Saabfest 2024 Gallery

August 6, 2024 Eleven

This year's Saabfest; held at the wonderful Prescott Hill Climb happened at the end of July, and sadly, it was another event I couldn't make, even though I had a working Saab this time, but some great reports coming in of lovely weather, a bunch of amazing cars and as ever, good company.

Luckily, I've managed to persuade the very talented, Matt Searle, to allow me to share his photos. They're exceptionally close to my own photography style, so feel they beautifully convey the Saabvs aesthetic too, thanks for letting me share them Matt.

Day One

Day Two

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.

Prolific Builds

February 7, 2022 Eleven

We all know how addictive the Turbo boost is on our Saabs, and anyone that doesn’t have a huge grin when they prod the loud pedal has got to be a little bit soulless. Now imagine what 500hp of Turbo boost would feel like!

A few talented guys over in Manchester, Connecticut seem to be having a fantastic time with their Saabs lately, they’re not only fabricators, welders and mechanics, but racers too; ‘car life forever’ as they say.

One of their current builds is a gorgeous 9-3 2.8 XWD manual with a handmade 3” straight pipe exhaust paired with a tubular manifold, massive Borg Warner Turbo producing 19 -20psi boost (turned down) and to top it all off, delivers an epic soundtrack. I’d be smiling to if I had one of their Saabs.

Prolific Builds Instagram | YouTube

Dog Days & Saab Sundays

December 9, 2019 Eleven

Cold crisp Sunday morning, blue skies and an invitation to pop along to one of the last Sunday Saab gatherings of 2019. Organised by the East Midlands branch of the Saab Owners Club GB, a lovely chilled out Dyno Day kindly hosted by the folks down at StreetRacers in their brand new digs in Billsdon, Leicestershire.

50 of so cars, mostly Saab's but a few other suitably interesting beasts, including a, Mercedes E63 AMG, a rather gorgeous sounding TVR Cerbera and an immaculate cult classic Rover P6 V8.

Some familiar faces in the crowd together with a few new ones - drinking coffee, talking cars, eating cake and guessing what the next on the dyno will make. Jason from Malcolm Miles was there with his expert views, and accompanied by his dog who seemed to be more than content drooling over the cake with minimal interest in much else.

An enjoyable few hours spent with great folks, great cars and decent coffee, what more could you wish from an early December Sunday morning?

Saab Club GB | StreetRacers

Hope & Glory

August 7, 2019 Eleven

Being an old fashioned Petrolhead, i’m constantly drawn to a vast array of car gatherings, I love the culture and communities they inspire, I love wandering around looking for inspiration and I love taking photos - win.

Last weekend I visited the Rollhard gathering at Bicester Heritage, my Porsche 964 had been accepted as one of the show cars which was a privilege amongst some pretty awesome builds. But above all, from what seemed like the entire European stance tribe I hoped and prayed there would be a Saab amongst them.

After wandering through endless BMW, VeeDubs, Mercedes, Audi, Nissan and the odd Volvo, I came across just 1 Saab, a decent looking black 93 with serious stance and a rather nice interior featuring a set of front Recaros.

From what I know of Saabs and how beautifully they tune, I’m always surprised more folks don’t jump on them, they’re affordable and unique enough to really stand out at these gatherings, I might just take the 95 Aero along next time.