Owing to time and dateline differences, I think I’m obliged to say that former Saab Automobiles USA chief, Bob Sinclair, passed away a couple of days ago. Regardless of where you are in the world, we heard the news yesterday, and it was a big shock even for those who knew of his illness.
Sever articles are now online, all of them fitting tributes to a man amongst men, an automotive executive who won the hearts of everyone he met.
If you haven’t seen it already, Saab History have a great writeup.
The Saab Club of North America has posted a tribute on thir homepage.
Hemmings have a lovely news story on Uncle Bob’s passing as well as a link to an interview they did with him a few years ago. Highly recommended.
If you were asked to describe a Swedish car, you would first think of a Saab or a Volvo. But what connotations come to mind? Both brands are known for upscale appointments, safety, practicality, and in turbo form, power. But it wasn’t always that way–in fact, in the 1950s and 1960s, when they were still relative unknowns in middle America, they were recognized more for economy than for any demographic they appeal to today. One man’s vision and nearly boundless energy changed all that.
Automotive News also have a story on Bob’s passing that’s full of respect.
This is a man who will be sorely missed.
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