The folks managing the 2009 Saab Owners Convention have provided their latest newsletter here.

The event is now just 2 and a half months away, so register today!

Welcome Saab Enthusiasts!

Our host Rocky Mountain Saab Club of Colorado welcomes you to the 2009 North American Saab Owners Convention held at Copper Mountain Resort, Colorado.

What a pleasure it is to gather Saab enthusiasts from all over the country, Canada and Europe. What better place to be than in the heart of the Colorado
Mountains sharing your experiences with other fellow Saab enthusiasts. Welcome!

I want to share an experience I had. When I attended the SOC at Lake George, NY where I met one gentleman and his family. I got the feel that he was a first time Saab Convention attendee. I asked him where home was and why he came. “I live in a town just an hour north of Manhattan and to be honestly, the reason I came is to see just what a Saab Owner are made of”. That was an amazing answer. “Just to see what Saab Owners are made of” hum.

As we attend this event, reach out to all who attend and take home with you an experience you will never forget, new friends you have met that just happen to drive a Saab. This event is not to promote, sell or push or hi pressure to make choices, we do this in real time life every day. This is to share experiences with others, find connections from all over the country, find rare parts you need to restore your vintage Saab. Come, share and enjoy!!

Plan on making this years National Saab Owners Convention a must do on this summers list of activities. Register now! See you in Colorado!

This past Saturday, May 16th, 2009, I managed to get down to the annual Saab show in Carlisle, Pennsylvania “The State of Independence” with a colleague of mine’s new 2008 9-3 2.0T SportCombi.

The Saab show, launched by the Central Pennsylvania Saab Club 10 years ago was apparently suggested by the local Opel club 10 years ago this weekend. This suggestion to have Saabs placed in the show adjacent to the Opels would make some good sense, since professionally speaking, Saab have partnered with Opel in development for the past 15 years or so. Having Opels & Saabs at a car show, alongside each other made logical sense. Since then, the incremental growth of the Saab show at the event over the past 10 years has been outstanding. It was to be expected that this year, over 200 vehicles turned out, making it another record attendance.

While the weather was variable, the rain held up throughout the day during my visit and as a result, I had quite the time getting to take more of an in-depth experience since my first visit, a whole two years ago when the Saab USA Heritage Collection was present.

As I circumnavigated the Highways, Streets, Roads, Avenues, Vistas and other developed marque designations for Saab models, I got to see a nice variety including just about every production Saab production model. I also explored other manufacturer’s camps this year including Saab’s Swedish sister, Volvo. In speaking with them, they said, they continue to be surprised by just how many Saabs show up year after year without fail. I told them, that these people are devoted so much that they may break another record this year of attendance, even when the future direction of Saab Automobile has been uncertain for the past year.

There were also many dealerships involved this year, three this time including an independent and Saab History sponsor, Swedish Motor Cars of Washington, D.C.!

I have said it before and I will say it again, it is clear that the the “SAAB” presence far outweighed all other marques on the lawn that day the sheer square footage that was designated as “Saabs @ Carlisle”.

Unlike my previous visit two years ago, I managed to visit the vendor spaces that included those specifically selling a plethora of SAAB parts, accessories, product literature & toys. One of the vendors showed up for the first time this year, where I managed to acquire an incredible amount of never before seen videos and other television advertisements, stay tuned!

Throughout the event, the photography, conversing with colleagues, and all other activities were great, however the memorable experience this year was the tribute to Bob Sinclair during the lunch hour where we gave a moment of silence.

I hope that this summary and photographs best captures some of the major Saab highlights as well as the other key aspects of the Saabs @ Carlisle event this past Saturday, May 16th, 2009.

This second visit was very good and I am glad that I had the opportunity to attend it.

Photo Credit: Saab History

The Central Pennsylvania Saab Club is once again hosting the annual “SAABs at Carlisle” event. 10 years ago there were literally three cars from the Central Pennsylvania Saab Club in attendance, chronologically, and as you can see below, the monumental growth over the years has been incredible. What is most impressive is also the number of consistent 1st place trophies the Saab contingent compared to all other makes at the show, spanning 7, hoping this year will be the 8th!

The event will be in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on May 15th through the 17th, with Saturday, the 16th being the largest day for turnouts.

For more information on the event, please visit the Central Pennsylvania Saab Club’s website and also take a look at my collection from when I attended back in 2007.

What: Saabs @ Carlisle

Where: Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

When: May 15th-17th, 2009

2009: ?
2008: 196 cars (another 1st place trophy)
2007: 211 cars (another 1st place trophy)
2006: 181 cars (another 1st place trophy)
2005: 177 cars (another 1st place trophy)
2004: 158 cars (another 1st place trophy)
2003: 131 cars (another 1st place trophy)
2002: 117 cars (Our FIRST 1st place trophy!)
2001: 54 cars (4th place trophy)
2000: 14 cars
1999: 3 cars (Frank Bailey, George Basehore & Marc Fails)

Photo Credit: Etienne / Saab Huy

Etienne, our Saab History European correspondent, has recently provided photos of a Saab event in Belgium.

This particular Saab event was called ING Aredenne which was actually a road rally. Thanks to Etienne, we have some great photos as well as a nice translation of the e-mail he received as well.

Apparently, this event was co-sponsored by Saab’s importer in Belgium? When was the last time Saab Automobile USA co-sponsored a rally in the United States? I think that was in 1957 with the Great American Mountain Rally, right? It is long overdue! Let’s hope the new start with Saab in the United States with new ownership, we see this again.

Thank you Etienne for the photos and information!

I receive the mail below this morning from Sofie Van Damme the public relation of belgian saab importer about the ING rally , as you can see on
the original mail in french it’s for saabhuy and for you too :)

“Saab was one of the main sponsors of the ING aredenne roads rally last week-end in Belgium

Please find enclosed some photographs for Saabhuy and Saabhistory

We took part with 3 old-timers

- saab 93
- saab 96
-saab sonnet III

More infos about this rally: http://www.trajectoire.be/ingAB/FR/accueil.php

Etienne

Photo Credits: Saab History

Here are the photos from the Springtime in Sweden event I attended this Saturday in Amherst, New Hampshire now in its sixth season.

The weather as you can imagine was absolutely incredible, and was the first good day weather wise in the North East region of the United States this year.

Enjoy the photos!

Photo Credit: Saab History

The Springtime in Sweden event, now in it’s sixth year will take place on Saturday, April 25th.

The Sixth Annual Springtime in Sweden event is taking place on April 25th, 2009 in Amherst, New Hampshire.

For more information on this event and to participate and/or donate, please visit their website directly at http://www.crismanmemorial.org

   

Fifth Annual Springtime In Sweden Saab Gathering
In Memory of Kyle and Tim Crisman
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
10am to 3pm

About The Event
The event is in memory of Kyle (SPGUY) and Tim Crisman.
On the afternoon of November 3, 2002, Kyle and Tim were on their way home from a visit with their Grandmother, when they lost their lives in an automobile accident.

Kyle had a passion for Saabs and Tim was very close behind. They would spend countless hours out in the driveway working on them - Kyle on his prize 1988 SPG and Tim on his Dad’s 9000 Aero, which he hoped to someday own. One of Kyle and Tim’s dreams was to have a Saab gathering at our house. You see, we have just about three acres of field. “Perfect for a Saab gathering. Don’t you think?” That is what they would always say. So, we would like to fulfill one of their dreams. What better way to celebrate Kyle and Tim’s lives, than to have a Saab celebration in their yard.

The other dream of Kyle’s was to own a 1988 SIS convertible. As you may know, SIS stands for “Springtime in Sweden”. Well, we now own an SIS thanks to so many wonderful people in the Saab world that Kyle used to chat with. The car is being restored as we speak and will someday soon be in our possession. This is all due to so many caring people that knew Kyle and Tim. So please come and join us for the very first and hopefully many more “Springtime in Sweden” Saab gatherings.

The Proceeds
All the proceeds will go to The Kyle and Tim Crisman Memorial Scholarship Fund. To date, the scholarship has awarded seven scholarships - four for the automotive/business and three in the culinary arts. Two additional scholarships will be awarded in May. There are numerous other awards that are given out during the year. Thanks to all those who have contributed.

Who Should Attend:
Saab owners/enthusiasts, car lovers of all kinds and those interested in donating to a worthy cause. Bring your own parts for swap or sale. Who knows what you might find!

Date:
Saturday April 25th, 2009

Time:
10am to 3pm

Donation: It’s $15 to get in which includes passengers in the car

Information: http://www.crismanmemorial.org

Location: (Click here for directions)
2 Jennifer Lane
Amherst, NH

The 2009 Saab Owners Convention in Copper Mountain Colorado, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Saab Club and sponsored by Mile Hi Body Shop in Denver, is four months from now.

As part of this convention, it is important to celebrate those people that made the difference all of those years with Saab Automobile in the United States, the employees.

Here is the press release below:

Saab USA Former Employee Reunion 2009 at 2009 SOC August 13th-16th, 2009

It is the work that many of you did that has contributed to Saab’s presence here over the years in the United States and that is why it’s important to celebrate each and every one of your accomplishments.

As a way for everyone to say thank you for your hard work, I am coordinating an effort for a Saab USA former employees reunion at the 2009 Saab Owners Convention in Copper Mountain, Colorado just one hour from Denver, Colorado this August 13th-16th.

This is a pivotal year for Saab Automobile in the United States and with your help; it’s important to have a great gathering to reflect on Saab in the United States, meet old friends, make new friends and have a good time is what this effort is all about.

If you remember the first one that took place in Connecticut in 2005, over 150 former employees attended, so this one should be great as well.

I am putting together a former Saab USA employees address book and would like to know if it is okay with you to include your name and address onto the updated list. If you also know anyone else that can be included on the list, please let me know.

If you worked at any of the following offices or eras, please feel free to contact me to be added to the list.

SAAB Motors, Inc. (1956-1961) 405 Park Avenue, New York, NY
SAAB Motors, Inc./Saab-Scania of America, Inc. (1961-1971) 100 Waterfront Street, New Haven, CT
Saab-Scania of America, Inc. (1972-1992) 60 Marsh Hill Road, Orange, CT/35 Executive Boulevard, Orange, CT. & other campuses
Saab Cars, USA, Inc. (1992-2004) Norcross, Georgia and other regional offices
Saab Automobile USA (2004-2009) Detroit, Michigan and other regional offices (ie. 15 Executive Boulevard)
I am hopeful a new Saab Automobile Of North America, Inc. will emerge in New England by the end of 2009 as part of the New Saab Automobile announced on February 20th, 2009. (2009- ?)

In the meantime, I urge you to register for the convention by clicking here directly for all of the details and for more information.

I look forward to your response and thank you for your time and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Ryan

Editor, Historian & Promoter

Saab History - Past, Present & Future

http://www.saabhistory.com

info@saabhistory.com
–

Trollhättan, Sweden will be celebrating what is known as “Saab Days” on June 17th-19th, 2009. This event will not be an official Saab Festival like 2007, but more of a club organized event.

However, Saab Automobile and the Saab Car Museum will help support it says Peter Backstrom, curator of the Saab Car Museum in his e-mail to Saab History below:

Hello Ryan!

The Saab days is an initiative from the Swedish Saab Club, Saab Turbo Club of Sweden and Club Sonett Sweden. It will take place June 17-19 in Trollhättan. I will be coordinated with the Fallens dagar Festival and the Midnight Sun rally.

For more information about the event itself, see the clubs websites. They would like to point out that it will not be an event with the same level like the Saabfestival, But I am convinced that it will be worthwhile for international visitors to book tickets!

I have good reasons to believe that you already have made the conclusion that it will be no official Saabfestival 2009. Although we are not organizing “Saabens dagar” we will of course support it as much as we can from Saab Automobile / Saab Car Museums side.

The Midnight Sun Rally will have a overnight rest at the Saab Car Museum in Trollhättan between Friday & Saturday and a total of 180 cars will participate. Among them around 40 Saabs from 2-stroker to V4:s and 99 turbos. Driven flat out! with 2 special stages around Trollhättan. See www.midnattsolrallyt.com for more info.

That all I have right now!

Best Regards
Peter Bäckström
Manager Saab Car Museum
Brand & Product Communications
Saab Automobile AB
/blockquote>

Announced on September 2nd, 2008, the 2009 Saab Owners Convention Registration officially opens this week!

This convention is the 10-year anniversary of the Rocky Mountain Saab Club’s 1st Saab Owners Convention that was held in 1999, hence the name of the convention titled “Summit Of The Nines”.

I have previously posted an impressive photo gallery as well as a promotional video that the club provided me that should provide you a nice primer to the event.

For more information on the 2009 Saab Owners Convention, take a look at the official website address here:

Official 2009 Saab Owners Convention Website

* Note, this convention is not affiliated with the Saab Club of North America at all so the above website is the only official website for the event.

To Register for the event, and to receive the early-bird special, visit their website address here:

Official 2009 Saab Owners Convention Registration Site

Note: Registration does not include lodging, click on link below to book.

Official Lodging Accomodations

2009 Saab Owners Convention

For those who have attended past Saab Owners Conventions, you also know how much fun it can be to visit new destinations alongside others who share your appreciation and enthusiasm!

For many reasons, we like to think of Colorado as the “Saab Capital of the West”. For decades Saab has enjoyed strong sales in the region thanks to the car’s exceptionally strong performance in snow and high altitude. Where large displacement, high-dollar über-coupes gasp for air, turbo charged Saabs more closely resemble their aeronautical counterparts. And, as the Saab Owners Convention is a true motoring event at heart, Colorado is host to 25 National Scenic Byways as well as dozens of other breathtaking drives that could equally qualify. For those able, the 2009 event will again conclude with “Saabs Run the Rockies”, a 5-day road rally that will travel many of these spectacular routes and will tour four National Parks.

In 1999, the Saab Owners Convention hosted in Keystone, CO attracted some of the highest attendance figures ever. Without detracting too much from this year’s convention, we see big potential for an even greater turnout in ‘09. Planning is well under way. With the enthusiastic membership of the RMSC and strong, local business support, we look forward to a memorable week uniquely Colorado and quintessentially Saab. Mark your calendar and stay tuned!

Please visit both the 2009 Saab Owners Convention Photo Archive and Promotional Video as well.

What: 2009 Saab Owners Convention

Where: Copper Mountain Resort, Frisco, Colorado

When: August 13-16th, 2009

Photo Credit: Saab History

For the first time ever, this past Sunday’s ninth annual Swedish Car Day failed over and over to not inspire me and ultimately, will be my last.

There were too numerous key observations I had which included the following: Saab USA Heritage Collection no-show, there was no special events, the attendance was dismal, the food was overpriced and the weather was chilling to say the least and the only goodies provided, consisted of a v*lv* mug, and a Saab Accessories book, to obviously encourage us to go out and spend even more of our hard earned money. If all this wasn’t enough, having young kids taking our cash upon entry was convenient, because I couldn’t ask them why the cost has risen so much and what noble cause our money was really going towards.

There are numerous other reasons I could list, but I must confess this Swedish Car Day will be my last and will be unfortunately forgettable.

However, all that being said the highlights of the event except for meeting with some friendly faces during the course of the day, actually involved a Saab caravan to the event with some very nice friends of mine and that was memorable.

Photo Credit: Saab History

I will be taking off with my wife for Swedish Car Day 9 in the 1992 Saab 900 Turbo that takes place on Sunday, October 19th, 2008.

It appears that it will be quite a well attended event, including some special guest appearances from former NESA members.

It looks like the weather will also be incredible, so I wish everyone who is attending safe travels to this wonderful annual fall Saab event in New England.

Photo Credit: Jon DelRosario /1st Annual SCD Oct 16th, 2000

This Sunday marks the 9th Anniversary of the annual Swedish Car Day that takes place at Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation.

This event will evidently focus on the history particularly the Saab 99 Turbo much like the theme of the 2008 Saab Owners Convention, how it began and evidently some more surprises this year.

If you have never attended Swedish Car Day, I would strongly suggest you visit my photo archive from last year’s event SCD 8.

For more information about this event, please visit the Swedish Car Day Website as well as the Museum of Transportation website as well:

What: Swedish Car Day 9

When: October 19th, 2008 - 10:00am until 2pm

Where:

Larz Anderson Auto Museum
15 Newton St.
Brookline, MA 02445

Web: http://www.larzanderson.org