Imagine it’s 1993

You’ve just been to collect your brand new Saab 900 S convertible from the dealership, it’s your dream colour combination of Nova Black over Beige leather, you turn the key and the legendary 900 burble comes to life, you put the top down and experience your first exhilarating drive in your new Saab, wind in your hair, endless road trips ahead. Now imagine being able to recreate that moment, 32 years after that first, unforgettable day.

My great friend Ward, just had the rare privilege of recreating that exact moment, his already immaculate 900 S has been subject to a no stone unturned detail, inside and out recently, Lennert and his team at Vermijl Car Detail, gave the iconic Saab the attention it truly deserves. Their multi day process included a slow foam wash, two step polish and a final, ceramic coating. Inside, the Saab also received a full detail together with a recolouring of the steering wheel to give it that showroom freshness we all long for.

Ward discovered his ultimate Saab 900 convertible; a fitting addition to his impressive collection in the Netherlands, following an extensive search. Although it came with a host of subtle modifications like upgraded intercooler, larger DO88 radiator, Primary 7 for the LPT and a new AC condensor, he set about progressively improving it further. For future reliability, Ward replaced the waterpump, AC compressor, dynamo, clutch cylinders with hose and bearings, a new fuel pump and even a new windscreen.

Ward already owns an immaculate 900 T16S coupe, and wanted to create a similar driving experience in his convertible - ‘As the car already had quite some elements of the Full Pressure Turbo specifications and I really like the driving characteristics of my coupe which also has the T16S specs with the engine and gearbox of a T16S red box APC, I decided to let the professionals of Haaima turn the convertible to full T16S spec. This included the installation of the red box APC system (with everything that comes with it), a time period correct turbo gauge and an original Turbo S badge to rightfully represent the professional changes that had been made in accordance with the original specifications fitting to a T16S.’

He then added the finishing aesthetic touch, with a set of Aero alloys refinished in his signature dark grey with polished rims.

Saab should also be praised for designing and manufacturing a car that 240,000km / 145,000 miles and 32 years on, can still look and feel so immaculate. A real gem of a Saab, and one any of us would love to own.

Although this has been shared by numerous folk already, this is a link to the Saab 900’s detail in progress.

Rawsaab needs our support

From estimates, there are some 60,000 Saabs in the UK, the 9-3, or course, is by far the highest number, equating to at least 50% of all UK Saabs I’d imagine. What most owners will have realised by now, is that we’re beginning to have to rely on independent suppliers for critical knowledge and parts supply.


It’s important that these independent suppliers are supported and protected, which in turn, will protect our Saabs and keep them running for many more years. That brings me to an urgent appeal from one of the UK’s leading resources for older Saab 9-3’s - Rawsaab. Some of you will already know about Peter Raw, it’s owner, as he’s recently put out a plea for support from the Saab community, he’s also known for his knowledge and passion for the 9-3 Viggen, what Peter doesn’t know, possibly isn’t worth knowing.

I won’t try and rewrite Peter’s words on his current situation, and instead, will just share them, but needless to say, it really seems a no brainer to me, for the community to rally together and raise enough money for Raw Saab to continue.

As with everything in life, things are better when we help each other, but what does this mean in numbers? It would take just 1500 Saab fans worldwide to donate £100 each, this would allow Raw Saab to continue to be a central hub for Saab 9-3 parts. That’s just 2.5% of UK Saab owners, not global, just UK.

‘This is a pivotal post regarding the future of Rawsaab. As many of you know I’ve helped the saab community worldwide for many years , not only with parts and repairs but also with free advice but this could all be about to change. My landlord has decided to put the mill up for sale so here’s my problem , it could be the end of Rawsaab , I could look for somewhere else but it would be a mammoth task to relocate and I’m sure the cars would have to go.

A couple of customers have suggested that I ask for everyone of my Facebook friends and customers for help. If we could get the funds together we could purchase the mill and safeguard the future of rawsaab and indeed many Saabs. Any money donated would be solely used on the business. I could also maybe offer an incentive for anyone that anyone who donates 100 pounds or more would get a discount on parts for a year.’

Remember, it’ll take just 1,500 UK Saab owners donating £100 each to ensure Rawsaab can continue. Wouldn’t it be great if our community could rally together and make this happen. 

DONATE HERE