Until the early 90s, The Northwest SAAB Owners Club had but one (non-elected) "officer", The Keeper of the Mailing List. Historically, we've been a word-of-mouth, once-a-year-meeting kind of club. Not that we can't stand each other, in fact many members do see each other often during the year.

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In 1980, a small but dedicated group of Saab enthusiasts gathered in eastern Washington for a 2-stroke crankshaft workshop hosted by John Baird. This first-ever meeting of what would become the Northwest Saab Owners Club was attended by Skip Schott, Robert Eddy (Seattle), Shawn & Donna Ireland (Peshastin, west of Wenatchee), Rich Roberts (a Saab parts man from Alan Saab and BMW), Sean Tennis, Amity Trowbridge, Kevin and Judy Strilcov, and others. United by their shared enthusiasm for Saab, the group began meeting annually, building a grassroots community of owners across the Pacific Northwest.

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Throughout the 1980s, the club's main gathering was an annual picnic at the Swauk Pass Campground. The club's activities were largely sustained by raffles of Saab parts and memorabilia donated by members, which helped cover costs. Among the club's traditions was the beloved "Beater Award," a humorous prize given to the most well-worn but still roadworthy Saab. The trophy itself was an old car door, repurposed as a gag award that became a highlight of each gathering.

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By 1991, the club had grown significantly and took on a major challenge—hosting the first-ever ‘West Coast’ National Saab Club Convention. Held at Crystal Mountain Resort near Mt. Rainier National Park, the event was a three-day extravaganza showcasing the region’s scenic beauty and the club’s growing organizational capabilities. Following the convention, the club moved its annual gathering from Swauk Pass to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bothell, offering a more accessible venue for the expanding membership.

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Through the 1990s and early 2000s, the club continued to thrive with key members such as Marcy and Dick Merrill (Marcy later served as volunteer coordinator for the 2004 convention), Louise and Lynn, Andy Meyers, and Pat Tennis, who was often seen alongside Sean Tennis in those days. The club maintained its welcoming, informal nature while strengthening its role in the national Saab community.

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In 2004, the Northwest Saab Owners Club again hosted the National Saab Owners Convention, drawing attendees from across North America and beyond. The event was a massive success, cementing the club’s reputation as a pillar of the Saab enthusiast community.

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A decade later, in 2014, the club hosted another unforgettable convention at the Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Oregon. The event brought together a remarkable lineup of classic and modern Saabs, from vintage 96s and Sonetts to turbocharged 9-5s and Viggens. One of the most memorable moments was the synchronized startup of multiple Saab Sonetts before they moved out for the group photo. But the convention was just as much about the people as it was about the cars—owners who had spent decades buying, restoring, and even racing Saabs came together to celebrate the brand's legacy.

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The 2014 convention also featured fascinating presentations, including a hands-on B-motor water pump rebuild demo by Gary Stottler and Dave Snider, held under the shade of ancient juniper trees in the parking lot. Attendees were treated to a presentation from Peter Backstrom, curator of the Saab museum in Trollhättan, Sweden, who traveled to the event alongside legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson. Carlsson himself addressed the crowd during the Saturday night dinner, sharing personal stories from his decades-long career with Saab and expressing his excitement over the convention’s turnout.

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Today, the Northwest Saab Owners Club continues its long tradition of bringing together enthusiasts from all walks of life. Our summer picnics now average 50-60 cars, spanning every era of Saab production. Many of those who drive newer models have deep ties to the brand, proving that Saab loyalty remains strong in the Pacific Northwest. From our early days in Swauk Pass to hosting national conventions, NWSOC has always been about more than just cars—it’s about the people who keep the spirit of Saab alive.