Sad news for Saab enthusiasts with confirmation the last 26 right-hand-drive examples of the 9-3 convertible have been shipped to the U.K. for sale through the British dealer network.
Saab says the 26 convertibles were all model-year 12 versions in ‘SE’, ‘Aero’ and range-topping ‘Independence Edition’ specification.
The model-year 12 models feature interior and exterior enhancements and more powerful and fuel-efficient versions of Saab’s various 1.9-litre twin-turbo diesel (120kW and 135kW) and two new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines (122kW and 165kW).
Saab had plans to build 80 examples of the exclusive ‘Independence Edition’ 9-3 convertible for the UK. But only seven were delivered last year and only seven are included in the last 26 vehicles shipped from Sweden – meaning they’re even more exclusive than ever.
The Saab 9-3 Independence Edition is exclusively powered by the 135kW, 1.9-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and feature limited edition serial numbers etched into the rear side windows. Painted in a unique ‘Amber Orange’ metallic paint with 18-inch alloy wheels and an interior trimmed in parchment sport leather, these will perhaps be remembered as the greatest-ever Saab 9-3 convertibles.
The last examples of Saab’s iconic convertible (in-service for 25 years) were hand-finished by a dedicated team of Saab employees operating out of a dealership in the city of the company’s headquarters – Trollhattan, Sweden.
