Back in 2007, there was an ever growing focus on the automotive industry showing more respect for the environment, Saab being Saab, had already given us their 9-5 BioPower, but for the Geneva Motor Show, they went one step further.

In a rare collaboration with German tuning house; Rinspeed, Saab presented a tastefully modified 9-5 BioPower to show the world that eco technology didn’t have to be bland.

Not only was this 9-5 finished in an exceptionally eye-catching metallic yellow, but futuristic materials were used extensively inside the cabin to redesign the dashboard, doorcards and even featured seats trimmed with Technogel.

The 9-5 BioPower E85 engine produced 180hp and could be run on either pure bioethanol producing significantly lower CO2 emissions, regular unleaded fuel or a mixture of both.

Aesthetically, Rinspeed managed to give the 9-5 the perfect lift it needed, lowered suspension, 19” AEZ alloys and numerous styling modifications that enhanced the 9-5’s original futuristic design. Whilst I’m not a fan of interior so much, I think the exterior modifications gave the Saab a fantastic style and one I’d be very tempted to replicate if a BioPower wagon happened to come my way.

Each new day brings a reminder that Spring is well and truly underway, it’s one of the most amazing times of the year here in England - warm sun, cool breezes, trees, hedges and fields turning green again, a beautifully fresh scent in the air and of course the most important of all - dry, clean roads.

Drop the windows in the 9-5 and enjoy the sounds - the subtle turbo whistle as you accelerate, the deep bubble of the sports exhaust and the seamless power leading you on your journey, no destination in mind, just the joy of the drive.

On mornings like this, I take my trusty old Leica and head out looking for the perfect spots for a quick photo, the Saab isn’t clean and shiny, it’s dusty and enjoyed, but find a peaceful lane and the sun and shade create the perfect feel for a few photos of this timeless car. More and more I’m enjoying the Gen1 over most other 9-5’s i’ve owned, the Carbon Grey with the Matt Black Carlsson Turbo X alloys give it a menacing stance and with the updated interior, I can’t think of many other cars I’d rather drive through Spring in.