Saab vs. the ordinary

January 23, 2024 Eleven

Over the years I’ve been doing Saabvs, I’ve always had my favourites; the 9000 Aero and 9-5 Aero are the obvious ones, and of course, the iconic 900, but one I hold a particular fondness for is the original generation 9-3 HOT Aero convertible.

I designed the Saab vs. the ordinary poster to honour both the original campaign and also this particular Saab. This one single image has repeatedly persuaded me to buy this stunning Saab, and imagine it will do again and again.

I’m never sure why, but believe it’s the idea of utter freedom, roof down in all weathers and embracing the beauty of the world around us, it allows us to experience a feeling of calm and of elevated awareness. It’s a sensual experience that envelops you in its Swedish elegance and style. This generation 9-3 felt both restrained and decedent at the same time, its purity of design, clean lines and provenance giving it utter individuality.

Good ones are getting harder to find now, Viggens are often expensive and the automatic versions don’t appeal in the same way, but one day soon, I’ll find the right one again, always imagine.

1 / 195 Limited Edition

September 23, 2021 Eleven

The 9-3 Monte Carlo is a rare Saab indeed, rumour has it that only 195 were released worldwide. There were 3 and 5 door versions, but the coupe has to be the chosen one with its HOT B204R T5 engine, stunning interior that's inspired by the iconic 9000 Aero interior by Recaro, and of course the shear beauty of form; extended doors, large rear side glazing and the timeless curves.

It's a Saab that I'd been looking for for an exceptionally long time and finally, one showed up that was hard to resist. Having been stored for more than 10 years, it's bodywork is near on perfect with none of the rust these early 9-3 are beginning to suffer, what's more it had only covered 73,000 miles, was a manual and had an interior that's as close to new as you can possibly get.

Early signs were fantastic, it drove beautifully, smelled like a proper Saab (those who know will know) and truly didn't have a mark on it. But of course with any 20 year old car, not everything can be right and after a full and thorough inspection, we discovered the obligatory split bulkhead had happened, so the work began.

The engine was totally removed, all signs of associated corrosion addressed, the bulkhead repair kit fitted and welded and the entire area rustproofed and resealed. Whilst the engine was out, we took the opportunity to fit a new Viggen clutch and Abbott Racing lightweight flywheel, drop the sump for good measure and generally replace anything that might need doing in the future together with a 250hp remap by Noob Tune.

The legendary Viggen rescue kit by Abbott was also fitted together with new Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach springs, new bushes, new arms, front discs and pads and finished off with the beautiful classic Hirsch 18" rims.

Whilst all of this work was going on, I happened to find one of the rarest parts I've ever come across, a genuine Hirsch carbon dashboard and leather covered centre console which together, have absolutely perfected the already special interior.

I've noticed the speakers aren't good and might need replacing, I'm also moving towards a 3" downpipe and stainless exhaust so I can give it a stage 3 remap, but other than that, this is almost perfection in my eyes, this one just might be a little harder to let go of.

Superior Stance

January 8, 2020 Eleven

A while back I came across another site dedicated to Saabs over in Czech Republic, a few years on and I regularly talk to Lukáš who shares the same levels of passion for Saab as I do.

Great to see he’s just refreshed the site and it already features some seriously gorgeous photography, Saab Stance looks set to continue honouring our great cars and is also planning a gathering sometime in 2020. I’ll share the date, time and place as soon as I hear. Amazing work.

saabstance.cz

And so it Begins (Again)

August 30, 2019 Eleven

Some say it's an obsession, others say it's just idiotic, but I love buying Saabs and making them the best they can be, we're not talking garage queens, but practical daily drivers with the odd dent and scratch, unique cars that becomes part of your family.

A few weeks ago, I passed on the field Aero convertible to its new owner, as he continues to tinker with bits still required, I started looking for the next project and it didn't take long to find it.

Another HOT Aero convertible, but I'm glad to say, it isn't Silver for once, and that makes me a very happy man, it's actually Black, oh and automatic too.

Whilst I adore the manuals, there's nothing quite like a perfectly smooth auto convertible, after all it's about taking time to enjoy the world, roof down, warm breezes and sun, and the Saab 9-3 Aeros are possibly one of the most timeless designs ever crafted to enjoy it in.

This one has spent most of it's life in my ancestral homeland of Cornwall, with only a few previous owners it has been cared for but has plenty signs of wear, the paintwork although good, has been through too many car washes, swirls and surface marks aplenty and a few irritating small dents, all easy to repair though. The interior also shows signs of wear and will need a damn good clean and feed to get it feeling like it should again, but on the whole, a nice solid Aero.

New Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach lowering springs have already arrived, together with a DO88 intercooler, pipes and a new induction kit, a stainless steel exhaust system is on it's way and Karl at Noob Tune will be performing his magic on the ECU, aiming for a simple Stage 2 remap at around 260hp for beautifully smooth and enjoyable power, and of course, the stunning 18" Turbo X alloys will take pride of place on each corner of the Aero.

To be continued (again)...

You got a fast car...

May 23, 2019 Eleven

Sometimes, it’s hard to not just stop and stare for a while, giving yourself a moment to fully appreciate the aesthetics of a car, it’s form and stance, it’s simple, sharp design. For years I’ve found myself drawn back to the first generation Saab 93 convertible, the Ian Callum Aero bodykit especially adds a touch of genius to an already exceptional car. Even today, 17 years on, it feels timeless, the clean Swedish lines uncluttered and uncompromised.

Subtle enhancements are all that are needed to create my perfect convertible, a lowered stance and a gorgeous set of alloys to fill those arches.

Let the world around you pass by in a blur while you take in the moment.

Dirt don't slow you down

May 2, 2019 Eleven

A few weeks ago, I got a great email from Mark, it simply said 'Too many shiny cars, let's have some contrast.' And let's face it, he's spot on, who drives around in perfectly shiny Saabs all of the time?

Mine for one, is constantly dirty, I actually like it to look dirty, means it's been driven and enjoyed, where others are careful not to go on grass verges to let a car pass, or enjoy a full on drive in the pouring rain, mine gets stuck in. Drive it, enjoy it all, come rain or shine, wind or snow, our Saabs are built like tanks and can pretty much cope with whatever nature has to throw at us, even a bit of old fashioned dirt, and all in sublime comfort and individual style. Cheers Mark.