Saab Showroom

The Central Penn SAAB Club transforms our Williams-Clyne Gallery into a showroom spotlighting the Swedish automobiles. The Saab marque, best known for its pioneering turbocharged engines, is recognized for its innovative safety features, unique styling, and performance.

Saab began in 1937 as an airplane manufacturer before World War II. The company started car production in 1949, introducing the egg-shaped 92. The New York Auto Show welcomed Saab to the U.S. in 1956. Early success in rally racing sparked American interest, as did “quirky” features like factory-installed seatbelts found in models by 1958. According to Capital One Auto Navigator, “the U.S. became Saab’s biggest export market, with the 95 wagon, 96 two-seater, and the iconic Sonnet sports car arriving through the ‘60s. The 1967 model 99 found a wider, mainstream American audience and included what would become a Saab signature—the ignition switch located between the front seats.”

The 1980s and 1990s proved to be the golden years for Saab. However, the economic market crash in 2008-2009 marked the beginning of the end for Saab. After years of financial struggles and merger challenges, Saab Automobile finally declared bankruptcy in December 2011.