Rare Saab Prototypes and Final Development Cars Head to Auction from Historic Trollhättan Plant

The final chapter for Saab’s legacy is being written as eight rare development vehicles and prototypes from the automaker’s historic Trollhättan plant prepare for public auction. The sale includes autonomous test cars, an electric sedan with in-wheel motors, and other engineering mules, marking the emotional closure of a storied Swedish brand.

Stored inside Saab’s old factory in Trollhättan, Sweden, the collection consists of vehicles developed both before and after the automaker’s 2011 bankruptcy. Most are based on the Saab 9-3 and were created by NEVS (National Electric Vehicle Sweden), the company formed in 2012 from Saab’s remnants. NEVS aimed to revive Saab’s engineering prowess with electric and autonomous technology but was barred from using the Saab name.

NEVS’ Rise and Fall

Backed by Chinese property giant Evergrande, NEVS invested heavily in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous systems, and experimental drivetrains. However, Evergrande’s financial collapse in 2023 halted progress, leading to mass layoffs and the gradual emptying of the Trollhättan factory. The final cars are now being sold off in an auction hosted by Swedish auction house Klaravik from May 21–30, with no reserve pricing on any lots.

Notable Prototypes in the Auction

• Autonomous development vehicle – A test car equipped with self-driving technology.
• Electric sedan with in-wheel motors – A prototype featuring an advanced electric drivetrain pioneered by Saab engineers.
• Range-extender hybrid test car – A working prototype combining internal combustion with electric power.
• Pre-production Saab 9-3 sedans – Several sedans built during NEVS’ tenure, reflecting the brand’s evolution.
• Hengchi 5 electric SUV – A vehicle tied to Evergrande’s automotive ambitions, now part of the sale.

These cars are not polished museum pieces; they are working prototypes and engineering mules, bearing the battle scars of Saab’s final attempts to innovate long after the original company’s collapse.

Tour the Historic Factory Before Bidding Closes

Enthusiasts have the opportunity to tour the Trollhättan factory before the auction closes later this month. The listings for all eight vehicles are available on Klaravik’s website. The Trollhättan site holds immense historical significance—Saab opened the factory in 1947 and produced iconic models like the 900 Turbo. Now, 15 years after General Motors offloaded it, the final remnants of Saab’s legacy are leaving the factory for good.