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.