Bosse Ericsson's 1932 Ford

A photo of Bosse with the roadster as it appeared when he bought it in 1959. Photo courtesy of Wheels Magazine.

In 1986, Wheels Magazine did a story on Bosse titled "Norrtälje-Bosse." A photo of the roadster appeared in the story. Photo courtesy of Wheels Magazine.

Photo from Start&Speed 6/1967

Photo from Start&Speed 6/1967

Photo from Colorod 1/1978

Photo from Colorod 1/1978

Photo from Colorod 1/1978

1932 Ford roadster owned and built by Bosse Ericsson of Norrtälje in Stockholm, Sweden. Bosse is a Swedish hot rod pioneer, and he was known amongst friends as "Norrtälje-Bosse." Bosse was introduced to the emerging Swedish hot rod scene trough a warmed-over 1932 Ford roadster. "I was already interested in cars, and I was involved with ice-racing at the time, but the Chevrolet-powered roadster really made a huge impression on me. I needed one for myself, " he told Bengt Mattson in an interview that was published in Wheels Magazine Januari 1986. The story was named "Norrtälje Bosse."

Norrtälje Bosse

Bosse bought his dream car as a stocker in 1959. Locating a Chevrolet V8 in Sweden at the time wasn't easy, as most Swedish sold Chevrolets ran inline-six engines. An engine was finally located and installed in the car, making Bosse one of the first hot rodders in Sweden to install a Chevrolet V8 engine in a hot rod. The engine was hopped up, featuring a three-jug intake. An adapter was bought so Bosse could run the stock transmission, and the front axle was dropped to lower the car.

Corvette Power

Technical specifications for the car included a 283" Chevy engine from a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, an Edelbrock manifold, and three Stromberg 97 carburetors. The car was also equipped with a Scintilla magneto, Hedman headers, a dropped I-beam with a 2 1/2" drop, a 1956 Ford truck steering box, and hydraulic brakes. The upholstery and cab were crafted by Hasse Kristensson, who also created the top for Palle Ericsson's Roadster. The car features a glossy black paint job with a white top.

Sold to Stig Brohlén

Bosse showcased the car at the first Hot Rod Show in 1964, held at Ringvägen in Stockholm. In the mid-sixties, the car was sold to Stig Brohlén of Tungelsta. The transaction involved a swap with Stig's 1956 Corvette. Stig and "Gamen" were members of the Los Angeles Roadster Club. Despite their efforts to make the car road-legal through Svensk Bilprovning, they were unsuccessful.

Still Around

In 1968, Stig traded the Roadster with Gunnar 'Roach' Olsson from Orsa for another 1932 Ford Roadster, intending to build an original car. Gunnar later sold the car to Tomas Kaakinen in Borlänge, and as of 2020, it was owned by Jörgen Fjellet.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Start&Speed 6/1967
Colorod 1 1970
Colorod 1/1978
Wheels Magazine Januari 1986