Erik “On The Roof” Carlsson Celebrates 80th Birthday

Posted on 17. Mar, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009, Personalities

Photo Credit: TTELA

This past weekend, our friend Erik “On the Roof” Carlsson celebrated his 80th Birthday on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 at the Saab Car Museum in TrollhÃ¤ttan, Sweden.

TTELA has provided an incredible report, of this joyous celebration for this legendary personality for Saab Automobile.

Carlsson ‘On the Roof “filled 80

TROLLHÃ„TTAN Mr. Saab – Erik Carlsson “On the Roof” – has gone and been 80 years. This was celebrated on Saturday with an open house at the Saab Car Museum where lots of friends, fans and Saab Enthusiasts came to pay tribute to rally legend.

- I believe in the Saab. Do not worry, it will be all right, “ said a noticeably moved Erik.

One of many for Erik in the celebrations was to be invited to a delicious oysters from Grebbestad.

Lots of friends and admirers who came to celebrate Erik Carlsson “On the Roof”. One of these was the friend GÃ¶sta Karlsson. “We have known each other in 50 years, he is a good friend,” said GÃ¶sta.

Saab’s CEO Jan-Ã…ke Jonsson was in place to pay tribute to Mr. Saab.

- I can not understand why so many have taken the time to come and celebrate me. It is not wise! Erik said while he was busy with the hugging, cheek KISS and sign books.

Already a 11.00 in the celebration began, the ring a long queue to the table where Erik was to receive the tribute. It was old and young, acquaintances, admirers and friends.

GÃ¶sta Karlsson, known Erik for many years, presented with Bertil Stener a big beautiful orchid and shook hand with his friend.

- Here’s a little flower Erik. It is almost to the day 50 years ago that we met the first time. Do you remember where?
- Yes, said Erik.

GÃ¶sta began to tell and both log:

- We pulled a isbanetÃ¤vling in Vilhelmina, Erik won and I finished third. After the race when I was about to wrap stuff in the car, Erik came up and said: “You can call me a week and I’ll arrange for you to buy a car at discount prices. Then we became friends. “

- I am old racing driver who drove for Saab 1960-1966 and was drivng with Eriks cars. Erik and I have also run the midnight sun races together – he is a very nice and good old friend, said GÃ¶sta and smiled at Erik.

Then it was time for the birth of the child’s next surprise.

- Can Erik imagine a little light brunch? said Per Olofsson, site manager for Saab restaurants, and put up a big dish with delicious oysters.
- Oh, yes! Is the Irish or what?
- No they are from Grebbestad, said Per and opened oysters while Erik on a conveyor belt devoured itself.
- They were really fine you. Many thanks.

Per Olofsson told that Erik is a big oyster lover and that over the years talked a lot about this common interest.
- I took me five and Erik had easily consumed five to. I promised to take me ten, when he turns 85.

After that it was time for the anniversary that is canvassed by Saab’s Managing Director, Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, and the management team.
- Hey. Did you have time to go here? said Erik.
- Yeah, good to see that Erik had to eat oysters, “said Jan Ã…ke Jonsson and told a little anecdote:
- At a meeting in Ireland decided to Erik for the two of us would eat oysters. Erik ordered in 20 pieces. I had two – he is about 18!

Jan Ã…ke Jonsson was then a tribute speech in which he told me about Erik, and how he has been extremely significant for Saab through the years.
- The gift you get this picture and a general overhaul of the property you think so much about, “said Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, aimed at Eriks little red Saab 96 he was 50th birthday of Saab.

After century, it became so may he live, and a generally smooth in the room cheered.
- The most important thing is not that I live a hundred years without light that Saab continues to live long after that! Many thanks to all Saab Employees. I believe in the Saab, it will go. It probably makes most of those who are here, otherwise, you had not come here! said Erik and received applause and smiles said everything.

Congratulations Erik, how does it feel to be 80 years?
- I am 80? No, now you all kidding. Thank you it is incredibly nice to be canvassed in this way. I never thought so many would take the time to come here.

And there is certainly no doubt that you believe in a future for Saab?

- Not a second. We have good cars, good people and an incredibly talented director, Jan Ã…ke Jonsson. This will go.