A Saab Life

February 13, 2019 Eleven

If there’s one single thing I love about Saabs above all else, it’s how they bring people together, locally, nationally and globally, people are interested in talking about them, asking questions and sharing Saab stories. Whether you drive a modern 9-3 or a rare Sonett, a quirky 95 V4 or an iconic 900, they seem to inspire friendliness and conversation - a shared love.

Many marques have a similar following, but what separates Saab is the inclusivity and affordability to be a part of a lifestyle, young and old, families and teenagers are all able to share the Saab vibe. What usually starts as a connection to Saab through generations, becomes a life long affinity that’s sometimes hard to explain or reason with.

I recently happened across an Instagramer who clearly shares this feeling, she not only drives an exceptionally beautiful Ambassador Blue 900 classic, but also explorers every corner of Europe in it. She’s taken road trips to Sweden, Italy and Austria and in her words “My little Saab really made me connect with so many new people”. Having covered hundreds of miles, she returns safely to her home in the German Alps.

She also loves nature photography and videography and her page is a beautifully curated collection of everything that encapsulates her life passions, and her trusty classic Saab is very much centre stage "The best decision ever I made on my own against every other opinion was to buy this car".

As our Saabs get older and rarer, it's exceptionally heartwarming to see people like Janina not only take care of them for the future, but enjoy every moment and every journey, just as Saab imagined.

Janina Elisa | Instagram

The Boss

February 11, 2019 Eleven

Almost anyone who's followed and read this blog over the past 8 years will know I've had a fair few Saab projects. Some have required just regular care and maintenance, whilst others have required not only a leap of faith, but also implicit trust in someone who understands the beauty and complexity of Saabs, someone who's knowledge is second to none.

That someone is Jason Miles down at Malcolm Miles Saab in Leicester, he's been truly exceptional at understanding what I've wanted to achieve with each Saab, and has also never allowed anything to defeat us, it can always be fixed.

So, when Jason told me he was selling his 2009 Saab 9-5 Turbo Edition Sportwagon, Stage 5, I said I'd be more than happy to feature it on SvsS. Needless to say, if I hadn't already got 3 other cars including my current 9-5 Aero, I'd have been the proud owner of one of the most unique Saab Sportwagons I've ever seen or driven, it is truly stunning.

The ultimate sleeper, Jason's Carbon Grey 9-5 is subtle but menacing - the stance is perfect and rests on rare 18" Hirsch double 5 spoke alloys, the huge MapTun 4 pot front callipers and vented and grooved discs giving just a hint that this is no ordinary estate car, and as most people will always be behind this thing, the twin exhaust is another discreet touch that finishes the rear off to perfection.

Imagine searching for the perfect estate car, discreet but with a bit of attitude, supreme comfort for any journey no matter what distance, individuality and exclusivity but as reliable as a Saab (of course) and something that has enough power to embarrass pretty much any other car on the road, this is it, you've just found it.

Need to know:

Registered December 2009 / One previous owner / 2 keys
Carbon Grey / tinted windows / rear spoiler
Heated front and rear seats / electric front seats / drivers memory
Parking sensors / rain sensing wipers / xenon headlights / black perforated leather
HK music / DAB/CD/SAT NAV/ hone enabled / Pioneer head unit

102,000 miles / engine rebuilt at 70,000 miles including:

Wossner pistons
New big end bearings
New main bearings
New thrust washers
New timing/balance chain kit
All genuine Saab
Maptun TD04 19T Turbo with forge actuator
Alloy dump valve
Green giant injectors
T5 cams
Silicone water and boost hoses
Maptun intercooler
ITG maxogen open air filter
Abbott Racing alloy flywheel
Apec 2 clutch and genuine slave cyl (both fitted Sept '17)
Quaiffe diff
Bilstein B8 shocks with Eibach springs
SAS anti roll bars
Poly bushed front subframe / front wishbones / rear trailing arms
3" front pipe,
Jetex cat back twin exit exhaust
Maptun 4 pot front brakes (new pads July '18)
New rear discs and pads July '18,
Oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles (sometimes less)
Hirsch 18" wheels / Goodyear tyres

Car was dyno’d December 2017 340BHP / 515NM

As you can imagine, it's got an impeccable service history too, oil has been changed every 3,000 miles or less, and with the shear amount of Saab experience Jason and his team have, this has got to be one of the most desirable Saab Sportwagons available.

Anything so unique or exclusive, think Mercedes E43 AMG, Audi S6, Alpina B3 comes with a massive price tag, but Jason's 9-5 is for sale at £7,500.

I truly can't think of another car that could offer quite so much at this price. Someone's going to be massively privileged to own this Saab.

Anyone interested, call Jason on 0116 283 9044

Club Class

February 9, 2019 Eleven

I believe it’s pretty widely acknowledged that Saab have designed and crafted some of the comfiest seats in the world, take a journey in pretty much any Saab and I’m sure you won’t be in any hurry to jump out at the end, they really are that good.

Over the years I’ve had my favourites, certain models that have featured the epitome of Saab seats. Take the 9000 Aero for example, their design is almost legendary, perfectly sculptured to hold you in place on a spirited drive and yet comfortable enough to while away the hours on any motorway, and the 9-3 HOT Aero seats, smaller and harsher in design but no less comfortable.

And then there’s the 9-5 Aero seats which are truly exceptional, a perfect combination of the 9000 Aero and 9-3 Aero ones. The 2002 - 2009 model ones have more bolster support and are wider towards the top than the first generation 9-5 ones, and that’s exactly why I’ve had to search long and hard to find a full interior for my latest 9-5 project.

I’ve been lucky enough to find a set of the rare Anniversary seats from a 2007 Aero, they feature a discreet SAAB stamp in the backs, a subtle two tone leather structure and highlight stitching. They have literally transformed the car’s interior, together with the carbon dash it feels beautifully timeless, the quality of all materials is everything you’d expect from a Saab and hardly shows any sign of wear, despite being 17 years old.

Having been through many, many marques, I can genuinely say that Saab interiors are in a class of their own really, the comfort is second to none, instruments clear and highly considered, the aviation style map light and of course, the now famous intelligent cup holders all combine to offer something utterly unique, Club Class.

Phase 2 _ Stage 4

February 5, 2019 Eleven

Excess noun An amount that is more than is needed, expected, or acceptable. I question the 'acceptable' part, but excess possibly describes the last few weeks with the 9-5 very accurately.

What's been done? Performance first, an amazing handcrafted stainless steel 3" downpipe by APH Performance together with a Jetex full system exhaust has been fitted, a DO88 Intercooler, intake pipes and all hoses, a BSR performance filter, Abbott Racing top strut brace and a Stage 4 ECU by the very talented Karl at Noobtune all lovingly installed by the guys at Malcolm Miles (again).

Having jumped straight into Stage 4 rather than staggering the upgrades, you realise the shear change in power and driving ability of the Aero, together with the Bilstein B8 shocks and MapTun springs, the 19" Turbo X alloys and the Pirelli P Zeros, it becomes the sports saloon it always had the potential be.

Producing around 300hp, the power delivery is smile inducing, put your foot down in 3rd and you'll easily get those 19" wheels upfront spinning briefly before grabbing control and surging forward. The 9-5 in contrast to my old HOT Aero, doesn't feel as out of control, it handles the extra power admirably, it gives you the reassurance to really push it to the limit and make the most of every kind of journey.

Inside, things are changing too, the early 9-5 Aero leather, although beautiful quality, does not have the structure or support of the later Aeros, I've managed to source an immaculate 2 tone Anniversary leather interior for a 2007 model, happy to stick with manual operation, the transplant has been seamless, the seatbelt warning light still does its thing, and even the 3 stage roller works perfectly for the heated seats, they really have lifted the interior to the next level - the ultimate spec for a 1st generation 9-5 Aero in my opinion.

Next stop, some subtle cosmetic work to bring the 9-5 back to glory.

Black Edition

January 11, 2019 Eleven

Imagination, creativity and craftsmanship have long been associated with Saab, but in recent years, these skills have had to be lovingly upheld by the owners and diehards instead, the ones that can make things happen themselves.

When any car becomes a 'modern classic' it takes people like that to keep them alive and on our roads, parts might become rarer and difficult to find, but it also empowers us to be a little more creative in finding alternative solutions.

Obviously, the foundations are usually in place for us to be inspired by, folks like MapTun and Hirsch, Nordic Tuning and Abbott Racing have all given us desirable enhancements for our Saabs in the past but all too often these are no longer available.

This is where a bit of Saab craft comes in. I recently started to discuss a bespoke mesh grille with a lovely guy and a fellow Saabist. Turns out he's been reimagining Saab grilles for a while now, he sources perfect original plastic and chrome frames and then proceeds to adapt them, adding chrome mesh similar to Abbott Racing and Hirsch ones of the past.

I wanted to go a little further and create a satin black frame with a louver style anodised black mesh for my 9-5 Aero instead. After a few weeks, my bespoke grille has arrived and what a difference it's made, the Aero front feels updated yet timeless, it enhances the 'black edition' look and gives a subtly aggressive stance to a 17 year old Saab.

Whilst we have folks like this around, our Saabs have very bright and exciting futures, imagination leads to unique and interesting Saabs for us all to enjoy and admire, and allows to share them with future generations.

Need a bespoke grille handmade in the UK? Contact the craftsman here.

Inside Information

December 29, 2018 Eleven

Despite all of the ‘Born from Jets’ clichés that surround Saab, there can be little argument that the interiors share similar design details. From the green and orange illumination, beautifully crafted switchgear and toggle operated air vents to the genuinely unique ‘night panel’ function, ball joint map light, simple but effective ‘fasten seatbelt’ and the wonderfully functional fold out cupholder - a Saab interior can never be mistaken for any other marque.

Investing time and energy in to refreshing the interiors of all of my Saab projects has been an enduring love affair, worn buttons and blown bulbs replaced, leather cleaned, dyed and fed, carpets thoroughly cleaned and mats replaced with factory originals, hinges and locks lubricated and any squeaks and rattles detected and resolved.

Above all, I’m always amazed at just how hard wearing and timeless these interiors are, this 9-5 for example, was manufactured in March 2001, some seventeen years ago, it’s covered nearly 100,000 miles, had 3 previous owners and yet the interior could easily be mistaken for that of a new car, even the leather seats still offer an entirely unique aroma, one that is just so Saab and is an absolute joy to spend time in, it’s both relaxed and reassuringly refined.

I’ve sourced and fitted an original Saab carbon fibre dashboard rather than the plain grey one, and am currently searching for a 2001 sat nav head unit and rear parcel shelf bass speakers, but other than that, I can’t wait to just sit back and enjoy this unique and timeless interior a little more.

Saab Alchemy

December 21, 2018 Eleven

Is it just me or have you ever dreamt of how the Ian Callum designed 9-3 Aero bumpers would look on a 9-5, or how a late 9-3 one would suit an earlier 9-3.

Well, recently I came across the personal Instagram of one very talented Rickard Karlsson from Sweden, it seems there's nothing he can't do to perform cosmetic surgery on a Saab. What makes it even more impressive is the quality of the work, it looks completely factory fitted.

Rickard retro fits different components to various Saabs giving them subtle facelifts, uses ng colours on og cars and seems to be able to get stance perfection with just the right choice of alloys, even fitting 20" to his divine and exceptionally individual 9-3 Sky Blue 308 Sportwagon, in short, Rickard performs Saab Alchemy for family and friends

If we're going to keep our Saabs on the road and looking mighty fine, we need more people like Rickard around, I just wish I lived in Sweden, my 9-5 Aero would be going under the knife right now.

Rickard Karlsson Instagram

Ice White

December 17, 2018 Eleven

For years I’ve collected photos of Saabs, mainly for inspiration and future projects yet to be realised, but some are just too good to not be shared, like this exceptional white 900 T convertible from Poland.

It started life a basic looking ng 900, but went through a massive facelift at some point in its life - Viggen bodykit including front and rear bumpers and side skirts, later 9-3 grille and central reflector blanking plate. It’s also been beautifully stanced and sitting on an immaculate set of 18” Volvo T5 R alloys.

Wish I knew more about this 900 convertible, but from a visual point of view, this is one gorgeous, ice white Saab for us all to enjoy. Photographed by the talented Grzegorz Baranowski and features an equally talented Polish blonde.

Phase 1 _ Complete

December 17, 2018 Eleven

It’s been a real whirlwind first few days for the Aero, it’s been in for an intensive health check and emerged in fine fettle, it drives like an absolute dream, ridiculously smooth and the hugely irritating clutch pedal squeak just a distant memory.

I’ll drive it as ‘standard’ for a month or so now, but plans are well underway for Phase 2 early in 2019, the 3” de-cat downpipe is on order from Alan at APH Performance, Karl at Noob Tune is currently working on a Stage 3 ECU and a filter is on it’s way from BSR.

Whilst all of these things are great, it’s always nice to change something visual about the car, so it’s had a set of Bilstein B8 shocks and MapTun springs added together with these amazing 19” Carlsson alloys, to say I love the look and stance is an understatement, I can’t stop staring at it, such an incredible change and suits the 9-5 Aero perfectly. A new set of 225/35/19 tyres are on their way, just to negate the slight rubbing on the wheel arch liners with the existing 235/40/19 tyres, other than that, stance sorted.

Aero Rising

December 14, 2018 Eleven

Just a couple of weeks ago, I became the proud owner of a 2001 Gen1 9-5 Aero, more to the point, it’s the first Gen1 i’ve owned, the other 6+ have been later models. Always loved the Saabness of these, the iconic front grille, the large, clean rear lights, and an interior that always looks and smells just so Saab. After over a year of Saablessness it’s a huge welcome return.

This one’s got some great heritage, originally the demo Aero for Adrian Smith Saab, then under the careful ownership of the Chief Constable of Cumbria until being purchased again by the old Director of Adrian Smith Saab again. Carbon Grey with Rocky Black interior, it’s a timeless combo i’ve always loved, the all important manual gearbox tops the spec to perfection for me.

After driving it for 2-3 days, it went in to the amazing folks at Malcolm Miles for its inaugural thorough health check - sump drop, new oil, filters, new brake pipes, vac pipes, handbrake springs and various other refreshers, but as ever, not content with leaving things standard, we started to undertake my fast growing list of individualism:

Bilstien B8 suspension
MapTun Springs
Poly bushes
Noob Tune Stage 3

What next? An APH Performance downpipe coupled to a full BSR stainless steel system, BSR Filter, carbon fibre dash, bespoke mesh grille and set of uber rare 19” Carlsson Turbo X alloys for starters, the bodywork isn’t perfect either, so will be given a bit of tlc to get back on top of things. It’s a baby with only 93,000 miles on the clock, so worth a bit of indulgence, above all, it’s another amazing Saab Aero kept on the road for years to come, giving me new lease of Saab life and the ability to get this blog going again.

THOUGHT

Why the hell don’t more people buy older Saabs, they’re stupid value, hugely reliable, more luxury than most modern exec barges and have an unnerving ability to be tuned to embarrass most so-called sports saloons, all for sub £5k. I don’t get people, 100,000 miles is literally nothing on these things, parts are still readily available, and find a great Saab specialist like Malcolm Miles and your sorted, there’s nothing they can’t fix, do it…

Saab vs. Porsche

November 30, 2018 Eleven

So, for my Saab Sins Confession, I also drive a classic Porsche 911, a while ago, this got picked up by a fellow Saabist who asked if it would be appropriate to compare the experience? So, here we are, Saab vs. Porsche. This is repost from 2017.

The Porsche is ’91 964 Carrera 4, 3.6 flat six, air cooled, modified and tuned to kick out some 280hp, in my eyes, it’s one of the most iconic cars ever crafted, I used to dream of owning a 911, and this was the model that did it for me when I was younger.

I don’t own the Porsche to have it sitting around, it was bought to use and abuse, all year round, in all weathers, and that’s what I do on a regular basis, I don’t need a destination in mind, I just jump in and head out, often for a 50 – 100 mile B road blast, this is a car bought purely for pleasure.

Midway through a recent drive, I got a phone call to collect my son from an estate he works at, the Porsche isn’t the car to go in, so I made my way home, hopped out of the Porsche and in to the Saab 9-3 convertible, with a similar bhp of 300 – it seemed like the perfect opportunity to compare 2 very different (but similar in many ways) cars.

I won’t waste time debating the aesthetics of either car, both are beautiful, and imho, neither have ever been bettered, which brings me directly to the driving experience.

The Porsche is raw, I mean really raw, I like to call in an analogue experience, although it has PAS and ABS, we’re talking minimal intrusion, it manages to connect you directly to the road, you become part of the car quickly and with ease, you feel every trace of the road, every curve. It also feels exceptionally low and rather small compared to most modern cars.

The 3.6 air cooled, flat six produces a very distinct soundtrack, the shear noise is heavenly – although reasonably subtle at lower rpm, at around 4000 rpm it breaks in to the purest scream which keeps on building and building right through to 6500 rpm, it really is captivating. The steering is so on point it’s hard to imagine anything better, the gears are again, pure analogue, you feel the beautifully engineered H box as it slips from gear to gear, and the handling gives you the confidence to power on through corners in pretty much any weather.

I did a 1000 miles in a week recently, I drove it up to North Wales, through Snowdonia and to the coast, I took it in to the city, to meetings and home again, not once did I get bored. The Porsche is a real, time honoured driver’s car, it has earned its reputation as one of the finest sports cars ever made, and I for one feel completely privileged to be the keeper of one, even just for a little while.

Hop straight in to the Saab 9-3 and I realise just how high it feels, not just its stance, but its general seating position too, high, but also ridiculously comfortable. Everything is easy, the gear change is light and smooth, the steering sharp and accurate, with the suspension work it’s had done, the Saab also handles amazingly well, less analogue, but still manages to feel involved.

The power delivery seems utterly immediate, rather than building like the Porsche, foot down and it continues to endlessly pull until it hits 6000rpm, it needs control and attention to drive, less stuck to the road, but equally exhilarating, the Saab feels faster than the Porsche, and although less involving never fails to make me smile. The 9-3 can never compete with the Porsche for sound, although with the addition of the APH downpipe, full stainless steel exhaust and BSR induction kit, it still has a hugely pleasing one with enthusiastic driving.

By no means a full comparison, but one that might give an insight in to both cars. Which do I prefer? both. If I’m honest it really depends what mood I’m in, the Saab provides exceptionally fast, easy driving and with the roof down really can’t be beaten for style and pleasure, but the Porsche, the Porsche still offers a unique and uncompromising experience that modern cars just don’t offer.

The Porsche on Instagram

Saab vs.

November 26, 2018 Eleven

A few years ago, SAAB created a series of ads based on the theme Saab vs. When I first saw them, they somehow reflected how I felt about SAAB; stylish, elegant, individual and timeless, they also became the inspiration for naming the blog Saab vs. Scepticism.

To this day i’m always happy to flip through and see them all again, from the exquisite Puritans to the beautifully simple Vivaldi and Nakedness.

Wonder Wheels

November 23, 2018 Eleven

If shoes maketh the man, alloys maketh the car.

I’ve somehow gone through 65 + cars in the past 30 years, at least 15 of those have been Saabs, I’m truly a self confessed petrolhead much to the continued despair of my wife, family and friends.

It hasn’t mattered what marque or value, from a very cool Lancia Delta Integrale to an iconic, air cooled Porsche 911 and everything in-between, there are 2 items that have to be right on each and every car - exhausts and wheels.

I’ve long admired Saab for their iconic wheel designs, from the early Super Inca and Super Aeros to the 3 Spoke Double Y and wonderful Turbines, all are absolutely timeless and perfectly harmonious. Wheels can truly make or break the entire look of the car, choose the wrong style or size and it can be a complete mess. Before I choose alloys for a car, I will have a play in Photoshop, trying different wheels and sizes to make sure the idea I had in my head works. I love keeping Saab cars and wheels together, but have often thought they look just too small, 16” or 17” when they should be 18” or 19”, and wheels from different models switched up and put on a different model, classic 900 Super Aeros and a 9-3, Aero X alloys on a 9000 maybe.

One company in Shanghai STR Forged had the same idea, they custom forge Saab designed alloys to new and exciting sizes, they look at offset and stud patterns to ensure fit and they craft some exceptional pieces of art for classic and modern Saabs alike, a real petrolhead dream come true, no limit to you imagination. Have a set of the most beautiful Viggen alloys upscaled to 19” maybe. As far as I can tell, sizes range from 17” - 22” and bespoke widths from 7” - 12”, how about a set of staggered classic Viking Double Y’s.

I don’t know if they export to the UK or not yet, but when I find out, I’ll be sure to share the Saab love, in the meantime, go drool over some of the sexist Saabs I’ve seen.

STR Forged Instagram | STR Forged Website

Respect

November 15, 2018 Eleven

A couple of years ago I came across a site in the Czech Republic dedicated to Saabs called Saab Stance, if features some exceptional cars, but what makes it all the more special is the quality of photography - truly inspiring.

I recently checked up on the latest posts and happily found it’s still alive and well. The owner, Lukáš has an immaculate 9-3 Aero convertible, same colour as my old one, but is finished to perfection with a set of the iconic six spoke Hirsch alloys, all I can say is ‘respect’, for the car, the photography and the dedication to honouring Saabs.

Turbo Godfather

November 14, 2018 Eleven

I felt that this Saab really deserved an entire post of its own, after all it can easily be described as the undisputed Godfather of Turbos. Launched in the hedonistic 1970’s, the 99 Turbo was literally one of the first cars to combine safety and exhilarating turbo performance, it singlehandedly put Saab on a legendary pedestal, which still holds strong today.

This one, in the only acceptable Turbo colour - black, was quite rightly getting a lot of attention at SaabFestUK, a perfect example, unmolested and seemingly unchanged since the day it drove out of the Saab showroom, paintwork immaculate, all accessories intact including some super cool spotlights and an interior that screamed ‘jump in and drive me’.

I felt myself gravitating to this car over and over again, it’s owner should be hugely proud and also feel just a little bit privileged to be the guardian of such a legendary car.