Endless reviews have been written about the Saab Viggen, but this one from Jalopnik just sums it up to me "We are dealing with the last of the throwbacks, the last mass-produced passenger vehicle on earth that stays the course, refusing to yield to bourgeois fashion and show-off technology. The 9-3 Viggen is the fastest hot-rod version of the Saab 9-3 and offers an impressive 230 horsepower from its 140-cubic-inch turbocharged four-banger that has been a part of the Saab inventory since Eric the Red left for Greenland"

Back in 2015, the guys at Malcolm Miles were offered this Viggen which they had known of for some years, it was part of a family estate but no longer required and needed a trusted home. After buying it, the Viggen was then dry stored for 5 years without being used, until I suggested it might make for a great rescue project, the ultimate Saab rescue in fact.

As the Viggen is already rather lively, the most important task was to get the handling just right before adding more power, so we've fitted an Abbott Racing Viggen Rescue Kit, a rear brace, sharper Bilstein B8 shocks and lower, harder Eibach springs and to make sure it stops, it's had a set of Tarox Japan Racing drilled, grooved and vented discs and pads added together with new brake lines and Tarox braided hoses and high performance fluid.

The heart of the Viggen is of course the 2.3 B235R engine, coupled with a high output turbo, it originally produced a very capable 230hp, the fastest production Saab to ever have been produced at the time. We've given it a complete overhaul; sump dropped and cleaned, new filters, plugs and hoses, a new Viggen clutch, genuine Direct Injection pack together with endless upgrades including DO88 intercooler and intake pipe, Nordic Tuning induction kit, upgraded full pump, an APH Performance 3" downpipe connected to the original and rather beautiful sounding Viggen exhaust and a bespoke ECU Stage 3+ remap from Noob Tune meaning the Viggen now delivers around 300hp with serious but sensible boost.

Cosmetically, it's got stories to tell, the bodywork has marks, stone chips and a couple of dents, but overall, the beautiful Lightening Blue paintwork is original besides a rear quarter having been rebuilt to rid the car of some rust, It's hard to know whether it's better to be mainly original or perfect, I tend to opt for originality with stories. It's been treated to a recent clay bar and coating of Soft 99 Fusso whilst the roof has been deep cleaned and waterproofed with Fabsil Soft.

Whilst a factory look is good, sometimes cars need to be given a modern twist, the stance is subtle enough to go unnoticed, the addition of the Momo Stealth 5 spoke alloys honours the original Viggen 5 spokes but gives it a sharp, more aggressive look. The only other visual change is the bespoke satin black mesh grille which mirrors the lower mesh grille in the Ian Callum designed front bumper.

The interior needed some attention, the soft 2 tone leather seats were no longer soft, so everything has been removed, the seats cleaned and moisturised overnight with Gliptone and carpets given a deep clean. The leather feels supple again and has no rips although the driver's seat does have surface cracks on the blue leather centres.

A new Nappa leather steering wheel has been added and a genuine Saab leather grearknob to get things feeling nice and fresh inside. An Aux input from Skyddet has been fitted allowing an iPhone of other music device to be connected whilst still keeping the gorgeous Saab entertainment system intact. The old tape only head unit has also been replaced with a later CD head unit.

These are rare Saabs, and getting extremely collectible, if you're looking for a convertible that sets you apart, the Viggen is just right. It's reliable an relaxing, but when you feel the need for a proper bash, it'll deliver uncompromising fun at a fraction of the cost of new cars with similar performance statistics, it'll also continue to go up in value.

Works spend has been around £8000 altogether, but these are such astounding Saabs I couldn't not do it properly. £6000 will include the original refurbished 17" Viggen wheels (no tyres) if a standard looks is desired.

*All Aeroriginal Saabs have a Gentleman’s Agreement of a 3 month, £500 mechanical warranty which will always need to be under the capable care of Malcolm Miles Saab.
This is paid by me directly and reinforces my belief in just how great older Saabs are.

Essentials
Saab 93 Viggen Convertible
1999
145,000 Miles
5 previous owners
V5C / Owners Manual / Single Key

SOLD

WORKS LIST

Mechanical
Complete service including sump drop, gaskets, filters, oil and spark plugs
New genuine Saab Direct Ignition Pack
New Viggen Clutch
Short Shift gearbox by Jam Saab
Tarox Sport Japan drilled, grooved and vented discs and pads
Tarox braided brake hoses
New brake lines
Aero wiper blades
Nordic Tuning Airfilter
APH Performance s/s decat 3” downpipe
Original Viggen performance exhaust
DO88 Intercooler
DO88 Intake pipe
3.5 bar fuel pump
Bulkhead strut brace
Abbott Racing Viggen Rescue Kit
Bilstein B8 shocks
Eibach lowering springs (30mm lower stance)
Noob Tune Stage 3+
Underneath treated with Waxoil

Cosmetic
Bespoke satin black grille with black anodised mesh
Full interior strip down with seats removed.
Gliptone leather clean and feed
Clay bar to all paintwork and coated with Soft 99 Fusso
Roof deep cleaned and waterproofed with Fabsil Gold
New Viggen side badges

Originals
Nappa leather, Hirsch style steering wheel
New genuine Saab Leather gear knob
Aux input by Skyddet, Sweden
Momo Stealth 5 spoke alloys 19x8.5
Hankook 205/35/19 tyres