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The Significance of These Two Listings
Among several Saab vehicles featured in this week’s Bilweb Auctions, two entries stand out as essential viewing for enthusiasts and collectors: a 1950 Saab 92A De Luxe with an extraordinary restoration story and Saab #536 from early series production, and a 2011 Saab 9-5NG Linear BioPower with just over 20,200 kilometers on the odometer, preserved like it rolled off the line yesterday. These two examples represent the bookends of Saab’s legacy: its aircraft-inspired beginning and its unrealized potential at the end.
1950 Saab 92A De Luxe – #536 From the Dawn of a Brand
One of the earliest production Saabs ever made, this 92A De Luxe (chassis #536) is not just an antique—it’s a living document of Saab’s post-war vision. With only 5,300 examples built of the A-series and fewer than 1,250 in the first model year, this car is one of Saab’s rarest survivors. Restored over three years by a dedicated craftsman, the car’s return to form involved extensive work: the entire floor was rebuilt using original factory drawings, and the upholstery was recreated at a weaving mill from an unbleached sample of original cloth.
The effort was obsessive in the best way: enough fabric for ten interiors had to be ordered to meet the mill’s minimum requirement, and the interior was sewn by the restorer himself. This level of commitment ensures the authenticity is not skin-deep. From re-chromed bumper trim to correct BF Goodrich diagonal tires, the Saab is as close to its 1950s debut form as it could possibly be.
Mechanically, the two-stroke 764cc engine (not original but correct type) has been fully rebuilt, including a bored block, balanced crankshaft, and new pistons. The gearbox needed no major overhaul, speaking to the original build quality. The paintwork is nearly flawless, with only a minor scratch under the fuel cap.
This is more than a restored classic. It’s a Saab museum piece that runs.
2011 Saab 9-5 NG 2.0T BioPower – Nearly Untouched and Fully Intact
While the 92A looks back to Saab’s beginning, this 2011 9-5 NG looks at what could have been. One of only 11,300 units built before Saab’s tragic end in December 2011, this Linear BioPower model has barely seen the road: just 20,270 kilometers in over a decade.
Delivered new by Nilssons Bilcenter in Lund, the car was kept by a single careful owner in Laholm. Two services have been performed: the first at 630 km and the second at just 2,010 km in October 2024. The service book is missing, but verified records could easily be recreated. The last inspection passed flawlessly.
Power comes from a 2.0T BioPower engine producing 220 hp, paired with a manual transmission. The car is equipped with Saab’s aviation-inspired cargo securing system in the trunk—a subtle nod to the brand’s roots. Inside, the textile interior is spotless, while the exterior shows no significant damage or wear.
Apart from a slightly loosened chrome trim and a bit of moisture in one taillight, this car is showroom-ready. For collectors and everyday drivers alike, it’s a rare opportunity to experience Saab’s final masterpiece the way it was meant to be.
Why These Cars Matter Right Now
The Saab community has witnessed a sharp decline in surviving examples across Europe. In Norway alone, the number of Saabs on the road has dropped from over 40,000 to under 10,000. Each remaining vehicle gains new importance—especially those with historical significance or exceptional condition.
SaabPlanet.com has chronicled countless restoration stories, preservation efforts, and enthusiast gatherings. Yet, few listings encapsulate Saab’s DNA quite like these two: one born from war-era ingenuity, and one born during the final stretch of innovation.
If there ever was a moment to put your name behind a Saab story, it’s now.
What to Watch Before the Auction Closes
Both vehicles are listed on Bilweb Auctions April 2025 Event, closing tomorrow. At the time of writing:
- The 1950 Saab 92A has an estimated value of 270,000 – 320,000 SEK, and is selling from an estate with an impeccable restoration log.
- The 2011 Saab 9-5NG BioPower has already reached its reserve, with an estimate of 160,000 – 180,000 SEK.
If you’re serious about Saab heritage—whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer looking to enter the world of classic Swedish engineering—these are not to be missed.
From No. 536 to the Final Chapter
Saab’s legacy is best understood not in abstract nostalgia but in tangible milestones like these. Whether it’s the handcrafted fabric of a 92A dashboard or the nearly untouched drivetrain of a 9-5NG, these cars offer an unbroken line back to the ideas that made Saab different.
Don’t just admire Saab history. Own it.
