Seven rare Saab prototypes, including pre-production gasoline and electric models from 2014 to 2019, are set to go up for auction on May 21. These vehicles, left behind at the former Saab production facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, represent a unique slice of automotive history.

What’s Included in the Auction Lot

The auction features a total of eight vehicles, though only seven are Saabs. The remaining one is a Hengchi 5 crossover prototype built by Evergrande. The Saab models include:

  • Three 2014 Saab 9-3 prototypes – Pre-production gasoline models originally intended for crash testing. These were never used for their intended purpose.
  • One 2019 Saab 9-3 EV prototype – A pre-production electric model planned for production in China.
  • One 2019 Saab 9-3 EV with all-wheel drive – Another pre-production electric variant.
  • One self-driving Saab 9-3 prototype – A testbed for autonomous driving technology.
  • One Saab 9-3 with a range extender – A hybrid-focused prototype.

Three prototype electric Saab 9-3s alongside a Hengchi 5 (bottom right).

Auction Details and Registration

Bidding for these rare prototypes opens on May 21. While the auction is hosted in Sweden, participants worldwide can join online. However, registration requirements vary by location:

  • Sweden-based bidders can register as private individuals without a business account.
  • International bidders must register as a business entity to participate.

Interested buyers must create an account with Klaravik, the auction platform hosting the sale. No in-person attendance is required.

Why These Prototypes Matter

These vehicles were part of Saab’s final efforts under National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), the company that briefly revived the brand after its bankruptcy. The prototypes span gasoline, electric, and autonomous technologies, offering a glimpse into Saab’s evolving vision before its ultimate decline. The Hengchi 5 prototype adds an additional layer of intrigue, representing a separate automotive experiment.

For collectors and enthusiasts, these prototypes are more than just cars—they are relics of a brand’s last attempts to innovate in an increasingly competitive industry.

Source: The Drive