Amcar

Amcar – American cars. Events with a clear Amcar profile are often not just about cars - but lifestyle, clothing and music in different eras where the 50s are strong.

Photo Sunday: Right On Fredrikstad

Posted 07/08/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

Great cars, good weather and super location. Last Sunday was the Right On Car & MC rally at Isegran near Fredrikstad.

Organizer of the Right On musters er Ronnie Krabberø who is also behind the car magazine of the same name. Both the magazine and the patterns have a clear Amcar profile with elements of custom-built cars and hot rods. Krabberø himself presided over the prize-giving of Meguiar's Top 10 among the cars present at Right On.

Ice fir is an island out where Glomma divides. The island is owned by Fredrikstad municipality and is today a living coastal cultural park and a center for the dissemination of traditions, history and experiences, including old boats. Last Sunday was about car culture. I have taken pictures of cars that I liked, and that stood well for photography.

1960 Chevrolet El Camino with small block V8

Ex Dodge Dart GTS Convertible 340 and Packard Clipper Coupe 352

The 1969 Dodge Charger is a very beautiful car.

1983 Chevrolet Caprice – Norwegian car. Was for a time sold through Bergheim. In 1985/86, it cost approximately NOK 450 - most of it taxes, of course.

See

visitnoray.no – Isegran

4th of July in Frognerparken

Posted 03/07/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

In Oslo, The Independence Day (USA) was celebrated on Sunday 2 July when everyone had the day off. Unfortunately, the torrential rain put a damper on the party for a while. I myself was there to listen to country music and study nice cars from Amcar members.

Tradition in Oslo

According to the organizer, The American Coordinating Council of Norway (ACCN) , this year's celebration was number 36. I read somewhere that the celebration in Oslo is the largest 4th of July celebration outside the borders of the United States. I don't know if the event has always been held in Frognerparken, but it is ideal. When the weather permits, there are opportunities for picnics, games and ball games on the grass. I think there have been fewer cars over time. Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on the celebration. Thunder and torrential rain were forecast, so many stayed home. - And the storm that was predicted came about an hour into the event.

Country and cars

Country music and cars go well together. While I was there, the Norwegian-American country artist Lawson Vallery played with his band. According to Tylden & Co, Lawson grew up in Texas where his parents ran a "honkytonk dancehall". Going out on a Saturday night at a Texas dancehall when the parking lot is filled with pickup trucks is absolutely amazing! The music Lawson Vallery plays is classic country that goes well with the cars that were behind the stage.

Could win plane tickets

One of the traditions is "The grand raffle" with great prizes, this year including 4 round-trip tickets to the USA with Norse Atlantic Airways!

1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe

1997 Dodge Viper GTS 8,0 liter V10 - Owner: Ketil Solvik-Olsen

Soaking chair. In the foreground the owner's 1953 Buick Roadmaster Coupe. In the background the same car as the post's main photo. – 1949 Oldsmobile 98 Sedanette 350 V8 Custombuilt in California

1953 Buick Roadmaster 2 door 322 V8 - all original down to paint and chrome!

See

4. July — The American Car Club of Norway celebrated July 4 in Frognerparken (2016).

ACCN.no
Amcar.no

Motordilla at Årnes

Posted 05/06/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

motoring frenzy — Ford Mustang among several other fine cars

Motor interest in Nes in Romerike is great. So big that the municipality has teamed up with enthusiasts in various motor environments to establish a joint event in the center of Årnes. The event last Saturday was Motordilla number 4.

Many American cars

One can safely say that American cars top the list of hobby cars. Lower parking around the station was reserved for American cars before 1970. Newer Americans were on display at the police station. In between, there was also an area for hotrods - also the American ones. All the V8s roared merrily in the streets.

Honest cars

The American cars were really great. But a few decades ago, Americans weren't the ones who dominated the street scene. The CEO drove a Jaguar, the district doctor a Volvo, and most people owned Volkswagens, Hillmans, Austins, Anglias, Taunus, Rekords, and Mazdas. I don't know if this nostalgia is behind the event's "Honest Cars" exhibition. At least that was my favorite exhibition space.

Drive-in wedding?

A folk festival like this is of course not just a static exhibition. There were people coming and going, on foot or in various vehicles. There was cruising in the streets and life in the restaurants. There were also activities in the surrounding shops, and car dealers showed off new cars. I caught a glimpse of the new Subaru Solterra. At one end of Rådhusgata, a drive-in wedding was launched. One could imagine weddings on a conveyor belt performed by a priest in an Elvis costume, although I think there was a proper wedding there. At least I saw a car cruising around downtown with tin cans rattling in the back.

Motordilla pictures

tr5 — Triumph TR250 with real wood in the dash

See

Nes Kulturhus – Motordilla

terjes cars — Photo Sunday – Cadillac Diner

The Granada's American cousin

Posted 25/06/2019 by Terje Bjørnstad

us granada — 1976 US-Granada Coupé 351 V8

The other day I passed something as rare as a Mercury Monarch. It was deregistered and may have been there for a while, for all I know. The Monarch was the sister model to the Ford Granada – not the European, but the American version.

A few weeks ago I visited a Ford meeting at the Sundvollen Hotel. Then I got a closer look at an American Granada. On online car exchanges, I only find a handful of cars for sale. One would think it was an extremely rare model. But the truth is that within 5 years an incredible 2,64 million American US-Granadas and Monarchs were sold!

Was anyone admitted to Norway?

Those of us who have lived a while remember the car import company Norim A/S from Drammen, which brought in the Ford Ranchero and Ford LTD station wagon in the late 70s. Both could be registered as tax-exempt vans. Norim advertised frequently at the time. I mean to remember that American Granada was mentioned in one of them - as a sort of footnote. Perhaps a model they wanted to test on the market? At the end of the 70s, the sale of American cars here at home saw a slight upswing. The oil crisis had caused Detroit to downsize the cars so that they were better suited to Norwegian roads. Harald A Møller started taking in Dodge Aspen. The Dodge Aspen was a competitor to the American Ford Granada - in the USA.

Little new under the shell

It was in the 1975 model year that the American Ford came out with a car that would capture the market's demand for smaller cars and stem imports from Europe and Japan. Perhaps that is why they chose to call the model "Granada" - named after a successful European model. But the American model had nothing in common with "our" Granada. It was based on the Ford Maverick. To save money, the model inherited the Mavericks rear suspension and power transmission with roots going back to the 60s Falcon - with a rigid rear axle and leaf springs - which the first Mustangs actually also had. In comparison, "our" Granada had a modern and advanced chassis with independent suspension on all wheels.

Drivelines sourced from the Ford stable

Granted, the Granada was small compared to its bigger brothers at Ford, such as the Torino and LTD. Nevertheless, it was roughly 5 meters long and 1,8 meters wide. It could be supplied with two straight sixes and two V8s, – the 302 engine (5,0 liters) and the 351 engine (5,7 liters). Buyers could choose between three gearboxes, a 3- or 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. All from what American Ford already had in its stable.

A car for mother?

I read a test of the Granada 302 V8 in American Road & Track from the launch year 1975. An article totally devoid of enthusiasm. I chuckled at the last sentence where the car journal writer writes that the new Granada was a car he thought suited his mother well.

Decent Amcar

The black Granada I saw at Sundvollen has the largest 351 engine (5,7 litres) which in the standard version delivered 147 HP. The owner stated that the car still had its original paint. Covered by the drops of a passing rain shower, the paintwork actually looked completely smooth. The only thing that revealed its age were tiny nicks in the gold colored pin striping. The car's vinyl-clad "Landau top" had originally been beige, but now in black. The special finish on the coupé roof was very typical of the 70s. When the Landau top has the same color as the rest of the car, the 70s feel is toned down nicely. The Granada could also be delivered with a nice color-matched dashboard, seats, carpets, door sides and seat belts, which only the Americans can.

Mustang in disguise?

Technically, the pictured Granada is quite similar to the Mustang mk1. When the Granada was introduced, Ford had just released the scaled-down Mustang mk2. It could not be supplied with a V8 – only Pinto engines, much to the disappointment and resentment of Mustang enthusiasts. The Pinto was Ford's ugly duckling, - much like the Chevette was for GM. Although the Granada was aimed at reliable, middle-class buyers (including teenage mothers), it should not be overlooked that someone traded in their Mustang mk1 for a Granada similar to the black one in the picture. Probably the best Mustang alternative of 1975. Ford, for its part, tried through an advertising campaign to present the Granada Coupé as an alternative to the popular Mercedes 280 SLC. A talentless comparison, seen from European eyes, - but one should not ignore the fact that it made naive Americans believe that their Granada was a common sight on European roads.

- Wonder if any American Granadas were sold as new in Norway?

Mercury Monarch Coupé from American advertising.

See

US-granada and Mercury Monarch in Scandinavia

Pictures from Motangen

Posted 30/05/2018 by Terje Bjørnstad

Good spirit of service, good atmosphere and an absolutely fantastic arena surrounded by forest and a calm brown river.

I was at Motangen Park in Sørum municipality last Sunday. American Drivers Club Blaker organized the Blakertreffet 2018.

Surrounded by Amcars, American country music and a laid-back atmosphere, I got the feeling of being in South Carolina, or thereabouts. The warm, good summer weather contributed to the Southern feel. In addition to the Blakertreffet, Motangen Park is used for festivals, dog shows, car shows, concerts and children's events.

Impressive standard of the cars!

The tree crowns provided pleasant shade from the sun, but made it difficult to take pictures. Sharp sunlight and shadows rarely turn out well on film, although it conveys a kind of magical atmosphere of cars in the forest. You know, when you're walking in the woods and suddenly stumble upon a car graveyard of old gems. There were many treasures at the meeting, but far from any car graveyard.

Follow me on a walk around the park

Blaker hit — Ford "Deuce" Roadster (Model B).

(picture above) 30s Fords are interesting, because then Ford's flathead V8 was distributed to the people. I think this Roadster was amazing. The standard engine was the same inline-four as in the Ford Model A or "flathead" V-8. According to the chassis number, this car was produced in Canada with an inline-four, but like several, it was probably rebuilt and certified with a V-8.

Swedish custom building

Some of the cars on display were Swedish, like this '66 Pontiac Bonneville, - customized beyond what is usually done in this country. I think I have read that the Norwegian authorities categorically say no to cars with lowered roofs. But I think a lot more work was done on this car than lowering the roof. It looked like the rear end with built in fender skirts was smoothed out, although it's hard to see without comparing to a stock car. Cool with recessed antennas. Impressive car construction.

Skipsreder car from Vestfold

Visit from the other side of the Oslo fjord to Blakertreffet. This beautiful Humber Super Snipe has Norwegian history and was previously owned by shipowner Lorentzen in Vestfold.

Cars with style - wagons with mills - from Rootes Motors. Timely advertising from Falken. Importer Colberg Caspary A/S. But this particular model was sold by Vestfold Auto, Tønsberg, (which sold, among other things, cars from Rootes and Saab).

“The new Humber Super Snipe. An aristocrat among cars - with incomparable comfort and abundant power" I also note on the advertising poster that the Hillman Minx has 56,5 horses. It is important to bring all the gamps, - even the half ones 😀

Volvo 142 and Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe

Dodge Challenger Convertible in the foreground and Ford Fairlane in the background.

1963 Buick Riviera in the foreground and 1965 Ford Thunderbird in the background.

The Buick on Swedish plates is slightly modified with a pipe grill and fantastic paintwork.

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The Americans who disappeared

Posted 28/07/2017 by Terje Bjørnstad

Did you know that there is a separate car club for American post-war brands that lost the battle to the Big 3 - GM, Ford and Chrysler?

The Eight Amcars Club (EAC) aims to save as many of these brands as possible. There are Packard, Kaiser, Studebaker, DeSoto, Henry J, Willys, Hudson and Nash. Throughout the fifties, the American car market was booming. Even though people bought cars like never before, there was a big battle for customers. In order to capture the customers, you had to come up with a new model every year that would surpass both the previous model and the competitors. Longer, wider, stronger engine, more equipment, more chrome, and so on - at the lowest possible price. The competition made it difficult for all manufacturers to keep up. The paradox was that it wasn't them Best the cars that won. They were the ones with the most capital behind them.

I have an old photo album where famous and dear family members are standing in front of a car. A car I have seen in several pictures. It belonged to one of my mother's uncles. From what I have managed to find out, it must be a 4-door Kaiser, perhaps a 1951 model. The picture was taken at Nes in Romerike. It rolled in the same area that the EAC is based in.

The Amcar people talk easily about their roots when defending their hobby. The Kaiser'n in my family album testifies to that. But in the hunt for an amcar, it is easy to make a mistake about which models they represent ects the roots. I myself was born in the 50s and remember well which cars rolled on the roads then. I can tell that there were very few Cadillacs and Lincolns with a continental kit in the back. The cars of the EAC members represent Norwegian roots to a far greater extent than what is seen from newly imported Amcar cars. Studebaker, for example, was hugely popular in Norway.

I don't know how widespread Kaiser really was in Norway. I took a trip to EAC to see one with my own eyes. They had a two-tone Kaiser Manhattan in the exhibit, and an unrestored 4-door Kaiser outside. Kaiser Manhattan must have been a real dollar grin when it rolled around on the country roads of Romerike. But when I look closer, it's quite simply equipped, and according to the specs it has a – for the time being – relatively ordinary side-vented six. It was an American for Norwegian conditions. Almost like a Tesla.

Many believe that it is the smaller Tesla 3 that is best suited for Norway. The Kaiser group also had a smaller car, called the Henry J after one of the founders. You'll find Henry J at EAC, - one on display, while another is under restoration. I think they look brilliant considering they were produced in the first half of the 50s. They had 4-cylinder engines and bodies with good use of the interior space. But Henry J was probably at least 25 years ahead of his time. The trend beyond the 50s was not sobriety, - it was maximum. I think those who couldn't afford a new fullsizer, rather bought a used one, rather than a new Henry J.

What surprised me the most was knowing that Henry J was rolling on Norwegian roads. The exhibited model had Norwegian history.

We are talking about "roots" here.

In the workshop is this pompous DeSoto. DeSotos are big, beautiful cars.

Nash 600. 1949 model way ahead of its time with its streamlined pontoon body. It is also long.

This Henry J is under restoration. I like the color-matched upholstery on the top of the dash.

The homepages of the Eight Amcars Club (café and exhibition open between 12.00-17.00 on Sundays).

Summer night in Cadillac City

Posted 18/07/2017 by Terje Bjørnstad

Tretten is a small town in Gudbrandsdalen with its own Coop, petrol station, ice rink and an active amcar environment. On the other side of the Coop is the Cadillac Diner. The former Shell station has been converted into a pizza and burger restaurant packed with effects from the amcar environment.

The Amcar interest is not just a Thirteen phenomenon. You will find it all up the valley, including in Fåvang and at Vinstra. Not only American cars and vans, but also heavy American tractors, such as Peterbilt, Freightliner and Mack. Vehicles that require plenty of space.

You have that at Tretten.

At the weekend, there was a meeting for motorcycle enthusiasts. The lower part of the campsite at Bådstø was filled with beautiful visiting vans, trucks, Harleys and other gems. Beautiful local cars were also on display. It was especially fun to see cars with local history from the valley.

Me & Sønn spent the night at Tretten Kro og Motell while we worked on a cabin further up the valley. In the evening we relaxed with a few beers while we inspected the beautiful donnings and felt the atmosphere over the bright summer evening. During the night, Tretten was transformed into an American small town.

However, the truly American phenomenon did not appear until late at night. Rockabilly legend Billy Burnette arrived in the big party tent. He was born in Memphis, USA, has played six years for John Fogerty himself. You can clearly see Billy Burnette performing alongside Fogerty on all recent footage. Before this he was in Fleetwood Mac for 9 years. But this evening he played with The Cadillac Band, three men, bass, percussion and keyboards, and a woman on chorus/rhythm. Unfortunately, the acoustics were a bit poor, but Billy Burnette rocked out with a few tunes, before the concert had to end due to poor attendance. Out on the campsite you could hear the tunes from the Hellbillies, PK & Dansefolket.

Locally run Amazon built from the ground up. Absolutely absolutely the area. Also the engine bay with a B20 that sounded well tuned.

Charming '55 Chevy in good used condition.

During the summer night, donations like this appeared. Corvette C3.

Cadillac Diner is perhaps Norway's only diner with a Peterbilt as a company car?

See

Thirteen Tavern and Motel

4th of July celebration in Frognerparken

Posted 04/07/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

The American Car Club of Norway celebrated the 4th of July in Frognerparken. — The American Coordinating Council of Norway celebrated July 4 in Frognerparken.

Fiddle, bass, guitar and banjo are the original country & western lineup.

It sounded really American. American was also the ooze from the grills and the great smokers that were set up by the food tents. Someone was playing baseball. It was the Sunday before the 4th of July, the American Independence Day. The American Coordinating Council of Norway had invited to a party. Of course they had invited American cars. They were actually the ones I had come to look at.

I arrived a little late because I had something else to do first. When I finally got to the park, several cars had left. At least two heavy downpours probably caused some people to pack up their picnic equipment a little early.

Picnic in American is to drive the car hero forward and set up by the car, as many did in Frognerparken that day. In the United States, large parks and natural areas are open to driving. Then get experience nature. This may not be as politically correct here at home, but you can say that beautiful, freshly washed, American cars in Frognerparken were just as beautifying as flowers and trees, - and statues.

Happy Independence Day to friends of America and the amcar people!

1949 Ford Custom Club Coupe with tough gangster cap.

Great details from the 1949 Ford Custom.

1953 Buick in the foreground and 1949 Ford in the background.

1953 Buick Super Coupe - probably with 322 V8 engine. — 1953 Buick Super Coupe – probably with 322 V8 engine.

The driving environment in 1953 had far more chrome than today. Note original radio.

I have no problem in choosing this beautiful Chevrolet 210 as the most beautiful car in Frognerparken this day. — I have no problem naming this Chevrolet 210 as the most beautiful car in the park today.

1966 Ford Mustang Convertible 200 in the foreground and a Mercury Grand Marquis in the background.

1970 Plymouth Superbird was a Roadrunner with a redesigned front and rear spoiler etc — The 1970 Plymouth Superbird is a Roadrunner with a redesigned front and rear spoiler. Believe it or not, the rear spoiler was actually like this when these cars were delivered from the factory.

There are relatively many Lincoln Continental Mk5s on Norwegian license plates. The car became known to Norwegians through the detective series Canon, which was shown on TV in the 70s.

The 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis looks like it belongs in the park.

Non-American vehicles were also parked in the park. 3-series E46 in the foreground and Alfa Giulietta in the background.

As taken from a brochure from GM. The pickup on the left had some bad sheet metal. 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Stationwagon on the right.

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Amerikafest in French

Posted 04/04/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

This year, the 11th Fête Americaine took place on the beach outside the small French village of Argelès-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean - close to the Spanish border. Every spring, friends of America gather for a show with music, dancing, good food, sales stalls, displays, American motorcycles and cars. All in an American spirit. We have been there and taken some photos among cowboy hats, Elvis's and Pin-ups in American 50's style.

A small curiosity for us Norwegians was when the whole square swayed in a line dance to the tunes of "Møkkamann" from the Norwegian group Plumbo. It was perfect for an American party and made us Norwegians feel at home.