Sixteen years ago, Saab presented their all new 9-5 to the world, they'd become an independent company again, and as the brochure stated 'this move signals the start of a new era for us – we are all set to take our role as the unique premium brand even further.'
Although, behind the scenes, there were many issues, Saab managed to release a car that inspired hope and praise, it was a car that seemed to promote Saab's unique design perspective, quiet innovation and Swedish clarity. What made it all the more exciting, was that Saab had taken the decision to manufacture the new 9-5 in Trollhättan, their true home - 'We have regrouped all of our resources in the place where we originally started, Trollhättan, Sweden. By devoting ourselves fully to our unique heritage, the individualistic character of our brand will truly stand out in the future.'
I was lucky enough to be offered an extended road test of the 9-5 by my local Saab dealership; Bond Street Saab, an Arctic White Aero, manual with panoramic roof, harman/kardon audio and the wonderful Jet Black sports leather, perforated interior, at the time, it felt totally new, like no other car on the road, and a wonderful view in to the future of Saab as an independent manufacturer, but sadly, after just a few years of stop start manufacturing, this wonderful future came to an end for not only the new 9-5, but Saab entirely.
Over the years, I've always kept to the older generation 9-5 together with a number of 9-3 and also many more classic Saabs, this hasn't been a conscious decision, but more focused on my own knowledge of the older Saabs and my ability to maintain and modify them as I wanted. I've been lucky enough to have a great friend; Jason Miles, who's also an absolute legend with Saab mechanics and has helped me work on and improve well over 30 Saabs to date, but the new generation 9-5 is an unknown entity to us both.
This weekend however, that’s all changed, as I've purchased a 2011 9-5 Aero. Finished in Jet Black Metallic over Jet Black leather perforated sports seats, it has the manual gearbox, 10 spoke Edge Silver 19" optional allots, Xenon headlights and harman/kardon surround sound system with 11 speakers, Saab Bluetooth hands-free system and Pilot head-Up display. It also has a full service history and seems to be in reasonable health, although I'll reserve judgement until Jason has given it a good service and health check.
It's crying out for an oil change as now overdue, and it has numerous rattles from the suspension and chassis which will need investigating, there are some signs of early corrosion in the lower rear arch and door seams that need urgently sorting, but my initial feelings are very much the same as they were 16 years ago, and that just reminds me of how inspirational this 'new' Saab actually was back in 2010.
I like to return to the original brochures and read Saab's vision, and these pages still resonate with me today, I love their unwavering connection to the Scandinavian landscapes and nature, their belief in better - Anything but ordinary.