The main reason I picked this one is I was honestly surprised at the shiny paint this car has in the pictures. I mean, I’ve seen Bring a Trailer listings of insane GTIs for $70,000 and the paint wasn’t nearly as shiny and nice. And this looks to be a Minnesota car a long way from home in Riverside California. Check for yourself at this Joyride auction for a 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible – Has keys, runs and the paint looks amazing. Everyone should drive a Saab in their lives.
In 2004, Saab was a Swedish automaker known for its innovative design and engineering. But despite its reputation, Saab was struggling to remain afloat as a subsidiary of General Motors, despite of having work together for a decade and a half. The American parent company, General Motors, had acquired Saab in 1990 with the intention of expanding its European footprint. However, the relationship between the two companies was fraught with difficulties, as General Motors attempted to impose its corporate culture, cost cutting and business practices on the sensible and very proud Swedish automaker.
Saab’s struggles with General Motors were compounded by the economic downturn of the early 2000s, which hit the automotive industry particularly hard. Despite efforts to restructure and streamline operations, Saab continued to struggle financially. In 2010, General Motors announced that it would divest itself of Saab, and in 2012 the company was officially declared bankrupt.
It was a sad end for a once-proud automaker that had been a staple of the European automotive scene for decades. Saab had always been known for its unique and innovative design, as well as its commitment to safety and sustainability.
It’s a shame to see a company with so much history and potential fall by the wayside. The closure of Saab in 2012 was a loss for the automotive world, but its legacy will continue to inspire and inform future generations of engineers and designers.
Enjoy the legacy today and drive this Saab!
