3/31/98
SAAB TURBOS, SUN AND FUN TO HIGHLIGHT 1998 SAAB OWNERS CONVENTION AT HILTON HEAD ISLAND AUGUST 19-23
NORCROSS, Ga. - Each year, hundreds of Saab enthusiasts from around the United States and Canada gather for a celebration of Saab spirit, camaraderie and automotive innovation. This year, the national Saab Owners Convention '98 will be August 19-23 in the beach resort community of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
The 1998 convention commemorates 20 years of Saab turbocharging. Two decades ago, the revolutionary 1978 Saab 99 Turbo took the auto industry by storm by introducing the "exotic" concept of variable-boost turbocharging on a 4-cylinder engine in a practical family sedan. That first Saab 99 Turbo was acclaimed both for its dynamic performance and useful three-door hatchback functionality.
Today, Saab is more committed than ever to its turbo tradition. For the 1999 model year, Saab's entire new model line is turbocharged, featuring the all-new Saab 9-5 performance sedan and the sporty Saab 9-3 Coupe, Convertible and five-door, all of which go on sale this spring. Examples of each of these new models will be exhibited at the convention.
Throughout the weekend, Saab owners can choose from a fun and informative range of activities, designed to appeal to all levels of driving skill and automotive know-how. On Wednesday, August 19, at historic Roebling Road racetrack near Savannah, a group of Saab owners will have the opportunity for professional racing school instruction. Utilizing turbocharged Saab 9-3s, participants will learn driving techniques that are not only useful for improving one's times on the race track, but help to sharpen driving skills on public roads. In addition to seaside recreation and relaxation at the Hilton Head Island resort headquarters, participants will take part in driving skill competitions, a scenic road rally, and educational seminars and technical sessions. An annual convention highlight is the Concours d'Saab, where proud owners display hundreds of carefully maintained vintage and current-model Saabs, competing for awards. Convention attendees can also find the latest performance accessories, personal Saab wear, or rare Saab memorabilia at numerous vendor displays and popular swap meet. The Saab festival events include a welcome reception and awards banquet hosted by Saab Cars USA president Joel Manby, plus honored guest, rally legend Erik Carlsson.
Saab Cars USA and the Carolinas Saab Register have chosen the oceanfront Crowne Plaza resort as the headquarters for the national Saab owners convention. Located only 30 miles north of Savannah, Ga., the award-winning resort blends beach-front vistas, championship golf, and the history and gentility of the South Carolina low country, with the amenities of a first-class resort. The resort property features ivory sand beaches and lush landscaping, dotted with tropical palmetto trees and sprawling oaks draped with Spanish moss. An adjacent full-service tennis club and nearby golf courses offer additional recreational opportunities. The combination of setting, resort services, and planned Saab events and activities ensure that every member of the family will have a truly memorable experience.
Hundreds of enthusiastic Saab owners from throughout the United States and Canada have gathered annually to celebrate a car whose unique design and abundant character have brought owners of all types together for more than 40 years. Enthusiastic Saab owners have been gathering annually since 1962. Last year's Saab Jubilee USA convention in Waterville Valley, N.H., was the biggest to date, with more than 1,300 registered guests celebrating Saab's 50th anniversary as an automaker.
Interested Saab owners can find out more or request a registration packet from Saab's website at www.saabusa.com, or by calling 1-800-438-7222.
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