When 41 Saabs rolled into Dobó tér in Eger, Hungary, they weren’t just turning heads. They were celebrating a legacy. This picturesque town square became a vivid stage for one of the most passionate Saab communities in Central Europe. The gathering was orchestrated by Saab 900 Klub Magyarország Egyesület, which has been nurturing Saab enthusiasm for over 25 years.
The event was part of a weekend tour through the region, with the stop in Eger serving both as a public display and cultural excursion. The square echoed with stories of turbocharged pasts, design choices that defied trends, and friendships forged around shared admiration for Trollhättan’s most iconic exports.
A quarter-century of community and commitment
Ákos Égő, club leader and one of its founding members, explained the roots of the movement in an interview for Eger Television, who covered the event. His affection for the brand began with its distinctive design and reliability, values that continue to resonate with the group.
While the club has about 50 active members, its reach is wider. Events like this draw in many more, including newcomers and curious onlookers. In Eger, over 100 participants gathered, some traveling in vintage classics like the Saab 99 from the 1970s, others arriving in well-kept examples of the 9-3 and 9-5. Each car brought its own piece of Saab history.
Dobó tér as a cultural crossroads
This was more than a car meet. The group arrived from Noszvaj, a nearby village, and spent several hours in the city. While cars were admired and photos snapped, attendees also took time to explore Eger’s landmarks. Visits to the Varázstorony (Magic Tower) and the Retro Museum added a local flavor to the day. Some wandered further to the Minaret and Eger Castle, blending tourism with their automotive passion.
As Ákos explained, combining culture with cars adds depth to the experience. It also allows the club to remain relevant to new audiences, positioning Saab not just as a defunct brand, but as a living piece of European automotive heritage.
Nighttime traditions and morning discoveries
After returning to Noszvaj, the group gathered for an evening filled with Saab-themed games and social activities. There was a parts identification contest, a historical quiz, and plenty of discussion about restoration techniques, original parts, and rare models.
The next morning, the group explored local cave dwellings and historical mines, adding another layer to the trip. These outings underline the club’s mission: to celebrate Saab not just as a brand, but as a culture that values design, durability, and independent thinking.
A living tribute to a discontinued marque
More than a decade has passed since Saab ceased production, yet this event proved that its spirit is far from forgotten. Even the “youngest” Saab models at the event are now considered classic, and each drew admiration from the public. Some attendees recalled childhood rides in Saabs; others had restored theirs over years of patient work.
Events like this one in Eger ensure that Saab remains visible and respected. The club’s dedication to maintaining and showcasing these cars speaks volumes about the brand’s lasting impact.
Connecting with the broader Saab community
This isn’t the first time we’ve featured the Hungarian Saab scene. Their previous tours, including one around Lake Balaton, showed the same attention to detail, passion, and community building. Read our earlier coverage of the Hungarian Saab tours here.
The event in Eger, however, stands out for its integration of public engagement, heritage tourism, and community-driven organization. It shows how a car club can evolve into something more meaningful: a cultural force that celebrates design and difference.
Video report from Eger TV
Catch the full local TV report below:
And another video from humgarian Saab enthusiast Marika Szabó:
