In many ways, the task of a Saab rescuer is a thankless one, we take all the risks associated with renovating a 20 year old car and reap none of the financial rewards associated with more valuable modern classics, and yet we still do it.*

For the past 4 months, we’ve all been working hard to rescue this stunning Hazelnut Metallic Saab 9-5 Aero estate, it has the perfect foundations; low owners, full service history, low miles, yet as with many other Saabs, it hasn’t been pampered like it truly deserves, that has now been rectified.

I call it the Café Racer Edition as not only has it got the exceptionally rare paint, but is complemented by a full Sand leather interior and a light Walnut dash, I’ve now enhanced that with a set of stunning 19” Japan Racing wheels in Matt Bronze.

It hasn’t been an easy task; endless parts replaced, more bodywork than thought, a small fire, but in the end, and with the help of a multitude of exceptional Saab folks, it’s risen from the flames once again and feels fantastic to drive. With only 81,000 Miles, it really is like a new Saab, no rattles, everything feels exceptionally tight and with the performance and handling mods, almost better than original.

It’s hard to describe the feeling I get to have another Saab with an exciting future ahead of it, I’m still not sure why I continue to do it either, it’s expensive, time consuming and without profit, but for me, I love the sense of another Saab saved, given the love it deserves whilst I get to design them how I think they should be.

It’s now ready for the next part of it’s journey, written about, photographed and driven, you’ll find this very special Aero wagon for sale here.

*Words adapted from one of my all time favourite films; Ratatouille, just seems so apt.

Whilst the Viggen project slowly comes to life, I continually miss having a Saab 9-5 Aero alongside, every time I sell my latest 9-5 projects, I immediately long for another.

They remain one of the most underrated sleepers that has ever been crafted, the design is timeless, they're fast, reliable, super comfortable and ridiculously stylish and well built, both inside and out. I'm always searching for the next Aero, one that offers something different from the rest, heated and vented seats, sunroof, unusual colour, Harman Kardon audio - anything that captures my imagination and gives me a starting point to create another Saab build and rescue it for the future.

I'd seen this particular 9-5 for the past few weeks, only 2 owners from new and spending most of its life in the royal town of Leamington Spa, very low miles at just 80k and most importantly, a rare colour, the gorgeous Hazelnut Metallic.

Love or hate it, but the light tan interior with the exceptionally rare light Walnut dash is something I adore, the car feels cosy, warming and timeless. The whole interior needs a nice deep clean, the seats need cleaning and feeding but it's in truly immaculate condition.

Sleepless nights imagining what can be done to this one, but feel it needs a little time to settle in to its new life before the transformation begins. It'll be going to Malcolm Miles shortly for its inaugural check up, sump drop, oil change and to check its overall worthiness but plans are falling in to place and some must haves are already on their way.