David Joost Kamermans Adds One of the Rarest Saabs to His Collection
Table of Contents
An Enthusiast’s Pursuit of the Ultimate Saab SUV
David Joost Kamermans, a well-known Saab enthusiast from the Netherlands, has expanded his collection with an exceptionally rare Saab 9-4X Aero. This black-on-black 9-4X Aero, VIN #182, originally imported from the United States, was meticulously maintained by its previous owner, a retired medical specialist in Germany.
With only 78,000 km on the odometer, this may be one of the lowest-mileage examples in Europe. Kamermans acquired the SUV from Autohaus Lafrentz GmbH in Kiel, a well-respected dealer specializing in rare Saabs, making the transaction a pilgrimage to a dealership known for its commitment to the brand.
Saab 9-4X: A Rarity in the Saab Universe
The Saab 9-4X, officially introduced at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, was Saab’s first and only dedicated crossover SUV. Unlike the Trailblazer-based 9-7X, the 9-4X was developed from the ground up as a Saab, sharing its underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX but featuring Saab’s signature design elements and XWD (Cross-Wheel Drive) technology.
Despite being a promising model for the premium SUV segment, Saab’s financial turmoil led to an extremely limited production run. According to the Saab 9-4X Production Report, only 673 regular production units were ever built at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, with an additional 130 prototype units, bringing the total to just 803 vehicles worldwide. Of these, only 60 units were designated as 2012 models, making them some of the rarest Saabs ever produced.
Production Breakdown: What Makes the 9-4X So Special?
Saab’s 9-4X was offered in three trim levels: Base, Premium, and Aero. While the Base and Premium trims were powered by a 3.0L naturally aspirated V6 (265 hp), the Aero version featured the 2.8L Turbo V6, delivering 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque—the same powerplant found in the Saab 9-5 NG Aero. This engine, coupled with XWD and an adaptive DriveSense suspension, gave the 9-4X Aero true Saab performance DNA.
Notable 9-4X production statistics:
- Production Years: 2011-2012
- Total Units Produced: 803 (including prototypes)
- Aero XWD Units Produced: 205
- Trim Levels: Base, Premium, Aero
- Powertrain Options: 3.0L V6 (265 hp) or 2.8L Turbo V6 (300 hp)
- Production Plant: GM Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
The Journey of VIN #182: From the US to Europe
This specific 9-4X Aero, VIN #182, first surfaced in the United States, where it was listed for sale in Valley, Nebraska. It was then imported to Germany in 2015 by Autohaus Lafrentz, a dealership renowned for handling rare Saabs. The first European owner, a medical professional based in Berlin, kept the vehicle for nearly a decade before passing it on to Kamermans in 2024. The final transaction took place at the very dealership that imported it—a fitting homecoming for a vehicle of such pedigree.
Collector’s Appeal: The Rising Value of the Saab 9-4X
The 9-4X has seen a surge in value over the past few years, with enthusiasts and collectors recognizing its significance as one of the last true Saabs. Unlike more common Saab models, the 9-4X remains elusive, with just a handful available in Europe. According to the Saab 9-4X Production Report, only 12 units are officially registered in the Netherlands, making Kamermans’ latest acquisition an even more exclusive find.
The rising demand for well-preserved, low-mileage examples suggests that the 9-4X could become a future classic, much like the Saab 9-5 NG SportCombi, another model revered for its rarity. Aero models, in particular, hold the most collector value due to their turbocharged performance and limited production numbers.
What’s Next? A Saab Duo-Photoshoot Incoming
Kamermans has hinted that his newly acquired 9-4X Aero will soon be featured in a duo-photoshoot alongside his 2011 Saab 9-5 NG Aero, another rare black-on-black gem in his collection. This upcoming photoshoot will showcase two of Saab’s most exclusive models, both of which represent the brand’s final years under Spyker and GM ownership.
A True Saab for the Devoted Enthusiast
The Saab 9-4X Aero embodies everything that made Saab unique—innovative engineering, Scandinavian design, and a fiercely loyal fanbase that keeps the brand alive long after production ceased. With only 33 units currently registered in the Netherlands, Kamermans’ latest acquisition is not just a rare piece of Saab history but a testament to the enduring passion of the Saab community.
For Saab fans worldwide, stories like these reinforce why the brand remains an icon of automotive individuality. Whether this 9-4X Aero stays in Kamermans’ collection or finds a new home, its place in Saab lore is undoubtedly secure.
Read the continuation of this story in which we present David’s new acquisition Saab 9-5ng Aero Hirsch.
David gefeliciteerd met deze fantastische aanwinst!
……the only SAAB (of the big ones) that I haven’t owned yet… when I buy this one, I’ll be calm.……almost found….only silver….
The Saab 94X to me is the best SUV ever made ( Saab’s Forever)
De México para el mundo… es una pena que solo hayan salido 860 unidades de la planta de Ramos Arizpe Coahuila, algunas en Europa, otras tantas en USA y tristemente ninguna en México, ni siquiera importadas 🫥
Fantastisch exemplaar!
Ik heb vorig jaar van deze gepensioneerde Berlijnse arts zijn garage gestalde SAAB cabriolet van 2009 gekocht met nog geen 100k op de teller. Ik kreeg deze auto toen ook aangeboden voor 22k. Had ik het maar gedaan 😊
Ben benieuwd naar de fotoshoot!
Ser ut som ytterligare en uppsminkad Subaru.🤔 Jag tror att till och med floppen Saab 9-2 såldes i större antal.
As a Saab nut myself, that’s not for me ,saab started with small cars , i always think they should have taken the corsa base and do the saab thing to that, maybe taken the b205 engine and taken a cylinder off ,boosted 3.cylinder 6 speed etc , people will pay the money for quality, look at what Toyota have done with the Gr yaris .
I look after a lot of older 900 9000s and it’s a treat to see them.
To Ian Coker >
The problem was that, unlike Toyota, the economics of building cars in Sweden were such that they couldn’t make $$$$ building high volume small cars. They needed to go to premium products!
To Rick Comes >
it’s a tough balance, scary when you think even JlR only make 5% per unit i read.
To Ian Coker >
When I worked for Saab Cars USA, I was amazed to see…….given the immense overheads of the auto industry, as a whole…..how slim the margins on the average car are!
It’s not a Saab or a Subaru. It’s a Cadillac that they built-in Mexico. The reason why theres so few in Europe is because the Dutchman had to pay for the first batch he got before GM sold him another small batch. Even the air and attires is Mexican. Saabs front and rear emblems.
Some history:
Production of the Saab 9-4X began in 2011 at General Motors’ Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico. only 814 units of the 9-4X were assembled, making this model among the rarest series models in the auto industry in general, not only within the portfolio of the Saab company.
Other rumors were that this car was a competition between Saab and Cadillac with Saab winning the competition – not sure if it true
673 units is wrong. It was just above 800 units if I remember. And it has not any connection to Subaru. All cars were built in Mexico.
Too bad GM didn’t take SAAB seriously.
The badge swapped Saab I love the look of and was disappointed that we couldn’t buy in Australia
To Reif Hand>
Not a badge swapped car at all
To Marc Swart
9-4x well, it’s not a Saab, it’s GM made in Mexico with a Saab badge on it
To Reif Hand >
That’s a matter of definition. Saabs were made in Finland, Belgium and even Holland. The development of the car was done in Sweden. The Cadillac and the Saab shared platforms and engines like for instance VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat. If you see a seat, do you think, hey that’s an Audi? Volvo’s are made in the us too. And in Malaysia and in Belgium. Aren’t they Volvo’s? The 9-4X was developed in Sweden. Saab to me.
To Marc Swart >
velmet of Finland built Saabs (didn’t design or engineer them)
A saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 while shared platforms with Opel, they were developed and made in Europe.
A Cadillac CTS is a Saab 9-3
But the 9-4x is a GM with a Saab badge on it to me. Sure it looks better than both the 9-7x and 9-2x saabaru, but it’s a Cadillac SRX first. It’s designed in Detroit and made in Mexico. But, Sure a tasteful badge engineering job
We just got ours delivered – excellent car – love ❤️ the car – rare Saab
Total Production: 814
Test Vehicles: 130
Production Models: 674