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From Saab to Cobra: Trollhättan Factory Delivers Its First New Car in a Decade

First AC Cobra GT Roadster Built in Trollhättan Marks a New Era for the Former Saab Factory

Historic milestone in motion: The first production AC Cobra GT Roadster emerges from the former Saab facility, uniting British muscle with Swedish engineering.

History Is Made Again in Stallbacka

On June 12, 2025, a new era officially began at the former Saab factory in Trollhättan: the first production unit of the AC Cobra GT Roadster has rolled off the line. This marks the first brand-new vehicle to be produced at the facility since NEVS briefly resumed limited Saab 9-3 production over a decade ago.

For a city whose identity is deeply tied to automotive engineering, this isn’t just another product launch—it’s a symbolic rebirth. Built under the guidance of T-Engineering, a firm led by former Saab engineers, and in partnership with AC Cars, the legendary British marque, the Cobra is now being hand-assembled on Swedish soil.

AC Cars Confirms: Cobra GT Production Is Live

In its official press release, AC Cars confirmed that production is not just ramping up—it has already begun. The very first AC Cobra GT Roadsters, including a special batch called Edition 63, have now exited the Stallbacka production line, making history.

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Trollhättan’s automotive legacy continues – The AC Cobra GT Roadster takes shape at the former Saab factory, with its chassis and production process on display, while the Saab heritage lingers in the background, marking a new era for the historic facility.

Finished in AC Blue and packed with modern tech under a classic body, the Edition 63 cars commemorate the Cobra’s class win at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each one features:

  • A 5.0-liter Ford V8 (naturally aspirated or supercharged)
  • Aluminum spaceframe chassis
  • Full carbon-fiber bodywork
  • Modern safety and performance systems
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“This is a day to remember,” said David Conza, CEO of AC Cars. “The completion of the first production AC Cobra GT Roadster is a monumental achievement.”

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Trollhättan: From Saab Turbos to British Thunder

Klas Lundgren, CEO of T-Engineering, called the event “a big deal for Sweden—and for us.” Initially brought in for development support, T-Engineering quickly became the full-scale manufacturing partner.

Now operating from within Saab’s old halls, the team has transformed the site into a modern coachbuilding facility, attracting international attention. According to Lundgren, the project required intense logistical scaling, rapid supplier integration, and adapting the historic production space for limited-series supercars.

A glimpse at the AC Cobra GT Roadster alongside its aluminum chassis and partially assembled frame, illustrating the intricate craftsmanship that will soon take place in Trollhättan’s former Saab factory.
A glimpse at the AC Cobra GT Roadster alongside its aluminum chassis and partially assembled frame, illustrating the intricate craftsmanship that will soon take place in Trollhättan’s former Saab factory.

With the first car now built, the site transitions from symbolic to fully functional. Trollhättan is no longer just preserving its past—it’s building its future, one V8-powered roadster at a time.

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What Comes Next: The Cobra GT Coupe and Beyond

AC Cars has also confirmed that the GT Coupe, a closed-roof sibling to the Roadster, will follow the same production model. Inspired by the AC A98 Le Mans coupe from 1964, the GT Coupe will share the same platform but appeal to a broader clientele.

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Both vehicles are fully road-legal, available in left and right-hand drive, and sized to accommodate modern expectations. Despite its retro appearance, the AC Cobra GT range is built to 21st-century standards: from driver ergonomics to drivetrain control systems.

Reservations are now open at AC.Cars, with global delivery planned for both variants.

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A New Legacy in the Making

From the birthplace of turbocharged Saabs to the roaring heart of AC Cobra production, the Stallbacka facility has found its second wind. This moment—the first car rolling out of Trollhättan in over a decade—is more than news. It’s a turning point.

And while the cars now built under that roof wear a British badge, the precision, craftsmanship, and engineering bloodline remain unmistakably Swedish.

Related Story: Trollhättan Factory Finds New Life Again

After the AC Cobra GT Roadster, another bold project is taking shape inside Saab’s former home. JMV has announced production of its TerraCharge electric mining pickup in Trollhättan, developed in partnership with T-Engineering and EDAG. This symbolic return of vehicle production ties back to Saab’s legacy while charting a new course in heavy-duty EV innovation.

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