Walter Kern is best known in the Saab community for his developmental work on the Quantum automobiles. He is also known for building an electric SAAB Sonett. Some background information can be found over at Saab History.

The Walter Kern Award was created by the Vintage SAAB Club of North America (VSCNA) to recognize those SAAB enthusiasts who have modified their cars for whatever reason -- competition, performance, fun, etc. -- but who might not fit into a "normally" judged convention category, and therefore never have a chance at winning anything for their creativity and hard work.

Workmanship does not necessarily count for anything, as Walter's cars were often not "works of art," but were often meant to be drivable works-in-progress. This award is given in his memory to acknowledge people who pursue a similar creative search for knowledge through a Saab endeavor.

Past Honorees

2000 Kerhonkson, NY - Dave Hosmer, Quantum-V
2001 Vero Beach, FL - John Plankey, 1969 Sonett V4 with 900 Turbo 8v motor
2002 Cincinnati, OH - Chuck Christ, 1960 93F
2003 Hershey, PA - James Fox, 1985 900 (2-door notchback w/'84 8v turbo)
2004 Crystal Mtn, WA - Larry Westergaard, 99 Turbo pick up
2005 Stratton Mtn, VT - Mike Connolly 1983 900 w/340 V-8
2006 Lake George, NY - Jonathan Shaller, 1968 96
2007 Troy, MI - Jeff Propowski, ’89 900 Turbo

2008 Devens, MA - Jonathan Williams, 900 SPG

2009 Copper Mtn, CO - Don Bollschweiller, Sonett III Dragster

2010 Aurora, OH - Gary Stottler 

2011 Parsippany, NJ - Mike Grieco