Two Legends, One Owner: The Final Icons of Saab’s Golden Era!

Two Legends, One Owner: Saab Enthusiasm at Its Peak

David Joost Kamermans is no stranger to the Saab community. Based in the Netherlands, he is not only a collector but a true custodian of Saab heritage, often sourcing and restoring rare models for fellow enthusiasts. Recently, we covered his acquisition of a Saab 9-4X Aero, one of just 673 units ever built, now registered as the 33rd example in the country. That story alone turned heads. But Kamermans wasn’t done.

Today, he reveals the other crown jewel in his collection: a 2011 Saab 9-5NG Aero XWD. And what better way to present both icons than with a dedicated photoshoot featuring the two most advanced Saabs ever made, standing proudly side by side. One is a commanding SUV, the other a refined executive saloon. Together, they represent the last breath of Saab innovation.

From Concept to Reality: The Rise of the 9-5NG

The second-generation Saab 9-5 was first revealed at the 2009 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, after years of anticipation. Fans had endured the prolonged life of the first-generation model, facelifted repeatedly—including the polarizing “Dame Edna” edition—while waiting for a true successor. The 9-5NG (New Generation) was worth the wait.

With bold lines, wraparound lighting, and a silhouette that remains fresh even 15 years later, the 9-5NG showcased Saab’s vision for the future. But due to GM’s sale and Saab’s financial implosion, production was cut tragically short. Only 11,280 units of the 9-5NG sedan were produced, and just 12 vehicles were built after Kamermans’ car—making his one of the very last off the Trollhättan line!

How the 9-5NG Aero Came Home

The car’s journey began in Switzerland, where it was owned by a business executive and lifelong Saab driver. With 300 hp from the 2.8 V6 Turbo engine, XWD all-wheel drive, and nearly every factory option available in Europe, this 9-5NG was already a standout. Features include ventilated and heated seats, rear seat entertainment, head-up display, and the ultra-rare panoramic glass roof.

Kamermans and friend Dion, better known as DionHPT in Saab tuning circles, traveled to Switzerland in 2018 to inspect the car. The deal was sealed over Swiss cheese and drinks—a fitting end to a storybook acquisition. In June 2020, Kamermans inherited the car after the passing of his father, for whom the car had initially been bought.

Personal Touch: Hirsch Performance and Carbon Leather

While the original configuration was nearly flawless, Kamermans brought his own flavor to the 9-5NG. He fitted a Hirsch rear diffuser and exhaust system, along with a carbon leather dashboard, giving the car both visual and acoustic enhancements. The software tuning is courtesy of DionHPT, resulting in a setup that respects Saab’s engineering but improves responsiveness and presence.

Even within the elite Saab community, Kamermans notes he has never seen another 9-5NG equipped this comprehensively. The combination of factory features and Hirsch upgrades make this one-of-one configuration likely unmatched anywhere.

A Saab Collector’s Vision: Two Icons, One Story

What stands out in the photoshoot is the Saab DNA flowing through both the 9-5NG Aero and the 9-4X Aero. The rear light signature, the hockey-stick C-pillar, and the wraparound cockpit are unmistakably Saab. Yet, they appeal to different segments. The 9-5NG is low-slung, elegant, and dignified. The 9-4X is rugged, elevated, and commanding.

While the 9-5NG was built in Trollhättan, Sweden, the 9-4X was assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, and shares a platform with the Cadillac SRX. Still, Saab engineers did their magic to make it feel authentically Saab, with unique interior ergonomics and XWD calibration. Kamermans acknowledges the 9-4X appears more dated due to its SUV proportions and design cues aimed at the US market. But in practicality and versatility, it still shines.

The Legacy Lives On

For Kamermans, these cars aren’t just machines—they’re part of a legacy. His first Saab was a 1990 9000CD Turbo, and over the years he has owned, sourced, and restored numerous Saabs. These two vehicles, however, mark a personal and emotional milestone. The 9-5NG connects him to his father’s memory, while the 9-4X reflects his passion for rare and meaningful Saabs.

Together, they tell a powerful story of a brand that refused to conform. And thanks to people like Kamermans, that story continues to be told—not in museums, but on the road, at events, and across social media.