jam of a parade years ago travelling on the Swedish West Coast. So I did a little research when I came home.
The thing is, this thing has a name. People driving vintage american cars are called 'raggars'. Dating back to the 1950s when the post war recovery assisted by the Marshal Plan ensured an inflow of affordable American products in west aligned countries. Young Swedes bought American cars, watched American movies, listen to American music, wore American leather and jeans. And started a culture of their own. Their own rebellion against a conservative society with little room for individuals and outsiders. With their own movies and music and heroes and villains.
The raggar rebellion died down as teenage kids became family fathers and mothers. New rebellions and counter rebellions took over. But a shadow lingered in the garages and barns and grown men took their vintage wheels on a spin on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Meeting up with friends and fellow enthusiasts at yearly meetups. Keeping the culture alive.
Visiting a World of Classics
Today you too can experience the chrome, colours, and trophies from the past. And if you bring your wallet, you can drive home in one.
World of Classics is open Tuesday-Friday 11-18 and Saturday 11-15 until end of September. Entrance fee is 150 SEK for adults. 3 hour free parking in front. Ring the door bell to get in.