Apart from the fact that I love my Saab interiors to feel very much OE, I absolutely adore the aesthetics of the original audio. The illumination seamlessly matches, there's no bright, distracting screens, and absolutely no scrolling text, it just does what it's supposed to; play music, entertainment and news

But then, of course, there's another level of old school audio beauty, Saab, as with a number of other prestigious marques, offered a range of high end audio options in their cars, in this case, for the 900 and 9000, this equipment has always appealed to me. Of course, it's totally out of date with no connectivity, and yet it still demands my fondness.

I've had a number of original Saab units over the years, but recently, I found these high end, Clarion made for Saab ones, and I love them. From research, they're units from the mid to late 1980's, I have the radio and tape, equaliser and amplifier units, which, if all goes to plan, will be able to be fitted in to a future 900 or 9000. I'm also hoping I'll be able to maybe find a way to integrate either an Aux or Bluetooth facility for discreet, modern connection.

I also discovered yet another gem of a Saab site, this one is by Henrik Glad, a fellow Saab fan in Sweden and also creator of the renowned eSID, he has a shared love of these amazing Clarion made for Saab audio units. Alongside endless valuable information, user manuals, service and installation guides, the site features numerous OE optional equipment brochures, an absolute treat for us Saab folk who love to loose a few hours flicking through literature.

I have to admit, that I’m not always great at keeping up with the High Mile Club, endless entries arrive in my inbox and I just don’t seem to have the time to edit them all, request photos and generally keep it bang up to date. Apologies to those Saab folk who might have tried recently but not seen their pride and joy appear on the website, however, I’m having a surge of proactiveness and trying to backdate a number of requests.

It’s always amazing to see the shear variety of wonderful high miles Saabs out there, some range from the entry level 125,000 miles, most around the mid 100,000’s, but then some come in at more weighty mileage, 8 - 900,000 miles. What I love most about running this page, are the Saab stories you share with me.

Annely, from Denver, kindly sent this little story to me recently, someone who continues to believe in Saab, but also sees the changes that have happened over the years and the maintenance issues we can all face:

“ I had this vehicle for 28 years and reached 306,000 miles, it was in pristine condition both inside and out, I had all the service records and the original manual and brochures. When it needed a new clutch (manual) and a new head gasket, I decided to donate it to our local high school thinking that the mechanic shop class would do the work and sell it. Unfortunately, the school sold it to a student before doing the work and ultimately as I followed the VIN, it ended up within a year in the car graveyard. I am sick to think that such a great vehicle had such a sad ending, and wish that I had had the work done (clutch and head gasket) and kept it. It was a tank and I loved it! I did purchase a 2008 SAAB 9-3 Aero XWD sight unseen from a different state. Even after that purchase I couldn't part with the old 1986 but finally did. I really enjoy this car but it is not even close in "solidness" to my 1986 SAAB. My new car is a hotrod and handles superbly. I will keep this one but still pine for my old SAAB.”

Join the club here