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An Unparalleled Saab Collection in the Heart of America
Nestled in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, the Saab Heritage Museum USA is home to one of the most significant private Saab collections in the world. Founded by Tom and Patti Donney, the museum houses over 150 Saab vehicles, along with a treasure trove of memorabilia, parts, and historic artifacts.
Recently, Peter Bruce of Saab Stories took enthusiasts on a virtual guided tour of the museum, bringing Saab lovers an intimate look at the collection without having to travel thousands of miles. Despite being filmed over Zoom and during a snowstorm, the video offers an exceptional insight into the rare and storied vehicles housed in this one-of-a-kind museum.
How It All Started: A Family Passion Turned Museum
For Tom Donney, Saab isn’t just a brand—it’s a lifelong passion. His first family car was a 1963 Saab GT850, a vehicle he still owns today. This deep connection to the brand led him to amass an incredible collection, which evolved into the Saab Heritage Museum USA, officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2015.
Finding the right location was key. Sturgis, South Dakota, known for its famous motorcycle rally, might seem like an unusual place for a Saab museum. However, its dry climate, minimal humidity, and lack of rodents made it ideal for preserving vintage cars. The Donneys relocated their entire collection from Iowa, ensuring that these legendary vehicles remain in pristine condition.
A Guided Tour Through Saab History
The museum tour begins with one of its most intriguing exhibits—the two-sided Saab 900, a car split down the middle to display two different color schemes. This eye-catching display sets the stage for a journey through Saab’s engineering legacy, featuring everything from early two-stroke models to rare performance prototypes.
Some of the standout exhibits include:
- The original 1978 Saab 99 Turbo rally car—not a replica, but the actual vehicle used in competition.
- A Saab 97X Aero, equipped with a 6.0L LS2 Corvette engine, a model unfamiliar to many European Saab fans.
- A friction tester Saab 900, used in major airports to measure runway conditions—a lesser-known but fascinating aspect of Saab’s innovation.
- The 1997 Pikes Peak Saab rally car, a second-place finisher that inspired a British enthusiast to build a replica.
For many visitors, the highlight is the GM Heritage Collection, which includes 17 former General Motors-owned Saabs, such as:
- The 1997 Talladega Long Run 900, one of the endurance-tested cars that proved Saab’s legendary durability.
- A factory-restored 900 SPG, meticulously rebuilt at a cost exceeding $125,000.
- A prototype 92X with just 15,000 original miles, offering a rare glimpse at a unique chapter in Saab’s history.
Celebrities and Their Love for Saab
The museum’s influence extends beyond enthusiasts—it has also caught the attention of some high-profile celebrities. Jay Leno, renowned for his massive car collection, purchased a 1958 Saab 93B from Tom Donney, later featuring it on his YouTube show Jay Leno’s Garage.
Meanwhile, Jerry Seinfeld showcased a 1965 Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 in an episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (S05E05), taking fellow comedian Fred Armisen for a drive in this rare and quirky model.
These stories highlight Saab’s unique charm, proving that even among Hollywood elites, the brand’s engineering and history continue to captivate.
More Than Just a Car Collection—A Living Legacy
Unlike many static car museums, the Saab Heritage Museum USA prides itself on keeping its vehicles in running condition. Tom and his team work tirelessly to maintain and restore these cars, ensuring that Saab’s legacy lives on for future generations.
One of the most heartwarming stories from the tour is that of a Saab 96 with just 160 kilometers on the odometer. Originally purchased by a woman whose brother died in a tragic accident, she never drove it again, leaving it in near-perfect condition for decades. Now, it sits as a testament to Saab’s timeless design and emotional connection to its owners.
The museum also houses a Saab bicycle, a rarity that even die-hard enthusiasts may have never seen in person. And for those who love Saab’s aviation roots, a Saab boat is also on display, showcasing the brand’s versatility beyond automobiles.
Keeping Saab’s Spirit Alive
As Peter Bruce’s tour comes to an end, Tom Donney reflects on the importance of preserving Saab’s history. With Saab production having ceased, the responsibility now lies with enthusiasts, collectors, and museums like his to keep the brand’s legacy alive.
“We have people walk in here not knowing much about Saab, but by the time they leave, they’re fascinated by the engineering and stories behind these cars,” says Donney. “It’s our job to make sure Saab isn’t forgotten.”
For those passionate about Saab, a visit to the Saab Heritage Museum USA is more than just a tour—it’s a pilgrimage. And for those unable to make the journey, this virtual tour offers the next best thing.
