The Final Saabs Ever Built Are Heading to AuctionKlaravikThe Trollhättan factory in Sweden, which built Saabs for decades, seems to be finally entering its last stages.As part of the clear-out, three Saab pre-production cars and four Saab-based NEVS prototypes are being sold.As the last of the breed, these three 9-3s have historical importance.Perhaps no other defunct automaker inspires more fond nostalgia than Saab. Its cars were quirky and characterful, at their best when there was a turbocharger providing some boost under the hood, and interesting to drive. Sure, Volvo is still around to carry the Swedish flag, but a Volvo tends to be more sensible. If the two brands were brothers, Volvo would be an accountant and Saab a turtleneck-wearing avant-garde architect.KlaravikSo, we're a little sad that the last Saab has left the factory, and all the showrooms have closed. But wait, what's this? There's actually a brand new Saab up for auction, one that's never been registered? It's true, there's a brand-new 9-3 for sale, and what's more, it's accompanied by six other Saab-infused prototypes.Still sitting at an idled production facility in Trollhättan, seven pre-production Saabs have emerged as part of an auction that will be held in Sweden next week. Three of the cars are gasoline-powered 9-3s, while the other four are EV prototypes from when the NEVS consortium bought up Saab's assets after bankruptcy proceedings.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe auction is basically the curtain call for the Trollhättan factory, which dates all the way back to 1947, two years before Saab's first production model was released. As a last hurrah, those who are bidding at the auction or wish to merely attend the facility will get a guided tour on May 30 to say goodbye.KlaravikThe pre-production cars are the last Saabs ever built, meant to be used in crash testing before a planned 2014 production run. All have a considerable amount of testing mileage on them, but no one ever got around to crashing them.As for the NEVs EVs, one was driven around Trollhättan about as much as the 9-3s, while the other three are all test-beds. One has four in-wheel electric motors, one is equipped for autonomous driving, and the last has a range-extender plug-in hybrid powertrain.National character is something we see less and less of from car companies these days. At one time, you'd expect a French car to be weird and wonderful, a German car to be serious and over-engineered, and a Swedish car to be an acquired taste like smoked fish paste on crispbread. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.KlaravikAs they represent the last death throes of a beloved company, these Saabs are properly historic. You half expect Indiana Jones to stand up during the auction and yell, “That belongs in a museum!” Which these cars do. It's a bit of a sad moment. Possibly a saad one.AdvertisementAdvertisementOn the plus side, Saab mass-produced cars from 1949 right up to its bankruptcy just over ten years ago. If you've always hankered after a 900 coupe or a 9-3 Viggen convertible, there's probably one out there with your name on it. Saabs didn't get treated as disposable transportation like Toyota Corollas; their owners loved them and took care of them. There are more of them still on the road than you'd think.If you'd like to have a bid at owning one of the last Saabs ever made, you can find the auction here. Or perhaps it's time to go check the classified ads, and see if there's a vintage Swedish automobile out there that'll fill the Saab-sized hole in your heart.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029