The silver 9-5 Aero arrived last weekend and was pulled off the transporter looking rather worse for wear, it had been standing for a number of months and really had started to decline. Alongside the split oil pipe, it became clear that not only was the oil cooler damaged, but the gearbox oil pipes were also in need of replacement. Malcolm Miles set to work and changed them all, fitting a replacement cooler and a set of new, old stock hoses, dropped the sump, flushed it all out, and added new engine and gearbox oils and filters.

All discs and pads have also been changed, together with a new set of Abbott Racing lowering springs, surface rust removed and a coat of Waxoil applied to required areas underneath. Broken parking sensors have been replaced, a new battery has been fitted and the Aero has already started coming back to life, the engine runs and sounds beautifully smooth again. I'd also found a set of stunning VXR 19" alloys and these have been fitted, transforming the look of the Saab and given it a more purposeful stance.

I'm hoping to show that we shouldn't give up on these early Saabs that are so often scrapped or broken up, especially ones that have so much potential. Yes it takes time and dedication, but parts are free flowing and with an experienced team to help identify issues, they can be rescued and returned to their former glory on a budget too.

The dashboard is currently in bits and having the gorgeous light satin wood one fitted today, this will again change the overall style and feel of the interior and compliment the prestige leather seats to perfection. The Audio and SID units are in great condition and will just require a deep clean to bring them back again, but the exterior bodywork will require a little more; a number of dents will need addressing as will the general overall finish, but the silver lining is beginning to shine through again on this Aeroriginal and that makes me very happy indeed.