The story of Sports Car Service begins in 1956 in Wilmington, Delaware, where a passion for European automobiles took root. Originally founded by Oakley Robinson, the business operated as a dealership for Saab, Citroën, and Alfa Romeo—three distinctive brands that reflected a commitment to engineering and individuality.
At the time, John Jacobson worked under Robinson, learning the trade and building the foundation for what would become a lifelong career. In 1961, tragedy struck when Robinson passed away unexpectedly. John stepped in as manager and eventually became owner, guiding the business through a period of significant change. Around the same time, Citroën and Alfa Romeo withdrew their franchises, leaving Sports Car Service to focus on Saab. The company proudly remained Delaware’s first Saab dealership until 1972.
Even after losing the Saab franchise, Sports Car Service did not abandon the brand. Instead, it evolved—continuing to service Saabs while expanding into restoration work for a variety of vehicles. This adaptability would become a hallmark of the business for decades to come.
John’s son, Bill Jacobson, grew up in the shop—quite literally. At just six years old, he began by sorting nuts and bolts. Before long, he progressed to removing parts, and eventually repairing them. By age 12, with guidance from a seasoned Saab mechanic, Bill installed his first clutch in an early Saab 93. At 14, he officially joined the payroll, and after graduating high school in 1975, he committed to the business full time.
The family legacy deepened when Bill’s sister, Jenny, joined as business manager, bringing with her a background in accounting and business. When John retired in 1984, Saab’s popularity in the United States was surging. Though no longer an official dealership, Sports Car Service seized the opportunity to become a used car dealer and independent Saab specialist—solidifying its reputation in a growing niche.
In 1992, the youngest sibling, CarolAnn, joined the business. With an associate degree in civil engineering and little experience in business operations, she learned firsthand from Bill and Jenny. Together, the three siblings strengthened and expanded the company. By 1993, both Saab and Sports Car Service had grown so popular that the shop maintained a waiting list for new customers—a testament to its reputation for quality and expertise.
For years, Sports Car Service remained dedicated exclusively to Saab. However, in 2011, when Saab ceased production, the business faced another pivotal moment. In order to continue, the team carefully selected Subaru as an additional focus. The choice was intentional—Subaru shared many of Saab’s defining qualities, including a strong emphasis on safety and a fiercely loyal customer base.
As time passed, the business evolved once more. In May 2023, Sports Car Service relocated to its final service shop at 5 East 41st Street in Wilmington. Smaller and more modest, the space reflected a natural winding down after decades of operation. Around the same time, Bill purchased the neighboring property, transforming a former tile and flooring facility into a personal retirement project—a functional auto shop and showroom built with the help of family and friends.
Today, Bill’s collection of vintage Saabs is housed at 4104 North Market Street, where it remains a point of pride and a tribute to a lifetime of dedication. The collection is available for viewing by appointment, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into Saab history.
In September 2025, Sports Car Service officially closed its service doors after nearly 70 years in operation. While the chapter of servicing customer vehicles has come to an end, the story is far from over. Bill and CarolAnn have turned their attention to sorting and preserving an extensive collection of vintage Saab parts—ensuring that ongoing restoration projects can be completed and that fellow enthusiasts can keep their vehicles on the road.
Many of these parts are now being cataloged and offered for sale through eBay and social media. For Saab owners searching for that hard-to-find component, Sports Car Service remains a valuable resource.
We are who we are today because of the many dedicated individuals who have been part of Sports Car Service over the years—people whose hard work and commitment have helped us grow year after year. For that, we are deeply grateful. After all, Sports Car Service has always been more than just a business; it’s a family built on community, connection, and lifelong friendships.
And while the tools may be quieter these days, the spirit of the shop lives on. Whether you’re up to working on a vintage Saab, browsing our extensive library of automotive books, or simply sharing stories at “Jake’s Roll Bar,” the doors are still open in a different way.
For those who have been part of the journey, one thing remains unchanged: the phone number is still the same—302-764-SAAB.