Almost a year to the day since I took delivery of this exceptional Saab, I watched it being driven off by a fellow Saabist on the next leg of it's journey. The mixed feelings of sadness and joy when this happens are strong ones and over the thirty plus Saabs I've owned and sold, really haven't faded.

I find it hard to explain to intrigued people why I continue to rescue Saabs; it's something that gives me immense pleasure and also an escape from the world. It allows me to dream, plan and implement everything from simple maintenance to modifications and bodywork, It's a pleasure that keeps me (slightly) sane if I'm honest.

I usually focus purely on Aeros, as they offer Saab's vision of the perfect iteration of each model, from the 9000 to the 9-3 and of course, the spectacular 9-5. I look for cars that offer a more unusual spec; colour, different leather, upgraded audio or even just a carbon dashboard, anything that sets them apart from the everyday. Of course, there's one stage above the Aero, and that's a Saab that has Hirsch modifications, they give the car the ultimate edge in my eyes, but are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

This particular 9-5 was only one of a handful in the UK that had been fully converted from factory, not just the remap, but the entire cooling system, Turbo, handling and aesthetics, all given a touch of Hirsch magic. I was sad to see this one go, but the pleasure I see if the faces of their new owners makes me happy. I know that with regular care, they'll give many more years of smiles, and that really is more than just a feeling.