Possibly one of the most unique 9-5 Sportwagons in the UK, and I don’t say that lightly. Just over 18 months ago, I set out to build my interpretation of a Hirsch Troll R on a 2010 9-5 Turbo Edition.

I searched for a base Sportwagon - the latest manual, high specification and importantly, solid one I could find, I then began to disassemble it, stripping out the suspension, brakes, subframes and engine. With the endless patience and support of Jason Miles; a genuine Saab genius, we started to rebuild with new, modified and upgraded parts. Fully polybushed subframes and engine mounts, Bilstien B12 suspension, Neo Brothers big brake kit and numerous other parts to ensure the car would handle the extra power with ease.

The engine was transplanted from a donor car I’d purchased, it had been subject to a highly modified, full engine rebuild by Jeff Talbot, no stone unturned, forged head, Wossner pistons, balanced crankshaft, hybrid turbo, polished manifold, Abbott stainless downpipe and full exhaust system. The build list is almost impossible to itemise, but needless to say, it has ample power and runs a stage 5 map by NoobTune. It also has a rebuilt manual gearbox and Quaife limited slip differential which quite honestly, transforms the cornering capabilities beyond all expectation.

The bodywork is in beautiful condition, with front and read bumpers subtly modified to enhance the overall aesthetic - the front bumper features a Turbo X lower splitter, whilst the rear features bespoke twin cutouts for the dual Abbott exhaust. The exterior is perfectly finished off with a set of 19” Hirsch style, 5 twin spoke alloys with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres.

Inside, the Sportwagon benefits from the full Turbo Edition specification, an Aero+ in other words, it was effectively a way to put every option on the car before the new generation 9-5 was released. It features heated, sport perforated leather front and back, full Harmon Kardon audio with sat nav, folding mirrors, gloss piano black dashboard, auto wipers and Bi-Xenon headlights. It also has subtle modifications such as an older generation, genuine leather gaiter and grearknob, Hirsch aluminium pedal set and a BlueSaab Bluetooth module, an altogether superb interior and exceptionally comfortable.

It’s just had a full service again, with fresh oil and filters, DI pack performance NGK plugs and new rear calipers. It delivers everything I wanted a Troll R homage to deliver whilst still have the ability to be a genuine sleeper Sportwagon.

Attempting to build anything to this level, would cost upwards of £15,000, so this represents wonderful value for anyone looking for one of the best and last Saab 9-5 manual Sportwagons, It also has the added advantage of being in the lower tax band and ULEZ compliant. This is genuinely a one off Saab.

Essentials
Saab 9-5 Sportwagon Troll R Tribute 350. Manual
2010
125,000 Miles
July 2027 MOT
3 previous owners
Full service history
V5C / Owners Manual / Two keys

£10,000

WORKS LIST

Mechanical
Fully forged B235 engine
Wossner pistons
Hybrid Turbo
Abbott Intercooler
Quaife LSD
Abbott 3” downpipe
Abbott full stainless 3” dual exhaust
Polybushed subframe
Neo Brothers big brake kit
Sport discs and pads
Bilstien B12 Pro suspension
New NGK performance plugs
New genuine Saab DI Pack
NoobTune stage 5 map (350 conservative)

Aeroriginals
Hirsch Troll R boot badge
19” Hirsch style, 5 twin spoke alloys
Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres
Hirsch, satin chrome grille set
Lower Turbo X front lip
Hirsch aluminium pedal set
BlueSaab Bluetooth

*The list is far from complete, as just too much to list, everything the car needed when being rebuilt, it got.