Final Saab 9-3 Models from Trollhättan Factory Head to Auction: Last Chance to Own a Piece of History

Nearly 15 years after Saab’s collapse, seven of the last remaining cars from its Trollhättan factory are being auctioned. These vehicles represent the final chapter of a brand known for innovation, reliability, and Scandinavian engineering.

Saab’s Legacy: From Aircraft to Iconic Cars

Founded as an aircraft manufacturer, Saab introduced its first car—the 92—in 1947. The company earned a global reputation for durability through motorsport, particularly in rallying. Legendary driver Erik Carlsson secured victories in the RAC Rally and Monte Carlo Rally behind the wheel of a Saab 96, cementing the brand’s performance legacy.

Saab was also an engineering pioneer, introducing V4 engines and popularizing turbocharging with its 900 series. Its focus on ergonomics and safety set it apart in the automotive world.

Ownership Shifts and the Final Collapse

In 1989, Saab’s car division separated from its aviation arm. General Motors (GM) acquired a 50% stake, later taking full control in 2000. However, GM exited in 2010, selling Saab to Dutch automaker Spyker Cars, which lacked the financial stability to sustain operations.

Saab ceased production in 2012, but its assets were acquired by NEVS (National Electric Vehicle Sweden), a venture backed by Chinese real estate giant Evergrande Group. NEVS aimed to revive Saab as an electric and autonomous vehicle brand, though tangible results remained limited.

After Evergrande’s bankruptcy in 2021, NEVS downsized dramatically, laying off nearly all staff in 2023. The company began liquidating factory assets in 2025, culminating in the auction of its remaining vehicles.

The Final Seven: Rare Saab 9-3 Models for Sale

The upcoming auction, hosted by Klaravik, features seven unregistered Saab 9-3 models, all produced in the brand’s final years:

• Three gasoline-powered pre-production 9-3s (2014 models) with odometer readings between 18,000 and 58,000 km. These cars were used exclusively for internal transport at the factory.
• One NEVS pre-production EV with 38,000 km, also reserved for factory use.
• Three EV prototypes showcasing NEVS’s experimental technologies:
  • A vehicle equipped with in-wheel electric motors.
  • A car fitted with GPS, lidar, and cameras for autonomous driving development.
  • A hybrid with a range extender powertrain.

Last Chance to Own a Piece of Saab History

The auction will open the factory doors in Trollhättan, Sweden, on May 30, allowing enthusiasts to inspect the cars where they were built. This marks the final opportunity to acquire a Saab straight from the factory that defined the brand’s legacy.

“These cars are the last remnants of Saab’s storied past, offering collectors a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.”