He bought the last Saab cars from the factory – lives six kilometres away

Recently, the last Saab cars from the factory grounds in Trollhättan were auctioned off. Saab collector Joakim Bratell didn't just buy one – but two of the unique Saab 9-3s.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Joakim Bratell is one of Sweden’s biggest Saab collectors. And now he can add a new merit to his already impressive Saab CV. He didn’t just buy one – but two – of the last Saab cars to leave the factory grounds, via auction on Klaravik.

In many ways, Joakim has made it his life’s mission to preserve the Saab legacy.
– I have 18–19 cars now, plus several bodies on top of that. I also took over the company Artex, which manufactured Saab upholstery, a couple of years ago – which means I can keep my cars fresh on the inside. So yes, I’m a Saab for life. I tried a Volvo once, but it wasn’t for me...

And as with so many other Saab enthusiasts, there’s a nostalgic note to Joakim’s love of the brand.
– I took over my dad’s 900 Turbo once upon a time and was sold immediately. Above all, I think every Saab model offers a great interior – you sit incredibly well in them, and with that comfort comes a joy of driving, says Joakim, who today, fittingly enough, lives just six short kilometres from the Stallbacka factory grounds in Trollhättan.

A glimpse into a Saab garage worth seeing. Joakim Bratell now has three silver Saab 9-3s (model year 2014) in his collection of nearly 20 Saab cars.

Now owns three unique Saab 9-3s

The cars he bought on Klaravik were two of the very last three Saab cars to leave the Trollhättan factory. Both Saab 9-3s, model year 2014, with low mileage. Both in silver.
– I’m incredibly proud and happy about it. I followed the bidding with great excitement from a beer tent in Småland (a region in southern Sweden). That in itself was a special experience. And managing to get two 9-3s (with model year 2014) feels especially good. I already have a 9-3 in silver from before. Being able to boast three silver ones, all model year 2014 – not many people, if any, can say that, Joakim concludes.

His plans for the newly acquired cars? To keep them in pristine condition and keep the Saab flag flying high.
– Mint condition is the only option. There’s nothing else.

Joakim Bratell is now the owner of two of the three last Saab cars auctioned on Klaravik. Top image: one example with 18,430 km on the clock, sold for 172,000 kronor. Image below: also a Saab 9-3, with 58,640 km on the clock – sold for 142,000 kronor.