Black and Blue

August 3, 2020 Eleven

It might sound strange, but one of my favourite parts of any new Saab rescue is the interior refresh, I look forward to it, I plan what I need to do and how to approach it, I even like stocking up on the products iv’e trusted for years.

After a good few months of the Viggen being made mechanically right again, the interior has languished in 5 years of dust, dirt and tiredness, the leather looked sad and neglected, cast off parts all over the back seat and numerous fittings missing, lost over its 20 year journey.

I like to remove all of the seats, that way, I can treat each one to a full clean and 24 hour feed with Gliptone, bringing the leather to life again, the distinctive Viggen blue leather has come up a treat, it looks bright and firm again, and although the drivers seat has some cracking, the moisuriser has given it a new lease of life and left it with a lovely patina to help tell the car’s story.

I used a foam cleaner by Autoglym for the carpets and plastics and finished it off with a light rub of Autoglym Trim Gel which brings out the grain and colour perfectly.

The new CD head unit replaces the old cassette unit and a subtle AUX input has been fitted, the gorgeous new Nappa leather steering wheel by Tun Style and a genuine Saab replacement leather gear knob.

Tomorrow, the Viggen will be pampered even more by Harry the detailer, the body gets a full clay bar treatment and polish and the roof gets cleaned and sealed again ready for its first outdoor Winter in 5 years.

Cheap Thrills

July 28, 2020 Eleven

Saab 95 Aero_Cafe Racer_1_0001_Layer 1.jpg

Saab 95 Aero_Cafe Racer_1_0000_Layer 2.jpg

Since buying my latest 9-5 Aero back in June, it’s been a whirlwind of activity to build my very first Saab wagon the way I’d always imagined they should be.

The Hazelnut Metallic gave me the inspiration to create something a bit different; embracing the beige exterior, the supple sea of tan leather and the rare light walnut dash and enhancing it with 19” JR18 alloys from Japan Racing to create a kind of Saab Café Racer, a retro wagon for today.

A few teething problems needed sorting in the first few hundred miles, the car stuttered under hard acceleration so a new genuine Saab DI pack has now been fitted and the Stage 4 tuning has also highlighted a need for upgraded brakes at some point soon.

On to the part I relish doing on every new Saab I buy, giving the interior a deep clean. It took me an entire weekend, but the Aero is looking absolutely exceptional again, the comfortable tan leather seats have been cleaned and fed, the carpets and headlining have all been given a freshen up and the plastic, rubber and glass all cleaned and fed. This 9-5 also has a glass sunroof and that, together with the light interior just gives the whole car a luxurious, cosy and warm atmosphere, perfect for relaxed road trips and creating a genuinely impressive arrival at any grand café throughout the land.

The value for money of such a car is truly astounding, what other car could you buy with this much style, individuality and comfort for this sort of money, to say these Saab Aeros offer cheap thrills is an understatement, they really are exceptional cars that have stood the test of time. This is a very low milage example with just 80,000 miles, but double that and for a Saab, it’s still low, looked after and cherished, they’re built so well they’ll reward you for many years to come.

Mid August will see the Aero go to the bodyshop to have a few areas of rust cut out and fixed, the genuine rear Saab roof spoiler fitted and a front shark bumper to finish off the build beautifully.

Mechanically Sound

July 22, 2020 Eleven

Feels a little like half time, I collected the 9-5 today from Malcolm Miles and as ever, they've done me proud, the stage 4 remap together with the long list of performance upgrades has made the Saab feel almost as lively as my Alpina D3 Bi Turbo, and that's saying something. The twin Jetex exhaust coupled with the handmade downpipe from APH sounds absolutely superb and really suits the look of the car too.

Pause for 3 weeks.

Then we're off to the bodyshop to have the rusty rear arches cut out, the rear bumper removed and repainted and the front bumper replaced with a later shark nose version, the Saab rear spoiler will also be fitted and a couple of areas given some attention. During it's time at home, I plan to give the interior a full valet, clean and feed the leather and give the carpets a full on deep clean too.

With only 80,000 miles under its belt, this 9-5 Aero just needed a bit of vision to bring it back up to one of the best wagons <£5k can buy in my eyes. It offers ridiculous comfort, safety, individuality and reliability not to mention the Saab smile. This is going to be a hard one to let got of I think.

Dad Racer

July 15, 2020 Eleven

Whilst the Viggen goes off for more bodywork, the attention has turned to the 9-5 Aero, the folks at Malcolm Miles have been fastidiously replacing warn parts and perished hoses, performing a full sump drop, clean, oil change and replacing a few pipes to the gearbox which had been leaking oil.

The DO88 Intercooler and pipe kit has gone on, a new fuel pump, new induction kit and a Stage 3+ remap from Karl at Noob Tune, the ever gorgeous handmade downpipe from APH Performance has been put on together with a full stainless steel Jetex exhaust with dual pipes giving the wagon an understated but purposeful look, whilst new discs and pads, a Bilstein B12 Pro Sport suspension setup and a serious MapTun strut brace have really sorted out the Aero’s handling.

Sleepless nights and many Photoshop mock ups finally made me choose what I consider to be the perfect alloys for this Saab; Japan Racing JR18 in a Matt Bronze to really enhance the Hazelnut Metallic, 19x8.5 with an ET35 offset and Pirelli P Zero 235/35/19 rubber.

The underneath was looking a little flakey, so has been given a good wire brushing and treated to some Waxoil whilst a few areas will need a small amount of welding to secure them for the future. Once the mechanics have been done, it’ll need to go to the bodyshop and have the rear lower arches cut out and fixed, the bumpers removed and repainted and a new bespoke satin black mesh grille fitted.

This is the first Aero wagon build I’ve done and I absolutely love it, the style is just so timeless, an old Saab ad campaign claimed it was a Dad Racer and I tend to agree, but with these modifications, it also becomes one the ultimate sleepers, and the colour…

…Love it. Thank you Saab.

Viggen Rescue Update

June 25, 2020 Eleven

It’s been a busy fews weeks down at Malcolm Miles, the 9-5 Sportcombi has been dropped off and some serious work has started on the Viggen.

Firstly, some housekeeping, although the sump had been dropped only a few hundred miles ago, it was actually back in 2015, so that’s been dropped again, oil completely drained and refilled with new oil, filters and spark plugs. The power steering pipe has been replaced as have a number of other pipes and perished hoses, the brake lines all cleared out and new high performance Tarox brake fluid added together with Tarox Japan Street drilled, grooved and vented discs, pads and braided hoses. We’ve also added a new oil cooler together with a new DO88 intercooler, Nordic Performance induction kit and a Stage 3+ ECU upgrade by Karl at Noob Tune.

The Bilstien B8 shocks and Eibach springs are now fitted together with the Momo Stealth alloys wheels, chosen for an updated play on the original Viggen 5 spokes, 215/35/19 tyres from Hankook have been used, but from early thoughts, we could upgrade these to 225/35/19 tyres and still fit without issues. The gorgeous craftsmanship from APH Performance has been fitted in the form of a 3” stainless steel downpipe, this links up to the original Viggen middle and rear exhaust section to keep the style right.

Inside, the original tape only head unit has been replaced with a CD unit and an AUX input, the new Hirsch style Nappa leather steering wheel has been fitted and a new OE leather gear knob tops off the superbly tight short shifter from Jam Saab, all in all, the Viggen is beginning to look like my vision, progress continues and this iconic convertible should be ready to take its first road trip in 5 years.

Ramping Up

June 10, 2020 Eleven

The 9-5 Sportcombi went in to Malcolm Miles for it's inaugural ramp check today, it went so badly I was sent home on the train as the car was condemned as undriveable.

That sounds dramatic but it seems to have an oil leak that needs to be sorted and fast, there are a number of pipes that need replacing underneath so we'll hit those at the same time. The front downpipe is about to split in half, a number of bushes need replacing and the springs and shocks are all pretty much past their sell by date.

It's easy to forget these earlier Saab 9-5s are getting on for 20 years old, they will have some rust, they will need parts replacing and they will need some TLC, but invest some time and effort and you'll reap the rewards later on.

Surprising thing for me, is that it drives possibly better than any other 9-5 I've owned, I'm looking forward to making this one a bit special, it deserves the attention and will make for a pretty rare Sportcombi.

Cafe Racer

June 8, 2020 Eleven

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.

Perfectionism

June 6, 2020 Eleven

For a few years I've been commissioning Fraser to hand craft bespoke mesh grilles for my early Saab Aero builds, I've learnt a lot from the grilles he's made, not least his constant strive for perfection. He'd told me about his own Saab project a while back, a Saab 9-3 convertible Turbo Edition in the ever stylish Silver metallic and he's finally found time to take some great photos and scribble down a few words about it. All I can say is - Perfection.

Purchased back in June 2019 from family in Edinburgh who had owned the car since new with only 38k on clock and a full service history. The Saab had been kept in an underground car park all its life so was in good condition, but then restoration started to take over and it has kind of developed from there.

Firstly I treated it to a complete service including all filters and sump drop (spotlessly clean), I then fitted the latest rev6 PCV kit, throttle body, MAF and cleaned all fuel / air delivery sensors. The whole engine bay degreased and various components and brackets refinished.

I fitted a magnetic sump plug, new camshaft core plug then fitted new turbo, cleaned out intercooler and associated pipework and filled with mobil 1. A brand new genuine Saab coilpack and NGK plugs to make sure it was ready for the Noobtune stage1 ECU upgrade I have installed taking power up to 220 hp and extra 120 nm torque which has be very handy for overtaking.

All door cards, side skirts, and bumpers removed and waxoiled sprayed into all doors, cavities and sills as well as chassis box sections and inner wings etc - luckily the car had no rust, just a couple of floor pan bungs (front 2 under footwells always the first to go) that were just staring to rust but easily fixed.

The entire braking system has been replaced with new discs, shoes, pads, return springs, calipers and fluid together with rear brake pipes, calipers and flexis. All disc splash guards have been soda blasted then phosphur coated and black gloss coovar applied. New rear shocks and springs and a complete new exhaust system fitted with new hangers, clips and all jubilee clips on underside replaced.

The chassis has had a six point chrome chassis brace from Jamsaab, 22mm rear ARB, steering rack clamp / brace fitted as well as new fabricated front top suspension turret brace (made myself), new front track rod ends and drop links, new front lower power steering pipe and fluid. I removed the rear axle beam and blasted then repainted with black gloss Coovar and refitted with Powerflex purple spec bushes.

Moving on into the interior, its had new leather Aero spec door cards and steering wheel, I've installed a genuine Saab hands-free phone kit, fitted boot mounted 6 disc changer, refurbished the ACC and SID units, fitted SID cup holder and centre armrest coin / cup holder (all the way from Albuquerque in the US).

I’ve also found a new genuine Saab roll out bumper protector and cargo net for the load area, installed a windbreaker and made a custom black gloss fine metallic dashboard which really sparkles when the sun hits it.

It's also had a number of handmade parts including a tow ball for mounting my bike on, with dedicated 6 pin electrics wiring kit for a light board from Germany (only place they're available). A colour coded grille and matching fog light grilles and I've also fitted same mesh to the lower intake.

The convertible roof has also had a deep clean and re colour / proof, i've fitted the refurbished 17” double Ys with new Continental Contisport tyres and treated it to a full bulb upgrade on all lights and replaced the orange light monitoring relay and windscreen washer level sensor.

There's probably hundreds of other jobs left to do that Saabs have a habit of throwing at you, but the only other project planned now is front and rear parking sensors if I can find the genuine Saab ones that plug straight into loom. It's taken me just under a year of working on her including lots of long days and skinned knuckles and god knows how much spent to get it up to this condition.

Now it's finished, I'm just itching for a road trip up here in Scotland, already planning a tour around the far North on the iconic NC500 route as soon as things get back to some kind of normal.

Bespoke Mesh Grilles | Fraser Davison

Arts and Crafts

May 29, 2020 Eleven

For years I've been designing Saab builds, essentially to save some stunning cars from being broken up as parts but mostly to make the best possible version of each and every one.

With each build it's hard not to notice the exceptional folks who continue to invest their engineering skills into handcrafting special parts for our Saabs, in my eyes, these folks are Artists. The Viggen project parts store grows daily with many, many more to source but some recent deliveries really are just pieces of art, and all bespoke.

The 3" downpipe from APH Performance Almost too beautiful to hide, these all Stainless construction pipes have either a free flowing 200 cell cat or no cat at all if specified, tig welded and purged with V band joints for a perfect fit. I've commissioned five of these now and I'm sure the get better each time.

The Black Edition Grille Again, i've had a number of these commissioned and Fraser has done an exquisite job on each, he takes the best OE grilles he can find, cuts away the plastic louvers and replaces them with a perfectly fitted black metal mesh. I have mine finished in a smooth satin black finish which so far has suited each build, can't wait to see what this latest one looks like on the Lightning Blue Viggen.

The Viggen Short Shifter After a long and enjoyable conversation with Peter Raw about the Viggen Project, he suggested a part that he swears by, a bespoke short shift gear mechanism from Jam Saab. It's the first time I'll have fitted on to a build so will report on the difference it makes in a few months. Needless to say, the standard gearing is just a bit long for such quick cars, it generally feels slightly spongy and I have a feeling this will give it a more engineered, accurate feel.

Viggen Project parts list (to date) :

Tarox Sport Japan fully drilled and grooved vented discs
Tarox Sport Japan brake pads
Tarox high performance braided brake lines
Abbott Racing stainless steel subframe brace
Abbott Racing rack brace kit
Abbott Racing rear body strut brace
Bilstein B8 shocks
Eibach springs
DO88 Performance Intercooler
Nordic Performance induction kit
Momo Stealth 19" 5 spoke rims
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres
TunStyle Nappa Leather steering wheel
Skyddet Aux kit
Viggen side badges by Raw Saab

The Viggen should be returning from the bodyshop soon after some required welding and paint, it’ll then land at Malcolm Miles once again for Jason and Andy to work their magic. Our aim is to build a super stylish Viggen convertible with a very capable 300+hp. The story continues…

Saab Style 2020

May 28, 2020 Eleven

Do you ever try and imagine what a 2020 Saab might look like, what would a new 9-5 look like, more to the point, what would an all new Saab 9-3 convertible look like?

Sadly, except in my imagination, none of us will ever know, but what we can do, is work our magic on the iconic Saabs we already have and continue to maintain. I have an obsession with wheels. and although I love original equipment rims, most are just too small for today’s aesthetic, so what would a Saab rim look like today?

I’m currently stock piling parts for my next project, it’s one i’ve never had before but always been on my most wanted list, a Lightning Blue Viggen convertible. As well as collecting the usual suspects; Bilstein B8s, Eibach lowering springs, full Tarox drilled Japan Street brakes , DO88 Intercooler, Nordic Performance induction kit etc, I also wanted to update the wheels whilst still honouring the original Viggen 5 spokes.

It’s taken me a load of time to choose the perfect set but think these Stealth rims by Momo are bang on, two tone similar to the Saab Turbo X rim, simple and timeless in design and just in a league of their own, very Saab. As it’s going to be a few weeks before I can try them out on the Viggen project, I had a little play in Photoshop, but truly believe they’ll be just as Saab might have fitted today.

Laser Red Aero

April 28, 2020 Eleven

Although the Saab High Mile Club has been going for some years now, I’m always thrilled when another great Saab drops in to my inbox, this gorgeous rare Laser Red Aero is the latest.

The Saab Story “This car is very special to my family. My grandparents leased it in 2006, my dad purchased it after the lease was over, and now it is my car. We all have loved the rare laser red paint color and the heated and cooled leather seats. It has been an excellent car for the last 167,000 miles, and I hope it will last at least another 167,000”

What I love most is just how beautifully this Saab has been kept, just shows how well these cars hold up to high milage. Keep them coming, I do add them to the club at random points. Join here.

Wheel & Grille

March 30, 2020 Eleven

Whilst the whole world is in Isolation mode, driving has become something I can only currently reminisce over and look forward to for the future, but that doesn’t of course, stop me from planning my next project Saab. Over the past few months, I’ve been slowly gathering parts for the long awaited Viggen convertible, and although that also has been put on hold whilst to bodyshop is on lockdown, it won’t stop me enjoying each and every component that arrives at my door.

I’m a sucker for a beautifully crafted steering wheel, the feel of new Nappa leather, immaculate perforations and visible craftsmanship. I’d originally enjoyed my Hirsch wheel so much that I search out a new one for pretty much every build now. This latest one arrived from the folks at Tun Style in Belarus who craft a wide range of fantastic quality gear for Saabs, mostly following on from Hirsch performance parts, but some originals too.

First impressions are fantastic, quality of the leather is exceptional with good perforations and exquisite stitching, the contours are ergonomic and feels gorgeous to hold, I just need the Viggen here to put it on now.

Nappa Leather Steering Wheel | TunStyle

This is my fourth Black Edition grille now I think, I initially commissioned one from a very talented Saabist called Fraser, based in Scotland he somehow manages to make each bespoke grille that little bit better than the last.

He sources great quality metal mesh in black, the best genuine Saab grilles he can find and sets about carefully cutting the internal plastic section out to form an open frame, he then applies several coats of a durable satin black paint and finally bonding in the black metal mesh.

Black Edition Mesh Grille | Fraser Davison

What can you get for £2k these days?

March 2, 2020 Eleven

Well you can buy one of the most iconic and beautiful convertibles to have ever been created for a start. It always amazes me, the value of these Saabs, but for some reason, not many people see their true potential or value. Maybe they think you can't buy parts, maybe it's because they think they're not safe or reliable, or maybe they just think they're old - but they'd be wrong.

Almost original in every way, this 9-3 HOT Aero convertible has to be one of my all time favourite Saabs, featuring a spectacular body kit by the legendary car designer Ian Callum which really does give this a timeless and rather iconic presence.

Purchased from a Saab family in Cornwall who had owned it for the past 8 years, this Aero has been cared for and maintained beautifully. It’s getting rare to see these convertibles in any other colour besides silver and carbon, so a real privilege to find one in black.

This is an auto model - I always forget just how relaxing Saab autos are, exceptionally smooth and well mannered until you push your right foot down, then, the Aero jumps in to action, the Turbo instantly spools through green and orange and straight in to the red and make regular speeds a mere memory.

Back in 2017 it had a reconditioned engine fitted with new DI pack etc and just recently numerous perished hoses have been changed, together with a general overhaul to ensure continued reliability including another sump drop and clean. The brakes have been stripped, cleaned and replaced where required, including, discs and pads, whilst the suspension has been upgraded with Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach lowered springs.

A full stainless steel Jetex exhaust system, larger fuel pump and a Noob Tune ECU remap giving the convertible a beautifully smooth and progressive power drive.

Being 17 years old, it has a genuine patina with very minor marks which I feel are part of the Saab’s story, and although the bodywork is in lovely, rust free condition, there are a couple of dinks that could do with addressing. Ideally the iconic double Y 17" alloys could d with a refurbish too. It's in generally lovely condition, but it leaves the new owner enough areas to tinker with.

The endlessly comfortable, heated leather Aero sports seats are in lovely condition with no rips, they could do with a clean, moisturiser and colour touchup to give them a lift but otherwise a superb interior which is as stylish as ever.

Recent brake discs and pads
Aero wiper blades
Jetex s/s full exhaust system
3.5 bar fuel pump
Bulkhead strut brace
Bilstein B8 shocks
Eibach lowering springs
Noob Tune Stage 2

Saab 9-3 HOT Aero Convertible | EBay

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

Sunday Scramble Saab Carlsson

January 6, 2020 Eleven

The Sunday Scramble at Bicester Heritage has fast become a mecca for both national and international classic car enthusiasts and petrolheads. It has quickly gained momentum and yesterday's inaugural gathering saw literally thousands of exceptional vehicles heading for the ex RAF airfield to share their passion.

Wandering around the vast hangers, workshops and open spaces, full of every conceivable marque, I came across an exceptionally rare sight - a genuinely original Saab 900 Carlsson, and it was getting plenty of attention.

"These things are so much fun, they go like rockets" "I once knew someone who knew someone who owned one of these, best car they ever had" and numerous other overheard conversations, but what was obvious is the lasting positive perception of these amazing Saabs.

Solid black with super rare full Carlsson bodykit including front and rear bumpers and the larger rear spoiler, immaculate red Carlsson pinstripe detailing and the original Carlsson leather steering wheel. What made this one all the more attractive is it was obviously loved and used properly, no garage queen, just enjoyed as it should be.

Would have loved to see some Carlsson Super Aero alloys on there, but other than that, perfection.

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

Slammed Swedes

November 20, 2019 Eleven

I know there’s a load of Saabists out there that neither appreciate or understand the slammed scene, but it’s truly massive and as far as I’m concerned, if folks are saving Saabs and spending good money on keeping them in tip top condition, all the better.

I attended a Rollhard even at Bicester Heritage earlier this year and was both pleased and surprised to see a few Saabs in the mix, after a bit of digging I found out that Rollhard had also been at the Swedish Performance Show, Elmia back in 2018 and had captured a few gorgeous Swedes there too.

‘The Saab 9000 CS is epitome of Swedish cool. A modern classic reworked and oh so relevant. Perhaps not the most obvious choice of project car for most, but this is Sweden - this 9000 is a perfect example of what is possible. The last of the non-GM Saabs, these things are bullet-proof. Don’t blame us if you find yourself browsing the Car and Classic classifieds for a 9000 CS 2.3 turbo’

Rollhard | Elmia Sweden

For the love of driving

November 20, 2019 Eleven

With a bit of fettling, us Saab owners arguably have some of the finest understated driving cars in the world, but without decent roads, nothing matters.

I’ve long had a fascination for discovering those peaceful, tree canopied avenues, curvaceous country lanes and momentous mountain passes, free from all but the most intrepid drivers, but the world is full of endless possibilities and it’s a never ending search.

Of all landscapes I love, the ones that feature these hidden roads please me most, for years I’ve collected images of them for future road trip inspiration, so thought it was about time I shared a few.

#getoutanddrive

Finnish Beauty

November 15, 2019 Eleven

Always a pleasure to stumble upon a Saab that really wows. This Finnish beauty has all of my favourite assets - dark, great stance courtesy of airlift suspension, a decent set of elegantly proportioned alloys and last but not least, it's a 9-5, not another 9-3 which tend to get most of the love these days.

Sadly I don't know much about this Saab other than it was photographed by Lauri Lehto, who is an exceptional landscape and wildlife photographer also based in Finland.

Lauri Lehto | Flickr

Saab Stories

November 14, 2019 Eleven

From Phin, Latvia & UK

In the middle of a snow 'storm' in UK in 2008, we were driving our NG900 to the airport, the serpentine belt shredded leaving us on the side of the M4, we were recovered to our house, where we fired up the 900 Turbo and even though it was 25 years old, it took on the challenge of getting to an airport without missing a beat.

Commuting to work one day back in 2013, the gearbox ring broke and I lost 3rd and 4th on a motorway slipway. I pulled over, then had a brief chat with urSaab and his trolls, made him a pact that I would not get rid of the car (called cheap because it was £250 on Ebay) and fair play that car drove with 1st, 2nd and 5th for 300 miles at motorway speeds without any problem. It is still going.