Fettling

October 23, 2023 Eleven

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Anyone who knows me, will agree that I have strong views on aesthetics, I'll get an idea in my mind and will do everything possible to get it to that stage; homes, graphics, photography and of course, cars. Often, I like to modify them just enough to know something's been changed, but could easily be OE+, on other occasions, I feel a certain look was perfect already.

Hirsch managed to modify the Saab 9-5 Sportwagon in to something close to perfection in my view; a more aggressive stance, but not too low, a unique dual exhaust, iconic wheel design and engine upgrades that somehow enhanced the already impressive 9-5 Aero.

Having been lucky enough to source a full Performance upgrade pack from a friend, I then had to find a set of original 18" wheels and modify the suspension to recreate their masterpiece.

It's been through a few rounds of work, and it has just come back after more fettling, it's had the front bumper fully refurbished and resprayed, it's had a noisy air conditioning condenser replaced and system regass, a handmade 3” downpipe with sport cat, and also the front suspension changed again; we still had some knocking from the driver's side. It’s now running Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach springs up front.

Overall, it's pretty close to what I wanted to achieve with this one, of course, there's always more to do, details to change and refinements to be made, but I have to keep reminding myself, these are daily drivers, cars to use and enjoy, they're not show cars and probably never will be. They're relatively low value compared to a lot of cars and investment in further fettling becomes pointless.

These Saab Aeros are exceptional value for what you get, increasingly rare, they offer wonderful comfort, enjoyment and individuality, they still feel quick alongside more modern comparisons and give you a wonderful sense of contentment, add the superb Hirsch touches, and it becomes something rather special in an everyday way.

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

Saab Design Study

July 15, 2022 Eleven

There are numerous reasons why I believe Saab made such exceptional cars, not least, their infinite design capabilities. Driven by both form and function, Saab managed to bless us with superior innovation and refined details for some 66 years.

I've always been so impressed with Saab Design, that I thought it was about time I shared a few of them occasionally. As I'm currently in the process of saving a 1997 9000 Aero, I'll begin with one of my personal favourites; Super Aero alloys part numbers: 400100491 / Cap 400100707. 16 x 6.5" with an offset of 27. These stunningly simple, 3 spoke wheels managed to help give the 9000 Aero a totally unique aesthetic.

Manufactured by RONAL, the Super Aeros have the ability to look larger than they actually are, and is one standard wheel I can't bare to change. These wheels suit the 9000 so perfectly I can't imagine the Aero models with anything else.

For my 9000 project, I've chosen to have them fully refurbished and powder coated in a darker metallic grey, this will help create a contrast to the Silver paintwork and help highlight the Rocky Black Aero interior even further. It wasn't a standard option when the 9000 Aero was launched, but feel it adds a touch of individuality without compromising its overall design integrity, my whole reasoning behind Aeroriginal.

Saab Sourcery

April 28, 2021 Eleven

When there's a new Saab project on the horizon, I find it increasingly difficult to relent in my search for parts, in fact, I find it one of the most enjoyable stages of the build. I'll spend hours looking at old brochures and images to see what works best; interior, exterior, engine mods, stance, wheels, even colours.

For many years, I've wanted what I class as one of the very best Saabs ever built; the 9000 Aero, and I think I've finally found the perfect one for me. It's a 1996 Scarab Green with Dover Interior, it's covered decent miles at 212,000, but for a 9000, that's relatively low and best of all, it's a manual with minimal rust.

One of the most exceptional design features of the Saab 9000 Aero is the interior. Beyond its time in both style and substance, the curvaceous seats, designed by Recaro are things of beauty, and even today, not many seats have come close to beating them for comfort of support, and then there's the absolutely gorgeous dashboard and centre console, full of analogue beauty, functionality and old school longevity.

Sadly, it's had the original stereo removed and a poor replacement fitted and that's where my sourcing began, I've already found a perfect tape deck with amplifier, but better still, I noticed the donor car also had a rather fantastic compartment with pop out coin tray and cupholders which I just couldn't resist.

I was also lucky enough to have procured a rather lovely full Aero interior a few years back, Rocky leather with all seats and door cards in amazing condition, so if the Dover interior feels a little too light, I'll be doing a full swap out for my reserve interior which might suit the Scarab Green even better.

The search continues for more parts, a wood and leather wheel is already on its way, but I'll be on the lookout for wood door caps and latch surrounds next.

Crème de la Crème

April 22, 2021 Eleven

There are always cars that you look back on with fond memories and kind of wish you hadn't sold, and for me this especially applies to Saab. I did a rather special early 9-3 HOT Aero build with a 9000 engine block, upgraded Turbo and numerous other mods running close to 300hp, it was an absolute joy to drive and I miss that for sure.

Then there's the first 9-5 Aero wagon I did last year, and that was on another level, it was one hell of a big project but when finished, I honestly felt it was the best one I'd rescued. The colour combo on Hazelnut metallic paint, Sand leather and light walnut dash together with the stunning Matt Bronze wheels really stick in my mind, it was an absolute beauty, and I still can't get enough of it and would do the same again in a moment.

New Generation Saabists

January 7, 2021 Eleven

I've promised myself a little more time dedicated to maintaining the High Mile Club this year, so with renewed energy I've been gathering a few new recruits. As our Saabs get older, the original criteria of 100,000 miles became achievable by pretty much every owner, continually proving just how beautifully crafted these cars are. Some barely show signs of wear at that milage, so the game has been raised slightly to 125,000 Miles / 200,000 Km.

One new entry was this fantastic 900i 16v from Finland, its owner, Saku has grown up around Saabs and although only 18 years old has already owned 8 Saabs and 1 Volvo, he says "There’s just that something about Saab. My family has had a lot of them, even my grandfather had a Saab 900".

It’s always fantastic to see new generations with the same passion for Saab as we have, also great to see what and how they give their Saabs a bit of individuality, after all, it's another Saab kept on the road.

Nothing to prove

May 29, 2019 Eleven

I find it hard to explain why I’m drawn to Saabs, despite having a choice of other marques to grab the keys to, I still choose the Saab ones. I think about this a lot, what makes them such emotive cars, yes they have smile inducing performance, they’re becoming rare and yes they’re ridiculously comfortable, all reasons to love them, but I keep coming back to one thought - they have nothing to prove.

They take you out of an increasingly banal world of shiny identikit cars, not competing on worth or ego, not ashamed to be different, they offer a kind of moving sanctuary from a world of meaningless superiority.

Saabs still have a presence that is rare, they sit alongside their peers with ease, they allow you to arrive anywhere in style and more often than not, induce happy conversation, “Do they still make Saabs?” “My Father used to own a Saab” “The most beautiful convertible ever built”.

In an age where everyone should be considering sustainability, I find it hard to comprehend why folks need to buy a new car every 3 - 4 years with huge manufacturing impact, when an older Saab offers luxury, reliability, style and efficiency.

Saabs have nothing to prove, and I love them for that

Inside Information

December 29, 2018 Eleven

Despite all of the ‘Born from Jets’ clichés that surround Saab, there can be little argument that the interiors share similar design details. From the green and orange illumination, beautifully crafted switchgear and toggle operated air vents to the genuinely unique ‘night panel’ function, ball joint map light, simple but effective ‘fasten seatbelt’ and the wonderfully functional fold out cupholder - a Saab interior can never be mistaken for any other marque.

Investing time and energy in to refreshing the interiors of all of my Saab projects has been an enduring love affair, worn buttons and blown bulbs replaced, leather cleaned, dyed and fed, carpets thoroughly cleaned and mats replaced with factory originals, hinges and locks lubricated and any squeaks and rattles detected and resolved.

Above all, I’m always amazed at just how hard wearing and timeless these interiors are, this 9-5 for example, was manufactured in March 2001, some seventeen years ago, it’s covered nearly 100,000 miles, had 3 previous owners and yet the interior could easily be mistaken for that of a new car, even the leather seats still offer an entirely unique aroma, one that is just so Saab and is an absolute joy to spend time in, it’s both relaxed and reassuringly refined.

I’ve sourced and fitted an original Saab carbon fibre dashboard rather than the plain grey one, and am currently searching for a 2001 sat nav head unit and rear parcel shelf bass speakers, but other than that, I can’t wait to just sit back and enjoy this unique and timeless interior a little more.