Behind the wheel of history

It would seem that one of the advantages of living in a country where you have such defined seasonal changes is that you have the perfect excuse to buy more than one car. The summer car of choice for many living here happens to be an American classic. Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick, I have seen them all on the streets of Sunne. When the snow thaws and temperatures start sticking around on the plus side, you only have to listen carefully to hear the starting up of engines. Garage doors are wide open as winter hibernation comes to an end. Convertibles and sedans all shining and raring to go after months of rest, once again begin to cruise the streets. All of these cars have previously been shipped over from America; some have been bought direct from dealers in Sweden already restored and set to drive. But many more have been lovingly brought back to life by the proud owners I see driving them around town every day.

This is not one or two cars I´m talking about not even five or ten. I actually don’t have any idea how many there are, but trust me there are lots of them.

It’s not some passing phase or a fashion that’s liable to die out any time soon. Somewhere in the past a group of people or maybe just one guy decided that these cars were worth saving and save them they certainly have.

On certain days and some nights of the year you can see twenty or more cars driving bumper to bumper around the town. There are also car shows where the different associations get together and create an amazing spectacle. Row after row of automotive works of art stand side by side, allowing an appreciative public a real close up view.

These days are great and the atmosphere is always electric, but for me the best is always when I see them being driven just as normal cars. Maybe someone dropping their kids off at school or popping into the local shop to buy some milk.

These are show cars and they certainly have a place in history but it’s a living history and it’s happening today on the streets of Sunne.