Stormy Swede

February 18, 2021 Eleven

I seem to be getting some amazing Saab stories to share lately which makes me really happy, it can be a lonely place maintaining a blog, so hearing about other folks Saab stories is truly inspiring. Like this gorgeous 2005 Aero in Cappuccino Black for instance, because as much as I love a 9-3, when a properly sorted 9-5 Aero comes along, I get a bit excited and want to share the love.

Featuring a truly stunning and rather unique interior of Sand leather with heated and vented seats, dark walnut dash, wood and leather steering wheel and sat nav, it's a factory spec that I love to see, especially in this condition.

What's more, its owner Steve, who also has a 2001 Griffin 3.0 V6, set about making it closer to his dream Troll R with plenty of mods. These include a new OE Turbo to accept a King Cobra pipe, DO88 intercooler, hoses and delivery pipes, Ferrita 3" downpipe, 200CEL race cat. Maptun cat back exhaust system, custom airbox, Bilstein B12 pro kit and to top it all off, a Stage 3+ remap by BSR SE.

There's still work to do, the Aero is currently running EBC Red Stuff pads and standard discs, but Steve wants to take that up to the D2 330mm kit to give it a bit of extra stopping power, he's also looking to modify the front lower grille with a mesh insert to match his rare Hirsch 3 piece grille, but overall, this is one very sorted Saab and a real credit to it's owner, thanks for sharing Steve, always appreciated.

German Perfection

February 16, 2021 Eleven

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Over the past 10 years of creating Saab vs. Scepticism, it will have become very clear that I have a genuine love for all Saabs, but especially Aero models and any Saabs that have that special something. That can be a rare interior, sunroof, Harman / Kardon audio, air cooled seats or even just the perfect set of alloys, but there’s always one addition that ultimately rises one Saab above another, and that’s Hirsch Performance.

Saab vs. all began based around my dream Hirsch Saab, and that great love still inspires and motivates me today. I continue to do my best to keep creating great Saab Aero builds, to write about and share them with other Saabists, but there’s nothing quite like being inspired by other great Saabs from around the world and this 9-3 Aero XWD is one of those Saabs.

Based in Germany, this beauty was purchased back in 2017 by Jan and is his fifth Saab; previously two 9-3 and two 9-5’s. It’s a 2009 Sportcombi and already had a few Hirsch parts fitted including steering wheel, door handles and exhaust. But Jan had dreams to create a Saab of a much higher level, so he set about sourcing many more Hirsch parts together with others to overcome some of the known Saab V6 heat issues, he fitted a DO88 intercooler, radiator and pipes to overcome those and also a TUV approved remap which is now running at 325hp / 480nm torque, in Jan’s words “All the changes moved the car on to a higher level, most importantly the stuff around the engine - it is so fresh and powerful now, it is a really pleasure to drive and sit in.”

Since 2017 Jan has also added the full 4 piece Hirsch front grilles, a new dual Hirsch exhaust and diffuser, a set of exceptionally rare Hirsch 19” twin six spoke rims and full Hirsch suspension to his XWD. Inside the attention to detail continues, and adding to the original Hirsch specification, he’s lavished the Saab with a leather dashboard, glove box strip, door strips and gear surround all by Stephen Individual.

It gets regularly serviced and the Haldex XWD gets treated to fresh oil every 10,000km to keep it all in perfect condition, it now has just under 100,000km on the clock and my respect goes out to Jan for such a perfect Saab Aero Hirsch. It’s always amazing to see other folk put such care in to keeping these great cars alive, they’re exceptionally special and we need more people like Jan in the world. Thanks for sharing.

Saab XWD Hirsch 325 Landscape__0004_Layer 1.jpg

Nip & Tuck

February 9, 2021 Eleven

As with every Saab Aero I try and refresh, I tend to have to look at the bodywork carefully and see what needs doing without taking away from its journey, its life story, what marks and small chips to leave, and what to remove, it’s a fine balance.

The 9-5 Aero Hirsch, had small amounts of rust appearing at the top of each rear wheel arch, and this is a must for me, it always needs addressing before it takes hold, and the bumpers, usually marked at this age, so both have been removed, sanded down, and given a full respray together with the removal of various dents on the bodywork.

I’d also studied the front bumpers on this generation 9-5, and there is no recognisable difference between the Aeros and other models, whereas older models always had a slight variation. The lower grille looks odd to me, the 3 grooves that really didn’t give it the purposeful look it deserves, so we’ve removed the bars and created a single larger central grille with closely matching mesh which has given it a totally different look, a slightly more aggressive feel.

I’ve had a genuine set of Saab satin finish headlight surrounds fitted to replace the slightly overwhelming bright chrome ones and this has made a huge difference also, it’s a small touch but one that really does add a more refined touch to the 9-5’s front elevation.

And to finish, it’s had a full clay bar and machine polish to make to entire car look exceptional again. It’s amazing what difference these small details make and I really appreciate to work involved to turn a good car in to a really special one, if any Saab deserved it, it’s this beautifully Hirsch specified Aero.

Simple Pleasures Part II

February 1, 2021 Eleven

After the amazing quality and craftsmanship shown on the last Hirsch wheel refurbishment by Perfection Alloys, the rarer 19" alloys were removed from the convertible and given the same treatment.

I'd been debating whether tho have the same bright silver as original, or whether to go slightly darker again as the last set. We've gone darker, closer to a metallic grey than silver and it was a great decision, they look fantastic.

They're off to have new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 235/35/19 tyres all round and new Saab Griffin centre caps to make them pretty much like new again.

Simple Pleasures

January 20, 2021 Eleven

As I work through the many and varied jobs on the 3 Aero rescues, there are rewards and simple pleasures to be enjoyed throughout the journey. The iconic six spoke Hirsch alloys needed some attention, and although not terrible, looked tired and pitted, so having stripped off all 4 worn tyres, they've now had a bare metal refurbishment and refinished in a slightly darker metallic grey than the original bright silver.

A few years ago, I also found someone who had cleverly remade the tiny Hirsch Performance rim stickers and i've also purchased a set of genuine Saab hub centres, i've chosen the rebrand black centres as they'll suit the black Aero perfectly. Finally the rims have been fitted with a new set of 235/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres finishing off the refurbishment perfectly.

Simple pleasures that make such a big difference.

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.

Hej Snygging

January 6, 2021 Eleven

'Hello Beautiful' just about sums up my feeling for the new Swedish addition, given that in 2008 the 9-3 platform was a number of years old, Saab did an absolutely exquisite design job of crafting one of the most beautiful and recognisable modern convertibles out there.

The front exudes Scandinavian simplicity and elegance whilst the rear and side profiles couldn't be anything but Saab. The headlight design is one of the finest I've seen with the simple eyebrow strip making it just so recognisable.

This one scapes itself in to the High Mile Club with 150,000 miles, although sitting in the sublime comfort of the premium leather seats, you wouldn't know it. It has some war wounds from its 13 year journey, but all easily repairable; the search has already begun for a whole host of interior upgrades to really finish it off like it deserves and a few more Hirsch parts found for the exterior too.

What really caught my eye was the super rare 19" Hirsch alloys, they're in poor condition, but again, they'll be fully refurbished and treated to a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4's very soon. It also has the full Hirsch suspension, 345mm brake upgrade, full performance exhaust and remap, making it another very desirable Saab to add to the collection.

Having been delivered late last night, I've only managed 50 miles in it, but absolutely taken by how little scuttle shake and wind noise this has compared to my previous Gen I convertibles, it genuinely feels far more planted but also a little less raw. The clutch feels very high, but again can easily be replaced with an uprated one before any further tuning begins if required.

All in all, a seriously great find, and one I'm very excited about working on alongside the current 9-5 Aero projects.

Variety

January 4, 2021 Eleven

…is the spice of life. Last week I borrowed the gorgeous Japan Racing JR18 rims from the Green Over Tan project, the Hirsch rims have been taken off for a full refurb and a new set of tyres fitted, so these were just meant to be temporary, problem is, I love the look of this Saab with these on.

I recently used the very same alloys on the ‘Café Racer Saab Aero, Matt Bronze and just the right size, they feel very much OE but manage to update the overall look and stance, I liked them so much I purchased another set, but now I have a genuine deliberation, keep these on the Hirsch 9-5 or keep the original Hirsch ones?

Both have merits, although I have a feeling this particular Saab should be kept original, the car features many other Hirsch performance parts so is a rare beast, so by removing the alloys, I think it would be changing the overall appeal of the car. I really am loving the look though, they’ll be exceptional on the green 9-5 Aero.

Hirsch Interior Design

December 23, 2020 Eleven

Well, this has been a rather slower process than I’d thought, but yesterday, I finally had all the individual parts fitted to the 9-5 Hirsch interior. I’d sourced a new Saab leather gear knob and gaiter, the dashboard has been wrapped in a 3D carbon and taking pride of place; the Hirsch style Nappa leather steering wheel beautifully handcrafted by the folks at Tunstyle again.

I’d not loved the fake metal dash and steering wheel insets on this generation 9-5 Aero and always felt they lacked the quality and level of detail older 9-5’s had, but with these changes, the interior now starts feeling a little more special, I’ve also found some black steering wheel controls which work a treat, overall, the whole look just feels more premium. There’s more work required on the interior yet, but this is a great start and I’m hugely happy with how it’s turned out.

The 900 Classic Icon

December 23, 2020 Eleven

The Hirsch 9-5 Aero went in the Malcolm Miles yesterday to be put back together, and I’d had my eye on a beautifully straight classic 900i convertible the had been at the garage for the past few months and they very kindly gave it to me as the loan car for the day.

Purchased from ACE Saab in Kensington back in 1990 and registered by its first owner in Piccadilly, Mayfair and its only had 3 further owners during its 30 year life.

Having owned a number of these in the past, it was easy to see how straight this one is, the underneath is totally rust free, an absolutely solid floor pan and sills, this is extremely rare, but apparently this convertible was taken to live in Portugal around 1997 and stayed there in the sun for nearly 20 years which could explain its solidness.

Although it’s far from perfect and has its usual foibles, its easy to see that it could be a gorgeous classic, having covered only 104,000 miles it drives smoothly; smoke free and pulls beautifully for a non Turbo model. It’ll be having plenty of tic shortly, full service, an new exhaust, new discs and pads, fresh cluster bulbs and a damn good clean.

With rare Winter blue skies above, I popped the roof down for an hour and enjoyed a truly fantastic country drive, the tan leather has aged beautifully, the mohair hood has been replaced and it has an exceptionally rare Tonneau cover to keep the hood safely tucked away, it was a real pleasure.

It has some surface body rust that’ll easily fixed, and the interior needs some love to get back to immaculate, but all I could think it that this will make someone a very useable and unusually solid classic Saab 900 convertible. It’ll be far sale in the new year, and can’t help thinking it’ll make excellent value at circa £5000, maybe the perfect project for someone looking for a bit of classic driving in the Summer.

If anyone’s interested, mail me and I’ll pass on the details of the seller.

Details Matter

December 18, 2020 Eleven

It's been a few weeks since i've done an update on the current Aero builds, sadly, due to a lack of B12 Pro-Kits coming out of Bilstein currently, we've had to put the Green Aero on hold until we have all the parts ready to progress, we've been told January, so fingers crossed for that one.

I've been slowly making progress on the Hirsch 9-5; after all of the mechanicals were sorted back in October, the car has been driving absolutely beautifully, we've got to make a few adjustments on the new gear linkage, as 5th is hard to select and the Hirsch alloys will be coming off and going for a full refurbish together with a new set of rubber and balancing.

The main focus has been sorting the worn interior out, an exceptional flat base Nappa leather steering wheel has arrived from the folks at TunStyle, and as always, I truly feel to quality and craftsmanship is better than the genuine Hirsch ones I used to have, it really is a thing of beauty. I've got a new genuine Saab leather gear knob, gear gaiter and handbrake gaiter to fit, a new dashboard has been carefully wrapped in 3D carbon and the ugly Parrot system and wires will all be removed. The door card decorative strips have also had the carbon wrap and will be reinstalled next week together with a set of gorgeous MapTun carpets.

I'm still a little undecided about the seats, as usual, the dark fabric inserts are crumbling whilst the leather parts have worn beautifully, the cutting corners with materials really does show in these later 9-5s and just don't hold up as well as the earlier 'Saab' models, I might go with my heart and recover the entire seat set in a better quality Bridge of Weir leather, but always concerned that the value of these Saabs just don’t warrant that level of spend sadly.

As always, I'm truly inspired by the people out there that continue to work hard to craft parts to keep our Saabs looking sharp, in reality, it is getting harder to rescue them, the lack of Bilstein suspension kits has really hit me this time - will this continue to be the case, will Brexit make is far harder for the UK to get parts from the global community? will we slowly run out of Saabs worth rescuing? For now though, I have 2 beautiful Aeros that deserve to be pampered.

Hirsch Edition 9-5

December 3, 2020 Eleven

It’s been a few months since I collected the Hirsch 9-5 and I have to say, I love this thing, yes, even the ‘Dame Edna’ front lights. I reserve judgement on whether I’ll be keeping the full chrome look, but going from not liking it at all to really liking it has surprised even me.

We’ve concentrated on the mechanical side first and foremost, the sump has been dropped and cleaned, with fresh oil, filters and plugs, it’s had a new Saab DI pack and we’ve also replaced the gear linkage as it had become a little sloppy, the DI pack has cleared up the slight hiccup it had on full throttle and it runs ridiculously well again.

I’m always surprised at just how exceptional these hugely rare Hirsch editions are, they made such a difference to both performance and handling and really did create a wonderfully rounded executive saloon. The power is smoothly delivered throughout the gear changes and being a manual allows you to use ever drop of of the 300+ hp on tap, what’s more, because it has the upgraded Hirsch intercooler, the power remain consistent no matter what the weather’s like outside.

The Hirsch 18” wheels will be going in for a full refurbish and new Michelin tyres all round and then it’s on to the interior. all door cars have been removed and are currently having a refresh of the poor quality decretive strips, together with a new genuine Saab leather gearknob, new handbrake, gear gaiter and Nappa leather Hirsch steering wheel.

Finally it’ll go in for some minor bodywork including the rear arches, rear bumper and possible de chroming but that’s still to be decided. In the meantime, I’m thoroughly loving this Saab, it’l be a difficult choice whether to sell the Gen 1 Green over Tan 9-5 or this one.

Caped Crusader

November 24, 2020 Eleven

It’s always a privilege to share Saabs from around the globe, especially ones that are obviously loved and exceptionally well cared for. This beautiful 9-3 SE convertible spends its life in the warmth of Cape Town, South Africa.

According to its owner, Kurt ‘The original owner cheated and didn't buy an Aero, but chose the larger Turbo Aero spec together with a wooden and leather steering wheel, leather gear stick and all the pretty stuff, god bless him’.

With its utterly original specification including 15” three spoke ALU20 wheels it’s a thing of beauty and I can only imagine how it feels to drive along the West Coast Road toward Grooto Bay, roof down and enjoying the warm South African air.

Free Saab*

November 18, 2020 Eleven

Since 2011 I’ve been happily photographing, writing and sharing stories about Saabs, mostly mine, but some others that have grabbed my attention, together with stories about folks who are also dedicated to keeping our Saabs on the road, oh and creating the Saab High Mile Club of course.

But, for a while now it’s felt a bit one sided, does anyone really read or need Saab vs. Scepticism? is it just a personal journey for me to enjoy? or does it actually go out into the big wide world and inspirer other Saab folks?

So, how about a bit of Free Saab Talk? ( *sorry, not actually a free Saab involved but got you reading ), how about others getting in touch, commenting or contributing to this Saab archive. If nothing else, I’d truly love to know if it helps or inspires other people.

Comment below or send me a Saab Story with photos

Holy Grail

October 26, 2020 Eleven

Over the past 20+ years, there's only been a couple of Saabs I've genuinely regretted selling, I love them all of course, but some are just slightly more special than the rest. My old Gen II Hirsch Aero for instance.

As i'm already neck deep in the rescue of the green Gen I Aero, I wasn't specifically looking for another just yet, but once you begin, even for a moment, it's bloody hard to stop. I'd spotted a rather nice black Aero saloon on Ebay and not only was it a rarer manual, but it had a very generous list of Hirsch performance parts from new, and as any true Saabist will know, that's kind of the Holy Grail.

It comes with the iconic 18" 6 spoke alloys, the downpipe and stainless steel duel exhaust, intercooler, induction kit, fuel regulator, 345mm brakes and lowered suspension. But, it did have a personal downside; it was a Gen III, the rather less popular final update of the original 9-5 Aero, the one with the odd light surrounds and less stylish bumpers.

Having said that, I've already begun to like it's irregular beauty, yes I'll be doing some visual modifications, but I do like the twin round headlights and the large single centre grille, I also like the rear lights and bumper with the Hirsch diffuser and twin exhaust, and the Aero boot spoiler just finishes it all off nicely.

It needs some tlc; the usual sump drop, oil change, DI pack, plugs etc will be done, together with a bespoke remap to make the most of the Hirsch goodies. It needs some bodywork doing and some interior changes, but it really is a very special Saab, this might just be the keeper.

First Class Cabin

October 14, 2020 Eleven

Alongside my lifelong love affair with Saab, I also have a bit on the side; air cooled Porsches. In that world, it's not unusual to see folks ripping their entire interior out of their pride and joy and reimagining it to suit their personality, In fact, I did just that with my last 964 build and plan to do it again on my latest 993, but rarely have I seen it done to a Saab, until now.

I've been excitedly following a complete interior refit of a Saab Turbo X from Tartu, Estonia, where a design and trim specialist called Imredning has done an absolutely stunning job. The interior, in a deep rich brown colour features in-house handwoven leather door panels using a mixture of Alcantra and Nappa leather, genuine carbon fibre and some exceptional type embossing including 'Move Your Mind'. The dashboard and seats are all trimmed with matching Nappa leather and the contrasting orange stitching is exquisite.

Hopefully I'll get more photos of the completed project soon, but for now, just wanted to share and congratulate both the trimmer and owner for investing such care into yet another very special Saab.

Imrening Design | Instagram

Aeroriginal Green over Tan Edition

September 24, 2020 Eleven

Made in Sweden, the first generation Saab 9-5 has a purity of design the later models lost, it's also one of my all time favourite Saabs. They're getting exceptionally rare to find now, especially with service history, low miles and only a few owners, add a ridiculously rare colour to the mix and it'd be hard the beat.

As I continue to do my best to search out Saab Aeros that have a few unique touches, my latest find literally stopped me in my tracks, smitten from the moment I saw it, Scarabégrön (aka Scarab Green) with the always luxurious Sand leather interior. 4 owners from new, full service history with reputable Saab specialists and only 83,000 miles, it was expensive, but as a foundation for my next Aeroriginal, it seemed to tick all the boxes.

I've been trusting sellers lately and buying some of my projects without seeing them, after all, I pretty much tear them apart and replace anything that's not right and it's been ok, until now. The new 9-5 Aero arrived a few days ago and I felt so disappointed it almost put me off going any further, it's got small dents everywhere, the bodywork has been over-sprayed by what looks like a child with a spray can, the front spoiler falling off, fog light broken, interior worn and a number of fittings broken.

But then I took it for a drive and to my surprise, it was one of the smoothest, rattle free early 9-5s I've ever bought, it still feels lovely and sharp despite all of it shortcomings, yes the heat either blows ice cold or boiling hot, half the console buttons are either covered in dirt or worn out and there's enough dirt on the carpet to have been lived in by pigs. But that's half the point of my Aeroriginal Saabs, to rescue one's that have potential, and this one has plenty.

Before being taken to Malcom Miles for it's thorough work over, i've started to collect the parts required to make it feel special again, the amazing folks at Perry & Prouse Saab in Somerset have saved some late Sand leather front Aero seats for me, more sculptured and far more comfortable, it's an upgrade hard not to love. A new set of leather lined door cards to replace the filthy velour lined ones, a new armrest, new dashboard, new Nappa leather steering wheel, new SID, new foglights, new rear light cluster, all to give it that love it truly deserves.

I'll also be doing my normal touches; Bilstein B8 suspension, Powerflex bushes, braided brake lines, Tarox Sport Japan drilled, grooved and vented brakes, APH downpipe, Jetex stainless steel exhaust, DO88 intercooler, Noob Stage 3+ remap and plenty more.

We'll then move on to the bodywork and for now, I'm leaving it untouched, once i've got it driving and handling exactly how I imagine, it'll go in for cosmetic surgery to have it looking great again. I truly believe these early Saab 9-5 are iconic, they've turned out to be utterly reliable, beautifully built and a modern classic car that has an understated luxury and presence that makes you feel special.

I doubt this is going to be a cheap project, but after living with if for a couple of days, i've fallen for it, my first Green over Tan Aeroriginal.

Mission Complete

September 11, 2020 Eleven

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.

Aux In. Tunes Out.

August 8, 2020 Eleven

Without fail, owners of older Saabs will have faced the same problem, want to hold on to the super cool looking OE stereo but have no simple way of connecting their phone to allow for all you favourite tunes to blast out.

Endless hours of research always pointed me back to one solution, the CD Connect Aux function from Skyddet in Sweden. It a simple little gadget that replaces your CD multi changer connection, it's all totally invisible besides a discreet 3.5mm Aux jack that can be fitted to a black button on your dash somewhere.

After fitting one to the Viggen, it works beautifully; sounds clear, crips and loud, pretty much all it needs to do, however, it doesn't offer any control via the head unit besides the volume, which is a shame, but a small price to pay to keep the Saab looking sweet. Not cheap at £180 but highly recommended if your Saab aesthetic is important to you.

CDConnect Aux | Skyddet Sweden

The Rains Came

August 6, 2020 Eleven

…Just, but enough for me to run outside and see how well the detail on the Viggen had worked. I don’t think I’m alone in getting a bit excited about some tiny beads of rain sitting atop newly detailed paintwork and fabric, it’s one of those simple pleasures that just makes any petrolhead smile.

From early signs, it seems as though the Fabsil Gold on the roof has worked a treat, keeping to interior dry and cosy whilst the Soft99 Fusso has worked equally well on the Lightening Blue paintwork, reassuring considering it’s been sat in hibernation for the past 5 years. I’ll looked forward to a proper English downpour with fingers crossed next.