Steve Shannon has posted a summary article on GM’s FYI blog, giving his point of view on the recent Saab Owners Convention in Devens, Massachusetts.

It was very nice to reconnect, and meet again in open dialogue with Saab owners from all over the U.S. I had met several last year for the first time, when the convention took place close to our current Saab headquarters in Detroit.

While last year’s event was special because of Saab’s 60th Anniversary as an auto maker, this year certainly had its unique attractions as well. First off, there was the convention’s theme of “30 Years of Turbocharging Leadership”, starting with the original 1978 Saab 99 Turbo…..

….In addition to 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging, technology that now seems more relevant than it ever was, we used the opportunity to share many positive developments with the Saab family at large.

Those developments include the new 9-4x and 9-5, which are covered in terms we’ve all heard before.

——

Aussie Saab nut Steve B travelled Stateside for his third consecutive SOC, and as in the past, he’s provided a brilliant collection of photos.

Once again, Steve’s risen to the occasion and his Flickr account is overflowing with 200+ excellent photos from the convention. I’ve selected around a dozen for your perusal, but you’d be wise to head on over and check them all out for yourselves.

——

A very interesting 2-tone Saab 95.

–

Saabs are good mannered motor vehicles. Here they are bowing in the presence of esteemed owners. Manners are the glue of good society.

–

I want a Sonett. Every time I see a picture like this I want one more and more. Is there a cooler and more unusual small car in any manufacturer’s historical range?

–

All credit to the Turbo X for reviving the C900 turbo gauge, but I’d LOVE to see this one revived. From the 99 Turbo.

–

Another Sonett. A “three” this time.

–

And one more……a “two” giving the rolling road a scare

–

Dame Edna was in the house and she continues to look better and better, every time I see her.

–

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid was the star of the show, and is now doing an extended tour at a Washington Times car show this weekend.

–

Now that is one clean engine. Kudos!

–

Just for Richo – Saab 9-3 Viggen with vents.

–

Some more beautiful and deferential looking old Saabs. Magnificent.

–

And finally, the group photo.

–

Just quietly, Steve’s put in years of work producing the best Saab club magazine in the world for the Saab Car Club of Australia, he owns two beautful customised Saabs and has put in innumerable hours on behalf of the brand for club activities and personal travel overseas for various events.

Saab could do a lot worse than contracting him to record next year’s SOC in Denver. It’d be a just reward. Just my 0.02c.

-