The original Saab 9-3 Aero cabriolet gives you that rare ability to truly experience extraordinary, to get out into the world and enjoy each and every moment of freedom and beauty we are blessed with, it’s the Saab that keeps creating magical moments for me, and one of my favourites.

This immaculate 2002 HOT Aero has cemented my love for them over the past few months, and is a hard one to let go of. The magical combination of Merlot metallic over Sand leather, is one of the rarest in the UK, and I image, one of only a handful currently on the road, it not only stands out from the regular silver, carbon or black 9-3, but with it’s lighter interior, manages to elevate the feeling of freedom and comfort.

Although it has suffered the usual fate of convertibles, and seen many owners during its 24 year journey, it has been impeccably looked after, both inside and out. I’d known of this particular car a few years ago, as it was owned and cared for by the 9-3 expert; Peter Raw, it somehow slipped my hand that time, but as luck would have it, I spotted it for sale last Summer and couldn’t resist adding it to the collection.

From anyone’s perspective, the bodywork is almost perfect, it has very small signs of corrosion on the rear wing returns, which are minimal, other than that, the Merlot paintwork is wonderfully deep and rather intoxicating as the sun sets. Inside, the care continues, the Sand leather is in beautiful condition, although the driver’s seat bolster would benefit from a surface refurbishment, as the colour is slightly worn from use. I have finished the feeling of luxury off with one of the superb Nappa leather sport steering wheels by TunStyle, which makes the Aero feel truly special.

The engine has been thoroughly maintained and lightly modified to stage 3, offering 270hp and wonderfully addictive torque when called upon, the 3” downpipe, sport cat and Jetex stainless exhaust gives it a purposeful soundtrack, whilst the newly fettled handling with it’s Bilstien B12 suspension, upgraded rear torsion bar and refreshed brakes, has made the driving dynamics beautifully sharp.

These early 9-3 convertibles deliver everything Saab set out to create, with superb quality build and old school aesthetics, they’re getting hard to find, let alone in this condition. This is one for the connissour, a Saab to cherish and enjoy, to embrace all four seasons and experience exceptional.

Essentials
Saab 9-3 HOT Aero Convertible
Manual
Merlot Red Metallic / Sand Leather
2002
96,000 Miles
May 2026 MOT
11 previous owners
Service history
V5C / Owners Manual / 1 key

£5500

WORKS LIST

Mechanical
Complete service including gaskets, filters and oil
Sump drop and clean
3” downpipe / Sport cat
Jetex s/s exhaust system
Abbott Cobra
Noob Tune Stage 3 Remap
3.5 bar fuel pump
Bilstien B12 suspension
Front Suspension Arms
Drop links
Bushes

Cosmetic
Refurbished double Y spoke alloys in light carbo grey metallic
Original Saab fabric mats in Sand
TunStyle Nappa leather sport steering wheel
Saab original wind deflector