Dubbed the ‘Dame’ by Saab enthusiasts, the last facelift of the older generation 9-5s received a number of updates, both cosmetic and mechanical. Most notable are the chrome framed headlights, larger central grille and revised rear light clusters together with different bumper designs.

Inside, although much remained the same, the 9-5 received a nicely staggered instrument cluster and a differently laid out centre console which it shared with the then new 9-3, these have proved to age very well and don’t seem to suffer from the pixel fade the older models are notorious for.

This particular 9-5 Aero is a rather special one, not only is a highly specified Aero model with stereo upgrade, folding side mirrors and auto wipers, but it came with a full Hirsch upgrade from it’s supplying dealership; Cambridge Saab. It benefits from a 300hp remap and a whole host of rare Hirsch upgrades including full stainless dual exhaust system and rear diffuser, intercooler and intake system, pressure regulator, 345mm brake upgrade, lower and stiffer suspension and the crowning glory, Hirsch 18” 6 spoke alloys (more on these shortly).

It’s part service history, together with enthusiast owned maintenance, and a huge recent overhaul including sump drop and clean, new oil and filter, new NGK plugs, new Saab DI pack and a number of other maintenance items, provide a very reassuring history for it’s new owner.

Being a rare manual also allows it to really benefit from the 300hp, if feels exceptionally lively and tight, and with the performance suspension, the overall feel is reassuring and pleasurable for either country road blasts or long road trips.

Although I’ve spent £1k on the bodywork, you’ll still find a few stone chips and marks, it’s 14 years old and really shouldn’t be spotless, the clay bar treatment and machine polish have brought it all to life again though and it truly looks stunning in solid black. The chrome headlight surrounds have been replaced with rare satin silver surrounds and a small cosmetic modification has been done to the front bumper giving it a single, large lower mesh grille.

Interior is good although the driver’s seat dark grey insets have suffered from the ‘crumble’ overall though, totally intact, no rips or tears and as ever, exceptionally comfortable. The dash has been completely transformed with a subtle 3D carbon finish, a new Nappa leather steering wheel with black button panels, a new Saab leather gear knob and gaiter, carbon door panel strips and new Maptun carpet mats. It also has the premium stereo upgrade; Nine Harman / Kardon speakers with AUX in.

Buyer’s choice : I’ve had the original 18 Hirsch wheels fully refurbished in a darker metallic grey, together with new black centre hubs and new Hirsch badge rim insets, they’ve also been fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres - this is how the car should really be, but, dilemma. I put a set of gorgeous Japan Racing JR18 19”alloys on from another Aero project, and they look amazing, they’re finished in a matt bronze and have a set of Pirelli P Zero tyres on. Because I can’t make the final choice (it’s too close to call for me) I’m giving the future owner the choice between the two sets of wheels; Hirsch 18” vs. Japan Racing 19”.

All in all this is a super rare Saab 9-5 Aero; manual, in black and with a massive list of Hirsch performance upgrades, it’s now had everything it needs and deserves together with some completely unique touches to make it truly special, spend has again been around £7,500, so asking price is relative to this and really does give amazing value at £6000.

Essentials
Saab 95 Aero Hirsch 300hp Manual

2007
135,000 Miles

5 previous owners

V5C / Hirsch Certificate / Owners Manual / 2 Keys

SOLD

WORKS LIST

Mechanical
Hirsch downpipe
Hirsch sport cat
Hirsch full exhaust / Dual system
Hirsch Intercooler
Hirsch Intake system
Hirsch fuel pressure regulator
Hirsch 300hp ECU remap
345mm brake upgrade

Bilstein B8 shocks

Eibach lowering springs (30mm lower stance)

Gear linkage replaced
Saab direct injection pack
NGK Spark plugs
Sump drop / clean
Oil and filter service
Aero wiper blades

Cosmetic
Rear arch rust spots cutout and welded

Rear Aero boot spoiler

Choice of original refurbished Hirsch 18” alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres or
19” Japan Racing JR18 alloys in Matt Bronze with Pirelli P Zero tyres
Front and rear bumpers removed and resprayed
Clay bar and machine polish
New front and rear ‘black’ SAAB badges
Smaller / shorter legal number plates

Originals
Modified lower front bumper with larger central mesh grille
Bespoke 3D Carbon dashboard / centre console / door strips
Nappa leather flat bottomed Hirsch style steering wheel bu Tunstyle
New genuine Saab leather gear knob and gaiter
4 piece Maptun carpet mats

Imperfections
Retouched scratch on boot, near numberplate
Handbrake gaiter worn (replacement included)
Driver’s sear fabric side insert crumbling
2 chips in windscreen, cosmetic only
Park Assist not always working