Written by independent automotive journalist Chris Griggs

These two Cadillacs – a 1959 pink model (Lot #660.1) and a 1955 blue example (Lot #660.2) will be among the 30 cars from the World of Classics Collection crossing the Palm Beach auction block with No Reserve.

For Leif-Ivan Karlsson, one is never enough. Get to know the story of this lifelong entrepreneur from north Sweden, and it becomes apparent very quickly. From multiple business, boats and houses, he has made quite the name for himself as one of the top businessmen in his home country. As a lifelong automotive enthusiast, he developed his affinity for American cars when he was just a young boy working at a gas station.

As Karlsson worked his way up in life, one car was never enough. He began amassing a collection of American Classics that became so large he opened up World of Classics Museum and Sales, a 38,000-square-foot museum in Stockholm, to showcase it. Then, proving again that one is not enough, Karlsson and his family opened the doors on a second 31,000-square-foot museum near his part-time home in Florida. Housing roughly 250 classic cars at any time between the two facilities, Karlsson is constantly changing out pieces of the collection to offer visitors to both museums a new experience every time. As such, a 30-car sampling of his impressive collection will be selling at No Reserve at the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction.

Lot #660.1 – 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

With the theme of both museums being American classics, Cadillac naturally must be represented. The 1959 Cadillac (Lot #660.1) crossing the block in Florida is a fine example of the premier icon of the ʼ50s and American automotive design; the only thing that could make this convertible Series 62 even more iconic would seeing Elvis himself behind the wheel. Instantly recognizable by the massive tailfins adorned with bullet taillights, this Cadillac sports a pink exterior with matching pink and white interior. Tied all together by a white convertible top, wide whitewall tires and a Continental kit, this is the definition of 1950s nostalgia. And, as every Cadillac should be, it’s loaded with options like power steering and brakes, power seats and windows, power antenna and AM/FM radio.

Lot #660.2 – 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Although the ʼ59 Cadillac has captured the ultimate status as a ’50s icon, the 1955 Cadillac set the high mark of class and elegance four years earlier. Lot #660.2 rolled off the assembly line as the top-of-the-line trim level Eldorado convertible and was the recipient of a full frame-off restoration. Finished in a stunning shade of blue, it’s powered by a 331ci engine topped with two Rochester 4-barrel carburetors and is backed by an automatic transmission. The classic shark tailfins are accented with the wide whitewall tires and factory hubcaps for a truly classic look. The interior is upholstered with matching blue leather, and features options like an electric clock along with power steering, brakes, seats and windows. Of the 118,579 Cadillacs built in 1955, only 3,950 were built as the range-topping Eldorado convertible, adding provenance to the prestige.

Lot #660 – 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

While Cadillacs of pink and blue hues paint the picture-perfect image of 1950s nostalgia, Lot #660, a 1960 Eldorado Biarritz, offers a departure from the norm, taking a more unconventional path. Sporting an unusual and rare color combination of green with a matching green leather interior, this Cadillac was built for a buyer with singular tastes. Making this car even more special are some very rare options, including air conditioning, cruise control, a power trunk release and the mysterious Autronic Eye ‒ a photonic sensor that picks up headlights from oncoming traffic and automatically dims the high beams. Topped off with a host of other options – such as power steering, brakes, seats and locks ‒ this Eldorado provides a unique spin on a classic Cadillac.

Lot #661.1 – 1957 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

If a vintage Caddy is a little too flashy for your tastes, a 1957 Buick Roadmaster convertible may appeal to those who want something a little more (but not much more) subtle. Lot #661.1 is finished in a beautiful two-tone bright red and white exterior. Under the hood sits a smooth-running 364ci V8 engine rated at 300 horsepower, which is backed by an automatic transmission. The interior is upholstered to match with two-tone red and white leather. As one of only 4,363 Roadmaster convertibles built in 1957, it is equipped with a host of options, including power brakes and steering, power seats and windows, dual spotlights and wire wheels.

Lot #659 – 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix D500

In order to have a true American classics car museum, Mopar is a must. The 1960 Dodge Dart D500 Phoenix convertible offered here more than meets the requirements. Lot #659 came from the factory as a top-of-the-line Phoenix trim, finished in a brilliant red with a red and white interior. Powered by a 383ci V8 rated at 330 horsepower, it features dual 4-barrel carburetors with a ram induction intake, all backed by a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. As the top-of-the-line trim model, it came well-appointed with options like power windows, brakes and steering, interior trimmings and backup lights.

Lot #659.2 – 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Muscle cars became the name of the game for the Big 3 as the 1960s progressed, but before there were muscle cars, there were cars like the Impala. As a full-size car available in 1960 with a host of high-performance engines and a manual transmission, it helped set the stage of what was to come with high-horsepower stoplight warriors. Illustrated beautifully by Lot #659.2, a 1960 Impala convertible that packs a 348ci V8 topped with a tri-power carburetor setup and is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. The exterior is finished in a vibrant red and accented with a white convertible top, while the interior is upholstered to match, giving the car a sporty look. Despite the performance, it was still a state-of-the-art full-size car with a touch of class, showcased by options like a set of rear fender skirts and a Continental kit out back.

Lot #661.3– 1968 Ford Mustang GT 428 CJ Fastback

For those looking for more thoroughbred muscle, Lot #661.3, a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, will fit the bill. Although from the outside it may have the appearance of a standard GT with 351 or even a 390 under the hood, this ʼ68 packs something even better. Factory-equipped with 428ci Cobra Jet V8 backed by a wide-ratio 4-speed transmission, this pony is more like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Cobra Jet engine was most known for being found in the Mustang Mach I in 1969 and 1970, but a handful made their way into GT models in 1968. Nearly identical to a regular GT, the only exterior marking that gives a clue to this pony’s power plant is the black hood scoop and stripe. Introduced halfway through the 1968 production year, Ford modified the existing 428 Police Interceptor engine with heads off the high-performance 427, cast-iron exhaust manifolds and a Holley 735cfm 4-barrel carburetor. This particular example is finished in Sunlit Gold and comes equipped with the usual GT options, such as dual exhaust, 14” wheels, GT gas cap and power front disc brakes. The black interior features standard bucket seats, push-button radio and a sport deck back seat, and the entire car comes documented with a Marti Report.

Lot #658 – 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427/400 Convertible

Last but certainly not least is one for the Corvette crowd. Lot #658 is a 1968 Corvette convertible powered by an L62 427/400hp engine, and backed up by a 4-speed transmission. As the first year of the C3, it features the muscular, yet classic Stingray styling, finished in classic white with a black interior. Adding to the provenance of this ʼVette: It’s a matching-numbers barn find.

In addition to these eight, Karlsson has 22 other American classics that will be rolling over the block. For the Mopar crowd, highlights include a series of 300s – ranging from D (Lot #657.1), E (Lot #412.2), F (Lot #415.3) and H (Lot #414) – and well as a ʼ55 Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis (Lot #415), a ʼ57 Imperial Crown (Lot #334) and a 1951 Imperial Crown convertible (Lot #656.1). The DeSoto brand will be represented as well with a pair of hardtops: a 1956 Firedome Seville (Lot #414.2) and a 1957 Fireflite Sportsman (Lot #414.1). Fans of the Blue Oval need not worry, as a 1960 Thunderbird convertible (Lot #413.1) and a 1959 Edsel Corsair convertible (Lot #413) are also being offered.

The final member of the Big 3, General Motors, will have a very strong showing across multiple brands, with a 1953 98 convertible (Lot #657.2) and 1958 98 coupe (Lot #413.2) representing two outstanding offerings from Oldsmobile. The muscle from Chevrolet continues with a 1962 Impala SS 409 convertible (Lot #659.1) and a 1967 Camaro (Lot #415.1). Pontiac will have a strong showing with cars showcasing some of the best from the 1950s and ’60s, including a 1955 Star Chief convertible (Lot #657), coupe (Lot #415.2) and convertible (Lot #658.1) 1965 GTO models, 1967 GTO convertible (Lot #658.2), 1969 Grand Prix coupe (Lot #412.1) and a 1969 GTO Judge (Lot #661.2) to cap everything off.

Karlsson loves each and every of his 250 cars, proudly showing them off to patrons around the world in his museums, which makes it all the more difficult for him to let them go. As a collector, however, he understands it’s all part of the process of building and maintaining a great collection. As the time has come for him to part with these beautiful and legendary American classics, we can rest assured he is hard at working tracking down cars even more spectacular and rare to replace them, so they also can be shared with the world. No matter how many rare, classic and iconic cars he obtains, fortunately for patrons of his museums and classic car enthusiasts around the world, it’s never enough.

Check out the gallery below for more images of the World of Classics Collection coming to the Palm Beach Auction, and click HERE to read the up-to-date details of all the vehicles.