The Saab Spirit Is Still Alive and Well – 42nd Saab Owners Convention & Record-Breaking Museum Attendance

The Saab Spirit Is Still Alive and Well – 42nd Saab Owners Convention & Record-Breaking Museum Attendance

The 42nd Saab Owners Convention, hosted by the Saab Club of North America, took place July 16–20 in Parsippany, NJ, where enthusiasts from across the U.S. and around the world gathered to celebrate the beloved marque. Held just outside New York City, this event turned out to be one of the largest in recent Saab Owners Club history.


With 368 registered show cars and 715 attendees, it was the best-attended SOC since 1997. As SCNA president Shelly Baxter quipped during Saturday evening’s awards banquet, “Not too bad for a brand and carmaker that went out of business in 2011!” The weather was perfect, and the Sheraton’s expansive parking lot was just barely able to hold the sea of Saabs on display.


41,800 Visitors: Saab’s Legacy Lives On

The Saab Car Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden, isn’t just a collection of cars—it’s a tribute to innovation, design, and the enduring loyalty of Saab enthusiasts around the world. In 2024, the museum welcomed 41,800 visitors—its highest attendance since reopening in 2012—proving that Saab’s spirit remains as strong as ever, even more than a decade after production ended. This milestone highlights the brand’s lasting influence and the passion of a global community that sees the museum as a bucket-list destination.


A Global Passion for Saab

Since its 2012 relaunch, the Saab Car Museum has steadily grown in popularity, but the last few years have seen a noticeable uptick. While the 2024 Saab Car Museum Festival helped draw record-breaking numbers, the trend points to something much deeper than a single event. “It’s not about Trollhättan alone—it’s about the global community of Saab lovers,” says curator Peter Bäckström. From Europe to the United States and beyond, Saab’s distinctive legacy continues to captivate.


Visitors often describe the museum as a sacred space for fans—an emotional and inspiring experience. Many praise the exhibits’ attention to detail, particularly those highlighting Saab’s technical innovations and engineering milestones. Thanks for the memories over the past 44 years—and thank you for your continued support and patience through the ups and downs.

Rich


P.S. Still a few Saab
classic cars available!