SAAB VS. SCEPTICISM

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Spotlight on RBM Performance

For years, when I’ve begun my search for parts for yet another Aeroriginal build, I often come across RBM Performance. I’ve gone on to order numerous parts, but until recently, knew little about them, the more I looked around their website, the more I found, and one thing’s for sure, they seem to care about supporting the Saab community for the long term.

Launched over 10 years ago by French entrepreneur; Romain Mariani, RBM has become one of Europe’s largest supplier of both new and used parts for not only Saab, but Volvo too. They claim to stock some 60,000 parts and also invest in manufacturing items you won’t find elsewhere. I’m sad to say, they produced some stunning 19” turbine alloy wheels for Saabs, but seem to have stopped selling them now. They’re also in partnership with MapTun Performance and Abbott Racing.

As if, just to prove a point, RBM have owned, built and run a number of exceptional Saabs themselves, one being this rather beautiful 9000 CDE. I know I’m partial to any 9000, but this one is rather special. Not only has it been fully renovated inside and out, but has also been kept close to factory specifications, in fact, it wouldn’t look out of place in the Saab Museum. A few discreet touches have been added to improve the overall exclusivity; a full wood interior, Alcantara roof lining and a rare 3 spoke steering wheel.

The car seems to be for sale at a very reasonable €10,000 and considering the level of finish, I’d say this is an absolute dream for someone in Europe, sadly, the steering wheel happens to be on the wrong side for me, or I’d be very, very tempted myself. Further details.