Tomorrow, 25 September 2025, marks the conclusion of Bilweb’s September Auction 4, and Saab aficionados around the world are eyeing some remarkable entries. Among the 33 total lots, three stand out not as mere curiosities, but as potentially generational collector cars: a 2008 Saab 9‑3 2.8 V6 Turbo X SportSedan, a 1999 Saab 9‑3 2.3 Turbo Viggen, and a 2000 Saab 9‑5 2.3T Aero SportCombi. Each of these carries a layer of performance pedigree, rarity, and – in some cases – significantly low mileage. The race to the auction closing will reveal whether current bids suffice or whether a last‑minute push might reshape the Saab collector market.
Below is a breakdown of each car, their current auction status, and what makes them especially compelling to true Saab enthusiasts.
Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 Turbo X SportSedan (2008)
The black knight in rare form
Provenance and rarity
The Turbo X was Saab’s answer to a performance halo car: only 2,000 units built globally to commemorate three decades of Saab turbochargers. The example up for auction is the Swedish-market variant, finished in jet black and boasting all the XWD (all-wheel drive) accoutrements. Its odometer reads approximately 72,900 km (about 45,300 miles), remarkable for such a car. According to the listing, since 2016 it’s been used sparingly (as a summer car), always maintained and yearly inspected, and with a fresh inspection passed without remarks as of 30 September 2025.
Mechanical & cosmetic condition
Mechanically, the car “starts immediately, runs well, with no unusual sounds or noises,” and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The underbody is clean, with only light surface rust, and the engine bay remains tidy with minor oxidation on alloy parts. Exterior panels are straight with only minor chips and a “barely noticeable soft dent” on the rear left-door; no major rust issues are disclosed. Inside, the cabin is very well preserved — seats, trim, controls all in good order, though the driver’s bolster shows mild wear and one scratch on the passenger seat. A planned AC update is noted, though not tested during the inspection drive.
Auction dynamics and valuation
On the Bilweb summary page, this Turbo X is valued at 260,000–280,000 SEK (≈ €22,500–24,000, depending on exchange) and currently has a bid of 215,000 SEK. On the detailed listing, it’s clear that the reserve price has not yet been met. In fact, you referenced a last bid of ≈ €21,000 (≈ 210,000 SEK) in your lead—so it sits slightly below the expected floor. If a determined collector pushes further in the final hours, the Turbo X might finally cross into that collector threshold.
Why it matters to Saab enthusiasts
- The Turbo X is functionally the apex of the 9-3 line: V6, AWD, and a limited run.
- Its status as a future classic is largely uncontested among Saab snobs (ourselves included).
- Very few remain in this low kilometer/strong condition.
- Ownership of this example carries prestige and potential upside — if you can land it above reserve, it’s not just a purchase, it’s a statement.
Saab 9-3 2.3 Turbo Viggen (1999)
Thunder in collector form
The legend of Viggen
The Saab 9-3 Viggen is part of Saab lore — named after the Viggen fighter jet, engineered by Saab’s SVO in collaboration with TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing). The B235R 2.3L turbo engine in factory tune delivered ~225 hp, 350 N·m of torque; modifications over time allowed some to push beyond 270 hp in well-managed builds. The Viggen remains one of the most desirable and fiercely defended models in the Saab ecosystem; only ~4,600 Viggens were built globally.
Auction history & current bidding
According to the Bilweb summary, this Viggen has already met its reserve price, with the latest bid at 150,000 SEK. . The estimated value listed is 120,000–130,000 SEK. That’s a notable premium over expectations. On SaabPlanet, the car is described in its tuned form (270 hp) and confirmed that its reserve was cleared at 105,000 SEK earlier in the bidding process. The listing states the car has 272,124 km on the clock, but the seller reports extensive recent rebuilds: a new gearbox, clutch, turbo, timing chain, and more.
Condition, modifications, and appeal
Despite higher mileage, this Viggen has had key stress-prone systems replaced – a major mitigation for typical long-term ownership concerns. The modifications are performance-oriented but retain original character: e.g. upgraded exhaust, larger intercooler, and suspension tweaks, while preserving original bodywork and badges. The interior reportedly retains its original seats, with added auxiliary gauges subtly integrated. Externally, minor stone chips and slight clearcoat lifting are noted, but nothing alarming. S
To Saab lovers, this is precisely the kind of Viggen one dreams of: mechanical freshness, aggressive tuning, and usable mileage – not a zero-km museum shell.
Saab 9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero SportCombi (2000)
The sleeper wagon from Trollhättan
Rarity meets utility
The 9-5 Aero in wagon (SportCombi) guise already has niche appeal; in Aero trim it becomes even more unexpected. What makes this one exceptional is its claimed 55,066 km (≈ 34,200 miles) and single-owner history. According to the listing, it was delivered new in 1999, purchased from a Swedish dealer, and has had consistent servicing with stampings and receipts. The car was stored in a cold garage for many years, and only ~5,000 km have been driven in the last 15 years.
Mechanical & visual condition
Mechanically, it starts easily, runs smoothly, and has passed inspection as of 22 May 2025, ready to drive. During inspection, no major lift-based concerns were flagged; visible drive train and suspension components appear in sound condition. Exterior paint is original, with some small dents, chips, and a past repaint on the left front fender. Trim, glass, seals, and lighting are all largely intact. Inside, the interior remains well preserved: clean carpets, functional electrics (save AC recharge), and the original wood accents and instrumentation.
Auction status and valuation
Bilweb lists its estimated value at 80,000–100,000 SEK, and the current winning bid stands at 85,000 SEK, which meets the reserve. That means this sleek Aero wagon is effectively sold — pending final settlement. What’s interesting is that even at the reserve, the bid is modest compared to the Turbo X or the Viggen, which hints at market perceptions about wagons vs. performance Saabs.
Why this car is quietly compelling
- It is one of the few Aero wagons that combine daily usability with collector status.
- Low mileage and documented ownership are rare traits in Swedish estate Saabs.
- For someone who wants a rare, usable Saab — not just a showpiece — this is an opportunity.
Auction Strategy & What to Watch in the Final Hours
Currency, fees, and logistics
These cars are sold in SEK (Swedish krona). Additional fees apply: the buyer pays a 5 % auction fee (or minimum 2,900 SEK) inclusive of VAT. After winning, full payment must be made within 5 days, and the vehicle must be collected before deadlines listed (e.g. Turbo X before 9 Oct 2025). International buyers should account for shipping, import duties, compliance in their home country, and potential restoration after import.
What These Results Mean for the Saab Collector Landscape
The Saab collector market tends to reward rarity, performance, and condition, and this auction is a microcosm of that trend:
- Turbo X: If this crosses reserve, it could rebench the Turbo X market. Other units in lesser condition will now be valued relative to this example.
- Viggen: A strong bid for a tuned, freshly maintained Viggen reaffirms that modded but well-kept examples can command serious money — even over original-spec ones.
- 9-5 Aero Wagon: Its moderate, reserve-level result might discourage radical overbidding on rare wagons unless condition and provenance justify it.
As of now (a day before closing), the Turbo X remains the crown jewel that may yet drive the deepest bids. The Viggen, already over reserve, is a strong bet to finalize high. The 9-5 Aero wagon is a more accessible, down-to-earth winner — a collectible with daily usability.
When the gavel falls tomorrow morning at 10:00 (for Turbo X) or 10:40 (for the 9-5) — those who dared may claim a piece of Swedish automotive history. For Saab fans, it’s not just an auction; it’s a statement about which Saabs will continue to matter in years to come.
Auction results now available
Bilweb’s September 2025 auction has concluded — and the outcome did not disappoint. All three Saabs, including the Turbo X SportSedan, 9-3 Viggen, and 9-5 Aero SportCombi, sold above their reserve prices.
For a full breakdown of final bids and what they mean for the Saab market, see our dedicated recap:
read the results here.
