Inside Václav Havel’s Saab 9-5: The Czech Presidential Legend

An Exclusive Look into the Final Survivor from Prague Castle’s Saab Fleet

In the world of automobiles, provenance can dramatically elevate the value and allure of a vehicle. When it comes to Saab, a brand synonymous with innovation, quality, and understated luxury, historical ties can transform a car from merely desirable to downright extraordinary. Today, we delve deep into the story of the last remaining Saab 9-5 from the presidential fleet that once served at Prague Castle under the legendary Czech President, Václav Havel.

Historical Context: A Presidential Choice

Back in 2001, the Presidential Office of the Czech Republic made a significant decision—to modernize its fleet. The choice was ambitious and symbolic, opting for seven pristine Saab 9-5 sedans. This fleet replaced aging Volvo vehicles, immediately marking a distinct shift in the style and sophistication associated with official Czech government transportation. Criticism regarding the cost of these vehicles, totaling roughly seven million Czech Koruna, was promptly overshadowed by their evident suitability for state duties.

Designed with both performance and refinement in mind, these Saab 9-5 sedans quickly became integral to the image of Czech state representation. Used primarily for presidential needs, state visits, and diplomatic events, the cars earned a respected place in Czech political and automotive history.

Spotlight on the Last Survivor

Fast forward to today, and just one of these seven historical vehicles survives. This specific Saab 9-5, meticulously maintained in its original condition, still bears its original Czech registration plate, ALA 00 – 08. What makes this car particularly exceptional isn’t merely its impressive condition but its intimate connection to history, having actively served Prague Castle and later the General Directorate of Customs until 2019.

Unlike its fleet companions, this Saab was fortunate enough to receive dedicated care, consistently assigned the same drivers throughout its life. Notably, after its public appearances at car shows and exhibitions, former drivers even reached out to the current owner, Pavel Stejskal, expressing their satisfaction that the vehicle was preserved.

Technical Excellence and Original Condition

Under the hood, this iconic 9-5 features a robust 2.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, delivering a commendable 185 horsepower. Paired with a manual five-speed gearbox, the sedan remains agile and dynamic—attributes essential for its official roles. Thanks to continuous official servicing, including documented maintenance records, brake overhauls, exhaust system updates, and recent chassis treatments, this Saab stands as a prime example of meticulous automotive preservation.

Inside, the vehicle boasts a pristine beige fabric interior, immaculate despite more than two decades of use. The cabin features Saab’s typically driver-oriented dashboard layout, complete with heated seats, dual audio capabilities (both CD and cassette), and a meticulously maintained leather steering wheel and pedals that vividly illustrate its exceptional care history.

A Testament to Timeless Design

One notable characteristic of the Saab 9-5 design is its distinctive exterior, which remains timeless more than two decades after its initial release in 1997. Its metallic blue exterior perfectly matches the prestige of its presidential past. Still proudly sporting its unique fixture—the elegant holder for the presidential flag—this vehicle captures attention wherever it goes.

The car’s ride quality, significantly enhanced by double-layered rubber seals and robust suspension components, remains impressively comfortable and quiet, as attested during recent road tests around the city streets of Brno. These exceptional driving characteristics were integral to its selection as a presidential and diplomatic car, underscoring Saab’s commitment to blending luxury with practicality.

Exclusive Ownership and Potential for Collectors

Now owned by Pavel Stejskal, an enthusiast and passionate custodian of automotive history, this Saab 9-5 has found a fitting caretaker. Pavel, himself a connoisseur of meticulously maintained vehicles from the turn of the millennium, also owns a pristine Mercedes CLK of similar vintage. His dedication ensures this Saab continues to be showcased and celebrated at various automotive events, preserving its legacy and historical significance.

Yet, intriguingly, Pavel revealed the possibility of the car being offered for sale, providing a rare and compelling opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. The combination of verified history, original documentation, pristine maintenance records, and original Czech registration plates makes this Saab an extraordinary find—positioning it not merely as a classic vehicle, but as a genuine investment.

Video Presentation: Experience the History

For a deeper dive into the compelling narrative of this exceptional Saab 9-5, check out the detailed video hosted by the renowned Czech automotive channel Unikátní Auta. Here, viewers will enjoy a firsthand tour of the vehicle, guided by the car’s current owner Pavel Stejskal. Set against the stunning backdrop of the recently restored Arnold’s Villa in Brno, this presentation beautifully conveys the ambiance and prestige befitting this historic vehicle.

The Significance of the Saab 9-5 Presidential Fleet

The purchase and deployment of the Saab 9-5 by the Czech Presidential Office were more than just logistical decisions. They symbolized an aspiration to blend modernity, reliability, and understated elegance—qualities that perfectly resonated with the presidency of Václav Havel, known for his progressive vision and dignified leadership style.

Furthermore, at the time of the purchase, domestic alternatives were not yet available, as the Škoda Superb, the eventual Czech competitor, was only unveiled later. Consequently, the choice of the Saab 9-5 represented both a practical necessity and a deliberate, refined stylistic statement.

A Collector’s Dream Realized

Today, owning a vehicle from a governmental fleet is rare, but to possess the last of such a historically significant collection is nearly unheard of. This specific Saab 9-5 offers prospective collectors the exceptional opportunity to own a tangible piece of Czech presidential history, closely tied to one of the nation’s most revered leaders.

Those interested in potentially acquiring this rare gem are encouraged to reach out through comments on the video or directly to Pavel Stejskal, whose contact details are available through the Unikátní Auta YouTube channel. For any Saab enthusiast or automotive historian, this car represents an unrepeatable moment to connect personally with a significant chapter of automotive and political heritage.

In essence, Václav Havel’s Saab 9-5 isn’t just an exceptional classic car—it’s a rolling monument to Czech political and automotive history, a powerful testament to careful preservation, and a highly collectible artifact whose value will only appreciate over time.