Saab Festival 2010 Trollhattan

Saab is independent again. Saab is free. Saab celebrated in 2010 in July the start of a new chapter in the company's history with a festival in Trollhattan.

The year 2010 is a thing of the past, but we still want to review the historic, first Saab Festival after independence.

Because we also had to be there and started from Northern Bavaria with our 9-5 BioPower station wagon to Sweden.

Although we have been Saab fans for many years, it was our first trip to Trollhattan. The Saab Festival takes place around the Saab Bill Museum on the NOHAB site. There is also a parts market that is more than recommended for drivers of older Saab models. A factory tour, unfortunately fully booked, is possible - as is a test drive of current models at ANA, the world's largest Saab dealer.

The closer we get to Trollhattan, the bigger the Saab density becomes. It's early afternoon when we arrive in Trollhattan.

The next day, unfortunately with rainy weather, we start after a visit to parts sale at ANA to the festival area. The Saab 96 is celebrating its birthday at the festival. 60 years Saab 96. Logically, quantities of Saab 96 are present. In addition Saab 92 and 93.

It's amazing how many old Saab models are in Sweden. At the festival, Saab are accepted in any state of preservation. Totally scruffy as well as freshly restored. There is also a Saab 96 with modern rims or with a Trionic engine conversion. And the Swedes are tolerant, so many German veteran clubs could take an example.

Where Saab 96 are, Erik Carlsson is not far away either. In the early afternoon he walks over the festival grounds, greeting old friends, chatting with strangers like us and telling stories from his Saab time.

He is patient and happy to sign a lot of autographs. You can tell he is passionate about it. Is Saab aware of the good ambassador of the brand Erik Carlsson?

All Saab types are represented at the festival. Saab 900, Saab Sonnet and Saab 9-5. Some Saab 9000, but very few, have lost their way to the terrain. The audience is international.

Many Norwegians and Danes came with their Saabs, a few Finns and a few Saab from Russia are there. A few Germans and Austrians are more of a minority.

What stands out is this Scandinavian unruffledness.

When Innovatum food pushes and pushes no one in the food distribution.

Nobody reserves a table, a Central European or more German character. You get the food, go to the table, eat in peace and leave. The next request! That's the only way it works, many people, few tables.

When photographing, the driver stops his car or slows down until the photographer has his picture in the box. Compared to our German rush it is relaxing in Trollhättan.

Of course, we also visited the Saab Automuseum, whose entry was free that day. Pictures from the car museum will be coming soon on our blog. Fast, too fast the day comes to an end. But we know: we are coming back to 2012!

Photo impressions from the Saab Festival 2010: