Exploring an Abandoned Saab Dealership in France: A Hidden Treasure of Forgotten Cars
Hidden within the walls of unexpected buildings, lies a collection of fascinating cars waiting to be discovered. This was the case for an old Saab dealership in France, recently investigated by the urban explorers behind the Forgotten Buildings YouTube channel. Abandoned for almost a decade, this dealership, located near a highway in a business park, held a captivating secret that had piqued the curiosity of many passersby.
Upon entering the dealership, the explorers were greeted by a trio of vehicles showcased through the big glass windows of the showroom. The cars, consisting of a 9-5 and two 9-3s, may not have been brand new, but one of them had paperwork indicating a mere 59,608 miles (95,930 km) on the odometer. Considering that this vehicle was first put into service in 2001, it is an impressively low mileage.
However, it was evident that these urban explorers were not the first to set foot in the showroom. Sadly, two of the cars had already been stripped of their wheels, and the windows had been shattered, leaving behind a trail of vandalism. Despite this unfortunate sight, there was still hope as the explorers discovered another area where cars were stored – the workshop.
The workshop revealed a treasure trove of approximately 20 vehicles, predominantly Saabs, along with a few French cars such as Peugeots and a vintage Renault. The reason behind locking away these cars and leaving them to gather dust remains unclear. According to Forgotten Buildings, the dealership’s fate seemed to have been intertwined with that of Saab. As the automaker faced financial difficulties and eventually went bankrupt in 2011, the dealership’s fortunes took a similar turn. Although they continued to work on a few cars even after Saab’s demise, the death of one of the dealership’s owners may have led the remaining owner to abandon the business altogether.
Despite the neglect and vandalism, it is intriguing to consider whether any of these forgotten cars could be revived and returned to the road. While they may require significant restoration, the potential for these vehicles to once again grace the streets is a tantalizing prospect. However, the question of whether it would be financially viable to restore them remains uncertain.
The story of this abandoned Saab dealership serves as a reminder of the transient nature of businesses and the impact it can have on the fate of the cars they once sold. As time passes, these forgotten buildings become time capsules, preserving a piece of automotive history that would otherwise be lost. Urban explorers like those behind the Forgotten Buildings YouTube channel play a crucial role in uncovering these hidden treasures and sharing them with the world.
In conclusion, the exploration of an old Saab dealership in France revealed a collection of fascinating cars that had been left untouched for nearly a decade. Despite the unfortunate state of neglect and vandalism, the potential for these vehicles to be restored and returned to the road is an exciting prospect. The story of this dealership serves as a reminder of the intertwined fate between businesses and the cars they once sold. Thanks to urban explorers, we are able to catch a glimpse into these forgotten buildings and appreciate the hidden treasures they hold.
