Earlier in June this year, initial news of an auction was released at the Saab Car Museum Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden, which created a major buzz among Saab fans worldwide.
Now it has been announced that the last Saab will be auctioned via Bilweb Auctions in October.
Online auction
In addition to getting ownership of the coveted last 'new' Saab, the buyer will be invited to an exclusive visit to the Nevs factory, including development labs and technical departments.
The day ends with a full tour of the very rare collection of cars in the Saab Museum. Hotel and lunch are included in the experience. The proceeds of the auction will be donated to The NEVS Sustainable Mobility Scholarship.
A fund has also been set up by the company to promote research within the sharing economy and smart mobility acceptance at University West in Sweden.
Image: Bilweb Auctions
The fund will be awarded to individuals making significant efforts to pave the way for future mobility solutions – ranging from electric car technologies and sharing economies to initiatives for self-driving cars.
"I’m pleased that the very last petrol-driven car from Saab will contribute to the transition to more sustainable transportation”, says Stefan Tilk, vice president, Nevs.
"It is exciting that this collaboration with Nevs is happening. University West in Trollhättan prioritizes the work with Agenda 2030 and is always trying to maximize our community impact with a focus on sustainability. This initiative is right on target”, says Martin Hellström, principal, University West.
Image: Bilweb Auctions
The story behind the last new Saab
Initially, the production of Saab was halted in 2011.
However, between 2013 and 2014 electric car company Nevs – the buyer of the bankrupt Swedish automaker – relaunched production in the original Saab factory. The last batch of cars comprised of 420 Saab 9-3Aeros.
The car now being auctioned out is a Saab 9-3 MY14 Silver 2.0T Automatic with only approximately 66km on the odometer. It was set aside from the production line to undergo a development test that was never carried out. Subsequently, it was used as a reference vehicle during the limited production run.
When production stopped in May 2014 the car was parked in the Nevs factory in the event petrol car production might resume. So, while all other Saab 9-3 were sold to customers in different installments, this reference car remained untouched for almost five years.
Image: Bilweb Auctions
Facts: The last new Saab
Production year: 2013
Model: Saab 9-3 MY14
Condition: Unused
Number of seats: Five, beige leather, dark details
Exterior color: "Diamond Silver”
Motor: 2.0 Turbo4, 164kW
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Petrol
Mileage: Approxmately 70 km
CO2: 200 g/km
Chassis number: YTNFD4AZXE1100257
Image: Bilweb Auctions
Compiled by Sean Parker.