A few weeks ago, the new 9-5 Smoke Beige Metallic project car arrived, and it’s a truly intriguing Saab.
Purchased from Williams Automobiles, Bristol in June 2005 by Mr G Ross who kept the 9-5 for the next 20 years, selling it in 2025, it has no previous owners, a full service history and only 99,000 miles, it really is an absolutely wonderful car.
One of the very last of the shark tooth 9-5 to be manufactured, and arguably the most desirable, but it’s a bit of an enigma, it has an Aero level spec, and yet some options are missing.
It’s a Vector Sport 2.3t saloon, and options include sunroof, folding mirrors, bi-xenon lights, rain sensors, Harmon Kardon AS3 with Sat Nav and the Aero performance suspension.
It comes with the exceptionally comfortable, Obsidian Black Sport Leather / Apollo textile seats, but unheated, my initial thoughts were to add the full leather, but I’m already in love with how quiet and comfortable the interior is. It also has the ashtray delete; a rare option I haven’t often had in previous 9-5’s.
Whilst the interior is almost immaculate, the Smoke Beige paintwork has a few marks and scratches, the notorious rear arch bases are superb, and only require the lightest of attention, the front and rear bumpers need repainting, as does the bonnet, it needs new badges and a professional detail, but overall, is exceptionally honest.
It’ll get the larger TD04 added and stage 1 map, allowing it to benefit from the Aero performance, a new stainless exhaust system and upgraded brakes. I’m rather sold on the wonderfully comfortable drive enhanced by the super smooth auto gearbox, so the suspension might stay standard, but a number of other discreet modifications will make this a rather special 9-5.