While I don’t want to sound like a tourist guide recommending all the popular sites in Stockholm, with summer approaching, there’s one location you should consider visiting if you find yourself in Sweden’s capital city.
Car meets are a rare occurrence in Scandinavia’s cold months, but with the arrival of spring and the clearing of salted roads, enthusiasts begin bringing out their cars. After a long, dark, and freezing winter, not one clear, warm day is wasted. While there are a few well-known spots for gatherings, on Thursday evenings over summer, Nifsta Gård is the place to experience the laid-back side of Swedish car culture.
The venue is home to Nifsta Classic Cars, which the Eriksson family purchased in 2016. Since then, it’s become one of Sweden’s largest American classic car dealers.
Initially, the meet-ups at Nifsta Classic Cars were limited to no more than 30 cars, nearly all of them American models. Today, however, the weekly gatherings are open to all makes and models, resulting in an eclectic mix of vehicles.
Organizer Mats Eriksson emphasizes that welcoming everyone – especially young car enthusiasts with their learner cars, known in Sweden as Epas – is essential for the growth of the Swedish car community. “The younger generation holds the key to preserving our car traditions, and I believe it’s important to include everyone, not just the old timers,” says Mats.
The Nifsta Classic Cars dealership focuses on American muscle cars, a tradition that dates back to the 1970s when Mats’ father started his own business. No fancy equipment was used back then, and that approach remains unchanged to this day, with Nifsta’s in-house mechanics taking a more traditional approach to repair and service work. Of course, European cars are catered for too.
Whether you are a fan of European models…
…Good ol’ Americana…
…Or have a taste for Japanese cars, there really is something for everyone.
This Corvette Stingray had a rather interesting front bumper conversion. What do you think?
Even the controversial Pilsnerbilar (beer cars) make the occasional appearance. If you’re familiar with Swedish car culture, you’ll know that these vehicles play a significant role. I can’t forget the bikes either.
And Sweden loves some big-rig action.
One of the standout cars for me was this 1969 Lotus Europa S2, which I found parked next to a 1981 Renault Alpine A310.
Another highlight was this Hillman Imp, which looked like it packed a punch.
The Nifsta Classic Cars meet is the closest thing we have to Daikoku PA, but instead of highways and a large parking lot, you’ll find small winding roads and a vast grassy garden.
There’s even a little café where live bands play during the latter stages of the meets. Who doesn’t enjoy a Swedish körv (sausage) in the peak of summer?
Throughout the evening, the cars keep coming and going, and those who stay long enough will often witness cheeky little skids on the road outside the venue. However, plans are in motion for a much-needed upgrade to the garden, and that will include asphalting the internal roads and creating a dedicated burnout pit so attendees can go wild.
I look forward to returning to the Nifsta Classic Car meet once the upgrades are complete. But I’m sure I’ll be back before then because the Swedish summer is just around the corner.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
