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.