A Saabspotters Guide to 9-5 Spoilers

September 25, 2024 Eleven

Over the years, I’ve been asked numerous times about the different boot spoilers I’ve had on various 9-5 projects. I’ve always tried to stay authentic, and go for ones that feel appropriate for the car, these are the ones that were generally offered either by Saab or their immediate styling partners. There are, of course endless options available on eBay, however, I can’t vouch for their fit or quality as I’ve never tried them. I thought this might help other’s identify a few of the more period correct ones.

Saab

Let’s start with the genuine Saab offering, this was the only boot lip available direct from manufacturer. The Bridge Spoiler ‘Improved aerodynamics and give the car a sportier appearance’ according to the 2005 brochure. It’s actually my least favourite, I don’t feel it flows harmoniously with the contours of the car, saying that, they’re well made, robust and give the 9-5 a different aesthetic.

Hirsch

Now, the official partner for Saab; Hirsch. A much more discreet boot lip, that could be specified and fitted by the dealer or retrofitted after purchase. 'With Hirsch Performance’s aerodynamic boot spoiler, you kill two birds with one stone: improvement of the aerodynamics and a clear reduction in the lift values. At the same time the bullish look of your Saab makes it unmistakeable'. The distinguishing feature to me on the Hirsch spoiler, is the overhang, it effectively angles out over the back of the boot slightly, as you’d expect, excellent quality and superb fit.

Abbott Racing

Moving on to the rarer one, the Abbott Racing boot spoiler. Again, not dissimilar to the Hirsch offering, but with one very visible difference, the larger rise toward the centre of the spoiler. I've been lucky enough to own a few of these, and the build quality and fit are fantastic. I don't have any specific description on this, but aerodynamically it seems to hold the rear of the car nicely at speed and really suits it.

Tunstyle

As it became difficult to locate either the Hirsch or the Abbott spoilers, I went on a mission to find a genuinely good alternative, and this is it, the Hirsch Style Rear Spoiler by Tunstyle. Luckily this one is readily available and again, well made and perfectly fits the 9-5 boot line. It's a little smaller that the Hirsch or the Abbott ones, but really enhances the car when fitted and painted. Currently available here.

I've always been a fan of subtle OE+ modifications, and the boot lips just add the finishing touch to me. It is of course, a very personal opinion, but the 9-5 feels sharper with them on. I hope this helps others identity the individual spoilers, it took me a while before I knew them all.

Lost Carlsson Dreams & the beauty of Autumn

September 18, 2024 Eleven

It's been a few weeks since my last post, but there's plenty to share, some good, some bad.

Let's get the bad news over with first. My long standing dreams of rescuing the 9000 Carlsson have now been lost. It became obvious that my plans, based around a certain Saab mechanic helping me through the arduous journey, were not going to happen. This ended with me having to urgently get the Carlsson collected. In a happy turn of events, the long time Saab fanatic who collected the car for me, had always wanted to own a Carlsson, so rather than deliver it directly to me, he bought it and will now hopefully be able to work on saving this amazing Saab. I wish him the best of luck and maybe one day, I'll get the opportunity to own another; one that I can actually drive.

Moving on to the reason I had to have the Carlsson collected so urgently; my long term Saab mechanic has hit a few hurdles lately, which have slowly built up and sadly ended in the business no longer being accessible for me. I'm truly hoping he manages to sort the issues out and begin again, as he's a wonderful mechanic and rarely let me down on numerous past Saab rescues.

Now for the good news, for the past 6 months or so, one of the Malcolm Miles team who left the business, has been helping me with various jobs on the 2 current Saab 9-5's. Over the years, we've done a lot of the Saabvs builds together, he's a brilliant mechanic, and what he doesn't know about Saabs, possibly isn't worth knowing. He does however, have another full time job, so access is more limited and rescue projects will have to be on the lighter side from now on. It does mean I can continue finding interesting Saabs and giving them the Saabvs treatment for now though.

Although we have a short list of works for both 9-5's still to tackle, and the Nocturne Blue currently residing elsewhere, it's the Graphite Green Aero I turn to for my regular Saab fix. It's covered a few thousand miles since the final engine rebuild, and besides a few niggles to iron out, it's a Saab that ticks all of the boxes for me, and I find myself getting withdrawal symptoms if I have't driven it for a few days.

We returned home from a few weeks in Italy to some absolutely glorious English weather; 24 degrees, cloudless, deep blue skies and the beginnings of a beautiful Autumn. The Graphite Green Aero with its warm tan leather interior is the perfect Saab for a season of road trips and exploring our changing countryside before Winter sets in.

Just a few more miles

July 17, 2024 Eleven

For the past month, I’ve been putting the Graphite Green Aero through its paces, over 1000 miles covered, and what an absolute pleasure it’s been. I’ve taken it up to the beautiful Northumberland coastline, through rush hour traffic in Nottingham, in and out of London, and many, many B road blasts around Leicestershire and Rutland. It’s given me time to not only work out a few of the niggles after the second engine rebuild, but to also get fully aquatinted with the car again.

As much as I love a manual 9-5 Aero, there’s something exceptionally rewarding about the auto in these Saabs, it compliments its luxurious, comforting cruiser mode so perfectly, and when called upon, the torque and acceleration are still smile inducing. Over the years, I’ve learnt to not give the car full throttle, but to tease the power out more steadily, it rewards you with a growing surge of Turbo boost and doesn’t down gear or scream at you. Its smooth changes enhanced by the NoobTune Stage 3 remap, and even on hot days, the power is constant thanks to the upgraded intercooler.

It needed a new alternator as there was a constant whine that got worse over a few hundred miles, so a new one has been fitted, and not directly associated to the car’s drivability, but a new set of boot struts have been added to stop it slamming shut, other than that, the 1000 mile road test hasn’t thrown up any other concerns and more importantly, the reoccurring oil light issue seems to be well and truly fixed.

An obvious fascination with this car for me was the beautiful Graphite Green Metallic paint and Sand leather interior, it’s a combination that is so endearing and really suits the 9-5’s elegant form. The satin anthracite 18” wheels and Michelin tyres have enhanced the overall aesthetic, and the usual Bilstien / Eibach suspension combo has transformed the handling of this car. The wonderfully low 75,000 miles it’s covered over its 21 year life means it also feel really tight still; it gives you a small glimpse in to how it might have felt to pick up a brand new 9-5 Aero back in 2003.

Top Gear recently classed the 9-5 Aero as one of their top Saabs of all time "The first generation 9-5 Aero may have had the greatest driver focused, button filled interior of all time. It also looked fantastic, was hugely reliable and could do 0-62mph in under 7.0 seconds. All the car you would ever need".

I'm not really sure I could put it better myself, these are truly fantastic cars, and have been underrated for far too long, saying that, I'd prefer them to stay under the radar. Is the road testing finished yet? Hmmm, just a few more miles please...

More Fettling

June 17, 2024 Eleven

One of the greatest pleasures of saving these amazing Saab Aeros, is the shear joy of getting to drive and enjoy them all. The Graphite Green 9-5 hasn’t been an easy one, and the concerns over the oil light returning after this last bottom end replacement, has been in the back of my mind. So best thing to do was put some miles in and reassure myself if wasn’t going to happen again. After some 500 miles and a lot of joy, I’m feeling exceptionally happy I stuck with this one and we’ve finally got there; no oil light.

As ever though, it’s an iterative process, and there’s always something to take care of, so on Saturday, we had another round of fettling, we fixed a slight hesitation in acceleration, which turned out the be a boost pipe that had come loose and the dump value not fitted quite correctly. We also changed over the worn, sliding arm rest for an almost immaculate one, and secured some loose wiring for the front fog lamps.

There’s also been a slight whine since the rebuild, and we’ve narrowed it down to a noisy alternator. Hopefully this can be exchanged soon and the Saab returned to peek driving condition. Once again, I can’t help but respect the 9-5 Aero, it’s super smooth, powerful and calming on longer journeys, but press on, and it turns in to a smile inducing sport saloon that handles beautifully with it’s modified suspension, upgraded brakes and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. It’s hard to believe it’s over 20 years old really, the quality shines through and feels every bit as special as modern executive cars; just better looking of course.

Against all Odds

June 1, 2024 Eleven

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Back in January last year, I spotted this spectacular Saab 9-5 Aero at a dismantlers, it was being sold as a spares car, after a few conversations, it seemed like this had been a much loved Saab, but for some reason, had ended up here; no log book, no manuals etc, just a rather down on it’s luck Saab, low milage at 72,000 and only 3 previous owners.

Not one to be put off by lost bits of paperwork, and being in my favourite colour combination of green over tan, I couldn’t let this one go. I bought it, had it transported directly to my Saab specialist, and let the process begin.

Early positive news, the car was in remarkably good condition, yes, it was filthy inside, yes, it had vegetation growing out of its joints, and yes, a forklift had crushed the side skirts enough to need replacing, but overall, remarkably rust free. The bad news, it seemed to have the oil light on at low tickover after warming up, we changed the oil pump, cleaned the oil pickup and sump etc, gave it a thorough recommission and service, and the oil light vanished, for about 200 miles.

Now the fun started, it not only come back on, but very quickly turned in to the unnerving clattering and tapping soundtrack we all dread, I limped it back in to the garage and left it for a full diagnosis; new engine needed. With a stroke of luck, a donor Aero was offered to me with a decent engine and plenty of nice upgrades, I took the opportunity to buy a load of the elements I like to add to each project, and also had a replacement bottom end.

The work was carried out and it drove absolutely beautifully for a few weeks, so the bodywork repairs were commissioned; new side skirts replaced, rear lower arches cut out, welded and leaded, front bumper, passenger wing and Abbott Racing boot lip all sanded down and repainted, the Saab was starting to resemble the car I imagined it could be, the gorgeous ALU 56 alloys had been refurbished in satin anthracite with new Michelin PS4 rubber and now adorned the car, then, after just a few weeks, the dreaded oil light began to reappear.

The core issue hadn’t been fully identified, and to be honest, we still don’t know exactly what caused it, but we had to repeat the process again; a full Aero engine was sourced, and rebuilt, a another new MOT gained, and it’s back on the road once again. After the first few days, early signs are positive, but to be 100% I want to do a few serous road trips and really enjoy the car for a moment. It’s been a hard rescue, but from dismantlers to today, this Saab Aero deserved to be saved. Cleaned up and with its numerous enhancements, this is a Saab that had obviously been adored in the past and deserved to be again. Finger’s crossed we’ve beat the odds on this one, and a beautiful, rare specified Aero will enjoy many more years of life now.

What it cost

Graphite green Aero £1300
18” ALU56 alloys £340
4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4 £411
Full wheel refurbishment / satin anthracite £450
Donor car £1250:
Engine
Bilstien shocks
Eibach springs
Polybushed subframe
Upgraded Intercooler
Upgraded brakes
JT 3” exhaust £500
Welding, bodywork and paint £1500
2nd Aero engine £750
Mechanical inc. ancillary parts, oil, filters etc £2000
NoobTune Stage 3 £90
Genuine Saab badges £100

Approximately £8691

More than the sum of its parts

March 5, 2024 Eleven

The decision has been made (for now) to work on the Nocturne Blue Aero and see if we can get it fighting fit again. As many of you will know, this was bought as a donor car to save the beautiful Graphite Green Aero, but needless to say, it has won me over and I can’t bring myself to break it for parts. After an initial inspection, it needs plenty of maintenance items; genuine DI pack, starter motor, spark plugs, oil trap hose assembly, discs and pads, tyres, handbrake return springs, a good service and stopping the power steering fluid leak.

However, amongst its long list of modifications and equipment, it came with a number of Hirsch parts, one being a Hirsch front grille, sadly though, the two side kidney grilles were missing. After a catch up with a Saab friend in the US, he happened to have a pair of them spare, a few weeks later, the entire 3 piece grille has now been reunited. It’s a small detail, but one that fills me with joy, apart from the kindness of the person who helped me out, it provides a positive step forward to bringing this Saab 9-5 back up to the level it deserves. In the next few weeks, I’m hoping to get the headlights de-misted, the maintenance work done, and maybe even repair the heater and uneven dual exhaust pipes.

Although I’ve been used to modified 9-5 Aeros in the past, most have been running around 300hp, this one however, is 350+hp. It really is a weapon to drive, especially on quiet country roads where it’s refined handling really proves its worth, the limited slip differential also transforms the traction and gets the power down rapidly and confidently.

I wasn’t entirely sure about the 18” Team Dynamics wheels, but again, they’ve grown on me and suit the car’s aesthetics perfectly, in fact, once some of the more urgent work is done, I’ll be refinishing them and treating them to some decent new types; I’m not convinced the Landsail rubber is up to coping with the amount of power, although so far, I’ve been surprisingly impressed with their performance. Now all I have to do, is find yet another engine and gearbox for the Green Aero.

Saab dilemmas

February 19, 2024 Eleven

I currently have yet another Saab dilemma playing off in my subconscious mind; to break or not to break?

I purchased this 9-5 Aero from Peter Raw a few months back with the intention to use its considerable list of parts to finally rescue my Graphite Green Aero, which is basically a gorgeous body with a knackered engine.

Such is the draw of the 9-5 Aero to me, that I’m now struggling to let this one go. The bodywork is tatty, it needs some rust taken care of, holes in the bonnet, dents on the front wing and boot, and numerous other areas of aesthetic attention. However, despite it’s 200,000 plus miles, mechanically, it’s been lavished with attention, the engine completely rebuilt a few years back; forged, Wossner pistons, massive turbo, intercooler, Noobtune 260 map etc, together with a manual gearbox fitted with a limited slip diff, upgraded clutch and endless modifications, all making it a pretty riotous Saab.

The interior is also tatty, it smells of stale smoke and has plenty of burn holes in the A pillar covers, the Hirsch steering wheel and pedals will need some love, but it feels as though it could be turned around still. The huge, 4 pot Maptun brakes desperately need new discs and pads, and there’s no heating either.

And yet with all that in mind, I can still see this as a usable and exciting Aero, the Nocturne Blue Metallic is a colour I’ve rarely seen before, and the overall look and stance of the car is pleasing. The dual stainless exhaust system, Racing Dynamics 18” wheels, rear bridge spoiler and Hirsch front grille all give the car a rather strong allure. Does the search continue for an engine and gearbox for the Graphite Green Aero, or do I push on with my original plans to use this one?

Saab Life

January 22, 2024 Eleven

It’s been a busy few weeks as far as Saabs are concerned, coming and goings, parts arriving and respected folks finally met.

As anyone having kept up with my various Saabs will now, I have a gorgeous, Graphite Green 9-5 Aero rescued from the breakers about a year ago, It needed a lot of work to get it back on track, which we did, but then the replacement engine let me down. Last week, I was offered a hugely interesting donor Saab with a highly modified engine and gearbox; maybe the perfect answer to get the Graphite Green Aero finally running. I made a deal to px a lovely, low milage Vector 2.3t for it and also had the pleasure of meeting Peter Raw, who’d offered me the car and kindly drove it down for me.

Although not running great yet, the engine is indeed a bit special; running around 350hp and with a superb, lsd, manual gearbox, the car also comes with huge MapTun brakes, Bilstien suspension and a hoist of other goodies I can rescue. It would mean converting an Auto to a Manual though, and we’re just weighing up the costs of doing such a conversion. It would, however, give me, my perfect Saab 9-5 Aero.

I’ve also bought a few old Audio units from Peter, old school, high end audio for a Saab 9000, we’re not entirely sure what each one does, but I’ll have a lot of pleasure working with you guys them all out and hopefully, fitting them to the 9000 Aero. I’ve also managed to get hold of a great condition high level brake light and rear light bar for the 9000 too, all details to help give a bit of life to the black Aero.

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Lastly, the beautiful Saab 9-5 Hirsch Sportwagon was collected on Sunday, designed for its new home in Ireland. It’s one of my nicest cars to date, and hopefully, will be enjoyed for many more years now. I have to admit, I was a little sad at letting it go, the rare Hirsch Performance package, classic wheels, heated and vented interior and HK audio upgrade made it a very special Saab, they’re getting difficult to find in normal specification now, let alone a Hirsch wagon.

I’m sure there’s more to share, but felt I needed to scribble down a few whilst I remembered, finger’s crossed for the Graphite Green resurrection, I can’t let it go just yet.

What is it about Saabs?

November 8, 2023 Eleven

A typical Autumn morning, it’s been raining, it’s windy, leaves are falling heavily, and the landscapes are looking more baron by the day. I’m driving along in the Saab 9-5 in silence, no radio or disruptions, just me and the Saab, and I ask myself; What is it I like about them. Why Saabs?

The spectacular interior of my 2001 9-5 Aero with Hirsch carbon dashboard and Nappa leather wheel by Tunstyle

Don’t get me wrong, I adore my Daimler Super Eight, Lexus LS600h and even the Aston Martin Vantage, but more often than not, I’ll choose to take a Saab. They’re not quieter, nor faster, they’re no more comfortable than some of the others, and the audio system isn’t superior either, but there’s just a feeling of ease, of comfort and affinity.

It starts with the clarity and simplicity of the dashboard, everything you need and nothing you don’t, the green and orange lights are both comforting and uncomplicated, the centre console is a masterclass in Swedish design and the materials used have aged exceptionally well. The headlining and pillars are all covered in a luxuriously soft fabric that feels premium, whilst the seating is superior to most other marques. The design and sculpturing of the front seats is phenomenal; generous, supportive and perfect for comfort, the heating is highly efficient, and the electric movement gives you just enough adjustment without superfluous settings.

You sit slightly higher in the cockpit compared to others, but the whole interior wraps around its passengers like a protective hug and visibility is excellent with no real blind spots. Everything feels responsive, from the performance to the handling, this is a car that just feels right.

What is it about Saabs? They make me feel calm, they make driving a pleasure and they feel familiar. I feel utterly at ease in a Saab and always have.

New Direction

October 16, 2023 Eleven

Last year, I wrote a small piece about the reassuring feeling of driving a ‘shed’; a car that has nothing to prove and the enjoyment gained from a ‘who cares’ mentality.

I’ve recently found another Saab that inspires the same feeling, this time, it’s a wonderful 9-5 Vector 2.3t, it’s got a superbly comfortable, half leather interior, only 75,000 miles, 3 owners and even has a full service history.

Apart from a selection of small marks and grazes, it’s very clean, corrosion is minimal, and with a bit of tinkering, will make a wonderful daily driver.

It belonged to a long standing customer of my Saab garage, it is completely stock and has just cruised through an MOT, I’ve noticed a few areas that need work, the front suspension has had it and needs replacing, the climate SID has missing pixels, and the auto gear blind, true to form, is broken. The gorgeous ALU48 wheels could do with a refurb and a decent set of tyres fitted, along with a new exhaust system, but overall, these are just maintenance items that any 20 year old car needs.

These 2.3 Vectors are essentially detuned Aeros, they have the same engine but will require an upgraded turbo to allow for a decent remap, saying that, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how well it drives stock, it has a lively surge of power when called upon and seamlessly boosts in to the red, gear change is smooth and progress lively, whilst still providing the legendary comfort and safety we all associate with Saabs.

I’ve quietly offered this Vector for sale ‘as is’ but if it doesn’t find a loving new home, it’ll be one of my next projects and benefit from a host of changes :

Upgraded turbo
Full Abbott exhaust and downpipe
Upgraded Intercooler
Aero suspension
Full Aero interior
Replacement climate and SID units
Front and back Aero bumpers
Aero front brakes and calipers

Built not bought

July 24, 2023 Eleven

Despite trying to persuade myself I’ll leave a car exactly as I buy it, it never seems to happen, once I have it, I begin to imagine my ideal version of it; sometimes subtle, sometimes less so. When I sold the very unsuccessful Volvo V70 R, I still wanted a wagon, a car that was just there all of the time, and it didn’t take me long before I needed to return to a Saab, they feel like home, a safe place I’m happy in, and so the silver 9-5 Aero arrived.

My imagination started to play its game and before long I was on the hunt for parts. I’d remembered a good friend who’d had a very nice Hirsch Performance Sportwagon, he’d bought a Viggen from me a few years ago, when I got in touch, it turned out he’d had to scrap his wagon but had had all of the Hirsch Performance package removed and stored and was willing to sell them as long as I gave him first refusal if I sold what I built, so a deal was done; intercooler, cobra pipe, ecu, full dual exhaust, roof spoiler and rear bumper.

I also put a call out for a set of the classic 18” Hirsch Wheels, and as luck would have it, a great guy in Wales had a set he’d been storing for a while and agreed to part with them, so a road trip was planned and wheels safely collected.

It went straight in to the bodyshop for the rear roof spoiler and bumper to be resprayed and fitted, and the terrible condition bonnet was given a bare metal respray too.Then down to Malcolm Miles Saab to have their usual once over; loose sump screws, leaking water pump, badly repaired hoses and a broken intake pipe all needed immediate attention before the fun part could begin.

All brakes freed up and checked, Abbott Racing lowering springs added, new Goodyear tyres all round, new water pump and a few remedial fixes, then all of the Hirsch parts added, the bumper needs some alignment tweaking and there’s a knock on the front suspension, but it’s all coming together as I’d hoped it would, it begins to create the Sportwagon I wanted it to be. Tunstyle have worked their magic once more and the interior feels complete with a beautiful nappa leather Hirsch steering wheel; the perforations enhance the perforated, vented interior to perfection.

The Hirsch ecu will be replaced with an updated remap from Karl at Noobtune, more tailored to this specific Saab and my search for a full Troll R bodykit will continue, but besides that, this is getting pretty close to my idea of wagon heaven, I can’t really think of anything, older or newer which I’d be more content with, Saabs just continue to make me happy, and this one is most defiantly built not bought.

Silver Linings

June 26, 2023 Eleven

Well, I waved goodbye to the Volvo V70 R after only a few months of ownership, for many reasons, I decided it just wasn't for me. However, my need for an estate still remained and this is its replacement; another Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Wagon.

The moment it arrived, I knew I'd made the right decision again, Saabs just feel like home, something that makes me feel at ease with them, what had been a bit of a dark cloud with the Volvo, soon turned in to a silver lining.

It's one of the more expensive 9-5 Aeros I've bought over the years, but wanted one that was a solid foundation for a bit of Aeroriginal modification, sadly, its not quite as good as the price led me to believe, some of the paintwork is extremely poor, with badly sprayed doors, scratched bonnet and even masking tape still attached to the driver's door, the aluminium wing mirror mountings are more corroded than I've ever seen, and there's vegetation growing out of the window rubbers. Really not what I'd have expected from a well respected Saab dealer; Hagstrom Saab.

Saying that, I quickly fixed the broken vented seats with a new switch, and the rest of the interior is exceptionally clean, besides the vented leather, it also comes with the beautiful dark mahogany dashboard and the Harman Kardon upgraded audio; AS3. I wanted this as a personal Saab, one to keep and enjoy, so plans are already in motion to give it a few touches that'll really bring it alive again.

Firstly some paintwork; bonnet especially, but then a new rear bumper, roof spoiler and wing mirror mounts, I'd ideally like to address the doors, but that might need to be a second visit. I'll be taking a road trip up to Wales tomorrow to collect the first part of the transformation, needless to say, the right wheels make all the difference, whilst a set of upgraded Abbott Racing springs have arrived this morning and there's a whole array of parts currently upsetting my wife in the conservatory.

Another Black Edition Aeroriginal

June 14, 2023 Eleven

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Whilst we concentrate on getting the stunning Graphite Green 9-5 Aero completed after a full engine rebuild, another, darker project awaits in the shadows; a Black Edition Aeroriginal, this time, a manual 9-5 saloon.

It’s currently looking a bit sorry for itself with poor paintwork, a few dents and a very musty interior, but underneath it’s utterly solid, and it benefitted from an engine rebuild a couple of years back too. Surprisingly, it comes with an almost identical spec to the Green Aero, although the interior is black, it has the third rear headrest, the 18” ALU56 alloys and even a rare Abbott Racing rear boot lip.

Once the green one is back safely on the road, we’ll begin to work out what to do with it, keep it standard, give it a similar sleeper appeal, or go for something completely different, I’m not entirely sure, but what I do know, is that these amazing 9-5 Aeros are becoming incredibly difficult to find, at least one’s without stellar miles, terrible interiors and non existent subframes, and I feel privileged the have the opportunity to rescue another one.

Updates and design thoughts will follow over the coming weeks, but wanted I’d share a few photos and make it feel a bit loved.

1 / 7 Limited Edition Saab TQT

April 17, 2023 Eleven

A few months ago, I featured an article about an exceptionally rare Saab 9-5; the TQT (Titanium Quality & Technology), an early, highly modified sport wagon by Swiss tuning company Titan AG. With only 7 ever built, I never imaged on getting the opportunity to either hear or see much more about them, but as luck would have it, Joep from the Netherlands got in touch to tell me he owned one.

Joep has kindly shared a photo of his prized Saab TQT and also a bit of a story :

I originally imported the 9-5 TQT from Germany from its second owner; a collector, who, in turn had imported it directly from Switzerland, where it was built by Titan AG. I’ve owned the car since 2018

It had undergone a professional engine rebuild just beforeI bought the car, which included upgraded Wossner pistons.

Being a TQT it has quite a few upgraded parts, including a complete stainless steel custom exhaust, larger turbo, intercooler, mapping with 295hp and around 440nm torque. The larger brakes are the original Brembos, the same fitted to the Porsche 911 of the late nineties. I had to order 2-piece 911 brake discs / rotors in order to replace the front ones, so really nice stopping power again :) The TQT also comes with the attractive 18” ACE wheels and has full upgraded sport suspension. I know both automatic and manual versions where available, I have the automatic one. All ‘Aero' features are included in the interior such as ventilated, heated memory seats, electric and dimmed mirrors, carbon dash etc.

And the best of all, it keeps accelerating at high speed, even above 180 km/h it shifts up to 5th gear and keeps going above 250, although I’ve never quite managed to reach the described 272km/h top speed.

Huge thanks for sharing your Saab TQT Joep, hope I get the opportunity to see it one day, but for now, this has satisfied my curiosity.

Kyiv Aero

March 17, 2023 Eleven

A few days ago, Alex got in touch to have his stunning gen 1 9-5 Aero added to the High Mile Club, but I thought it deserved more than just that. Having covered a healthy 213,000km / 132,000 miles, what is incredible, is that he's owned it since 2001.

"This was my first car, bought when I was at University. I used to drive it more frequently back then, commuting from the Eastern regions in to Kyiv, but then I eventually moved to the capital. From 2006 up to 2016 it was kept stored in a garage, whilst I drove a number of other cars.

As the war actions started in the Eastern regions of Ukraine, I undertook a two day road trip to rescue the Saab Aero through "war zone territories" and is now with me again in Kyiv.

I kept it in stock-condition up until 2018, when I decided to make it a real 'sleeper'. I extensively modified it with Koni sport shocks, Eibach springs -3, TD04HL-19T hybrid turbo, custom intercooler, 3" downpipe and exhaust and upgraded intake, Porsche vacuum brake booster, Hell Performance brake lines, 4-piston Brembo calipers, WISECO forged pistons and plenty more, it's now running around 300+hp and 600nM torque but aesthetically looks factory standard".

It's always a privilege to share these Saab High Mile stories, especially ones that have been cared for and enjoyed by one owner from almost new. Nice work Alex and thank you for sharing.

“Value-added”

March 8, 2023 Eleven

As our 9-5s age, the strong examples get stronger and the weak weaker, often ending up as parts donors. The 80% “in the middle” eventually go one way or the other, bolstering the old adage of survival of the fittest.

“Stronger” is often a result of us enthusiasts actively searching for and picking out parts that were removed by the GM penny pinchers over the years, or parts that were originally available as accessories, but are now few and far between. Sometimes these parts are items or features that most of us didn’t know existed, but when we realise there is such a thing, we want them! Rear swing arm chip-guards, saloon (sedan) rear sun blind, estate (wagon) sliding boot floor or the subject of this writeup: front centre arm rest can / cup holders.

Originally available as an accessory from the dealership (rather than being included in a factory-build), these useful holders simply clip into place using the existing holes in the centre console underneath the centre arm rest. They will fit all 9-5s 1998-2010 and are especially useful for storing smaller items such as coins and sweets, whilst still granting space underneath and alongside. With a cup or can in the holder, the arm rest needs to remain in the vertical position, which is exactly what the metal clip under the arm rest serves to do.

Once again SAAB superfan James has decided to do some incredible cloning work. He has sourced a NOS (new old stock) holder from Denmark of all places and used this master to create a silicon mould, subsequently allowing a polyurethane copy to be cast. The result is geometrically identical reproductions and some happier 9-5 owners.

James is producing a limited run of up to fifty examples. These are available for £40 each plus post. Parts can be sent worldwide, with postage cost being £5 within the UK, £15 within Europe and £20 worldwide. Group buys (and therefore combined postage) are actively encouraged!

James can be contacted via email or on the UKSAABS forum (username jamesvey)

Clean Up

March 2, 2023 Eleven

It’s always an exciting time for me when we’ve finished the first phase of a rescue, it’s time to give it its first real shake down and figure out what still needs work. A few months ago, this beautiful Saab Aero was facing impending doom at a dismantlers, so I wasn’t sure what to expect; are the engine and gearbox good, and do all of the electrics work are my main concerns, most things can be fixed of course, but it’s always a worry when you rescue a car like this.

It seems we have a seriously great Saab, after the extensive mechanical refresh, the engine is exceptionally smooth, the new DO88 intercooler and remap have given it their usual boost and the gearbox is as crisp as any Aero auto I’ve had previously. After 40 of so miles, I got the red oil warning light, which is always nerve wracking, but after a quick inspection, it’s a faulty oil sensor that needs replacing. It needs a full alignment, a new SID and the alarm resetting, but for first phase, I’m impressed.

For me, this is when the fun starts, it gives me the opportunity to begin the clean up, and this one needs a lot. A few hours spent with the pressure washer removing the moss and greenery, a full detail of the glass, inside and out, and a first feed of the faded black trim with Autoglym trim and bumper care.

I also spent a rewarding few hours removing all of the terrible badges and carbon look vinyl from the B pillars, bonnet and front spoiler, the heat gun helped remove most of them, but a bit more effort will be required to remove the rest of the adhesive.

Happy to have this one home and looking forward to getting to the interior over the next few weeks.

Graphite Green Aeroriginal

January 12, 2023 Eleven

Graphite Green Metallic over Sand leather Saab Aero, how could I resist.

A bit of a risk, as I found this at a dismantlers, it seemed too good to break so they put it up for offer, it has no service history or owner's manuals, but after a thorough check, it has a wonderful MOT history with almost 100% pass rate, exceptionally low milage at 75,000 and just 5 previous owners; so how the hell did it end up at a scrapyard?

Rust? Well no, it's been up on the ramp and besides the usual rear arch corners, the bodywork and underneath are solid. Engine? It has a large oil leak and the cam cover has been fitted badly, but seems to have a new Turbo, runs beautifully and absolutely no knocks or smoke. Accidents, theft? Again, no, completely clear history.

Although I was sold on the colour combination, I also noticed it had a Hirsch boot lip, a rare central rear headrest and mahogany gear selector, not only that, but it had visibly been cherished in the past; numerous polished components in the engine bay and even a faded Saab Owners Club sticker. It also happens to be a gen 2 Aero with shark nose bumper and Bi-xenon headlamps.

Needless to say, it'll have a full mechanical shakedown, we're removing the sump to clean and fit new gaskets, the cam cover will new gaskets too and a huge service; oils, filters, fluids etc.

Modifications incoming will be a DO88 intercooler, Jetex stainless exhaust, NoobTune Stage 3 remap, Bilstein B8 shocks, Eibach springs, upgraded brakes, Saab ALU56 wheels, Michelin PS4 and plenty of other Aeroriginal touches.

Road Trip

November 2, 2022 Eleven

Saab 95 Aero Road Trip_Landscape_0002_Layer 3.jpg

Saab 95 Aero Road Trip_Landscape_0004_Layer 1.jpg

As with every Saab Aero I rescue and modify, I like to get a good amount of driving time and enjoyment in before they continue their journey with a new family. It gives me a chance to really feel the car and discover if there's anything I'm not happy with; handling, noises, electrics etc.

I decided to take the Silver 9-5 Aero on a road trip to the inspirational Peak District, all in, around 250 miles and a good balance of fast motorway and winding country roads, the Saab performed faultlessly as I'd hoped. I have to remind myself that I'm sitting in a 22 year old car with 140,000 miles under its belt, not only that, but less than six months ago, it was a non runner with a broken oil cooler and burst pipes.

This is an agile process, one of repetition, chunks of work followed by a shake down, more work and then the same again until I'm happy with how the car looks, feels and drives. A long road trip tends to bring out the best and worst in a car, you begin to learn its idiosyncrasies, its strengths and weaknesses.

A longer drive gives the Saab an opportunity to properly warm up, the auto gearbox becomes silky smooth and quickly learns to use its newly acquired 275hp beautifully, responsive yet relaxed and when the mood takes you, effortless power to quickly and safely reach any destination with a smile on your face.

The 9-5's unique gift though, is its ability to sooth and comfort its passengers, the seats are supremely soft and luxurious, in Winter it provides heat and when Summer comes, the Prestige leather option offers cooling too. The dashboard always feels right, a familiar layout with everything accessible, the buttons and instrument cluster bright and clear and when night falls, the Night Panel boosts concentration to help you arrive home safely.

Given that the factory audio is also 22 years old, it still pleasantly surprises with its clarity and depth. An upgraded Harman Kardon system with 3 powerful amplifiers feeding 9 perfectly positioned speakers. No, it doesn't offer Bluetooth or even Aux In, but there's a real beauty in choosing your set of CD's for a long journey.

I arrived home in the evening after spending several hours in the 9-5, I just can’t help falling for them, they’re understated, comfortable, safe and above all, becoming exceptionally rare, and all of this for less than five thousand pounds, yes please.

2000 Silver 9-5 Aero £4500 | Aeroriginal

What makes an Aeroriginal?

September 8, 2022 Eleven

For each Saab Aero I rescue, I try to add a few small touches of individuality, modifications that subtly enhance the aesthetics of the build, drivability, comfort or handling. Not all of these can be bought 'off the shelf' of course, and these beautifully crafted metal mesh grilles are one of those items.

I originally commissioned Fraser to make one of these for an early build, a 9-3 HOT Aero, closely followed by another early 9-5 Aero. Each time they arrived, I was reminded of the care and attention that had gone in to making them, the metal mesh neatly finished and tucked under the original Saab grille frame, the condition of the outer frames he'd sourced, the quality of coating when I'd chosen to have them in Satin Black.

The grilles help create the overall visual impact of the car, and whilst the original forms are kept totally identifiable, the mesh adds a small point of difference which helps sets an Aeroriginal apart from other Aeros.

Many have asked about having one of these grilles made, so I’ve spoken to Fraser and he’s happy to take more commissions, depending on the donor grille, prices start from around £120.

Bespoke Mesh Grille | Fraser Davison