Unveiling Saab’s Convertible Legacy at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2024: SaabWay Club Italy Brings Iconic Models to Life

Saab’s at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2024:

The Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2024 in Bologna has officially kicked off, and once again, the SaabWay Club Italy has captured the attention of car enthusiasts worldwide with its compelling display of Saab Convertibles. This year, the focus is on open-top motoring as the club brings together a remarkable lineup of Saab Convertibles spanning generations—from the classic Saab 900 Convertible to the sleek 9-3 models. The exhibit harks back to Saab’s golden days when the automaker was a pioneer in style, performance, and innovation.

But it’s more than just a display of beautiful cars. For Saab enthusiasts, this booth revives the nostalgia of a time when Saab was at the forefront of automotive engineering, even as the brand faced its financial struggles in the past decade. With the cooperation of respected Saab service partners like Zanetti O. Prodenone, Europa Motors Bologna, and D&D Garage Udine, this event is not just about preserving vehicles, but about keeping the Saab spirit alive for future generations.

SaabWay Club Italy at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2024

For the uninitiated, Auto e Moto d’Epoca is the largest vintage car show in Italy, gathering classic car lovers from around the globe. SaabWay Club Italy has been a staple of the event, consistently bringing passion and enthusiasm to the exhibition halls. This year is no different (see last year SaabWay Club Italy at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2023). In partnership with well-known Saab service centers such as Zanetti O. Prodenone, D&D Garage and Collecchio (PR), SaabWay has delivered an exhibit that’s as much about education as it is about admiration.

On display are Saab Convertibles from every era, neatly lined up on a sleek black platform that instantly recalls Saab’s past showrooms and exhibition stands. The club has truly outdone itself, recreating the professional look and feel of Saab’s original factory displays before the brand’s unfortunate financial demise over a decade ago.

Spotlight on Saab Convertibles: 900, 9-3 OG, and More

The highlight of this year’s SaabWay Club Italy booth is undoubtedly the focus on convertibles. The theme of the exhibit, “Saab Convertibles Throughout the Ages,” takes us on a journey from Saab’s revolutionary first convertible—the Saab 900 Convertible, which launched in 1986 and became a cult icon—to the 9-3 OG (Old Generation) Convertible, and finally to the last-generation Saab 9-3 Convertible, produced up until the company’s closure.

Each of these models represents a unique chapter in Saab’s storied history. The Saab 900 Convertible stands as a testament to Saab’s early commitment to innovation, bringing a distinctive, Scandinavian flair to the world of open-top cars. Meanwhile, the Saab 9-3 OG Convertible reflects the brand’s transition into a more modern, refined look, introducing cutting-edge technology for its time, and capturing the hearts of a new generation of drivers. Finally, the post-2007 Saab 9-3 Convertible represents the final wave of Saab’s ingenuity, blending sleek design with turbocharged performance in a convertible body that remains a favorite among collectors today.

Saab’s Convertible Legacy: More Than Just Open-Top Motoring

While convertibles are often celebrated for their sense of freedom and the thrill of open-air driving, Saab’s approach to the convertible was different. From the beginning, Saab made sure that its convertibles were as practical and capable as its sedans. With its roots in aviation, Saab applied its unique safety philosophy to the design of its convertibles, ensuring they offered the same level of protection as closed-roof models. In fact, Saab’s trademarked Active Head Restraints and sophisticated rollover protection systems made its convertibles some of the safest on the market.

Performance was another hallmark. Saab’s powerful turbocharged engines found in both the 900 and 9-3 convertibles gave drivers a spirited driving experience that few other open-top cars could match. Even today, Saab convertibles are sought after not just for their looks, but for their ability to deliver a genuine driving experience.

Preserving Saab’s Spirit for Future Generations

The SaabWay Club Italy, alongside its partners, understands that preserving Saab’s legacy is more than just maintaining a few old cars. It’s about keeping the brand’s innovative spirit alive. Events like Auto e Moto d’Epoca provide a platform for enthusiasts, collectors, and restorers to exchange ideas and resources, ensuring that Saab’s unique design philosophy is not forgotten. It’s no surprise, then, that the SaabWay Club has garnered international attention over the years for its efforts in keeping the Saab flame burning.

The presence of expert Saab service partners such as Zanetti O. Prodenone and Europa Motors Bologna highlights the critical role that these companies play in providing support to the growing community of Saab owners. From routine maintenance to full restorations, these service centers ensure that these cars remain roadworthy for decades to come. Their dedication reflects the resilience of the Saab brand and its community of devoted fans.

An Iconic Display That Captures Saab’s Golden Age

The layout of SaabWay Club Italy’s stand at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2024 is a reflection of Saab’s earlier showroom displays. From the sleek black platform to the carefully curated cars on display, the setup feels professional and clean—just as Saab would have presented it when it was a thriving automaker. For many visitors, this is an emotional journey back in time, to when Saab was not only an industry leader in design and engineering but also a brand that represented innovation and individuality.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Saab Enthusiast Communities

With each passing year, events like Auto e Moto d’Epoca become more crucial in sustaining the Saab legacy. SaabWay Club Italy has shown time and again that it has what it takes to be the torchbearer for future generations of Saab enthusiasts. While the automaker may have ceased production over a decade ago, the cars—and the memories—remain very much alive.

Enthusiast clubs like SaabWay Italy are continuing to lead the charge in preserving the heritage of one of the most beloved car brands in history. From gathering rare parts to organizing meetups and international exhibits, these clubs are ensuring that Saab will never be forgotten.

A Timeless Tribute to Automotive Excellence

The SaabWay Club Italy’s contribution to Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2024 goes beyond mere nostalgia. It’s about celebrating a brand that, while no longer in production, continues to inspire car lovers with its legacy of innovation, safety, and unique design. Whether you’re a long-time Saab owner or just discovering the brand for the first time, the convertible models on display are a powerful reminder of what made Saab so special.

As the event continues through the weekend, visitors are encouraged to experience the full lineup of Saab Convertibles and witness firsthand the passion that drives the Saab community to preserve this iconic marque.