Back in January last year, I spotted this spectacular Saab 9-5 Aero at a dismantlers, it was being sold as a spares car, after a few conversations, it seemed like this had been a much loved Saab, but for some reason, had ended up here; no log book, no manuals etc, just a rather down on it’s luck Saab, low milage at 72,000 and only 3 previous owners.
Not one to be put off by lost bits of paperwork, and being in my favourite colour combination of green over tan, I couldn’t let this one go. I bought it, had it transported directly to my Saab specialist, and let the process begin.
Early positive news, the car was in remarkably good condition, yes, it was filthy inside, yes, it had vegetation growing out of its joints, and yes, a forklift had crushed the side skirts enough to need replacing, but overall, remarkably rust free. The bad news, it seemed to have the oil light on at low tickover after warming up, we changed the oil pump, cleaned the oil pickup and sump etc, gave it a thorough recommission and service, and the oil light vanished, for about 200 miles.
Now the fun started, it not only come back on, but very quickly turned in to the unnerving clattering and tapping soundtrack we all dread, I limped it back in to the garage and left it for a full diagnosis; new engine needed. With a stroke of luck, a donor Aero was offered to me with a decent engine and plenty of nice upgrades, I took the opportunity to buy a load of the elements I like to add to each project, and also had a replacement bottom end.
The work was carried out and it drove absolutely beautifully for a few weeks, so the bodywork repairs were commissioned; new side skirts replaced, rear lower arches cut out, welded and leaded, front bumper, passenger wing and Abbott Racing boot lip all sanded down and repainted, the Saab was starting to resemble the car I imagined it could be, the gorgeous ALU 56 alloys had been refurbished in satin anthracite with new Michelin PS4 rubber and now adorned the car, then, after just a few weeks, the dreaded oil light began to reappear.
The core issue hadn’t been fully identified, and to be honest, we still don’t know exactly what caused it, but we had to repeat the process again; a full Aero engine was sourced, and rebuilt, a another new MOT gained, and it’s back on the road once again. After the first few days, early signs are positive, but to be 100% I want to do a few serous road trips and really enjoy the car for a moment. It’s been a hard rescue, but from dismantlers to today, this Saab Aero deserved to be saved. Cleaned up and with its numerous enhancements, this is a Saab that had obviously been adored in the past and deserved to be again. Finger’s crossed we’ve beat the odds on this one, and a beautiful, rare specified Aero will enjoy many more years of life now.
What it cost
Graphite green Aero £1300
18” ALU56 alloys £340
4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4 £411
Full wheel refurbishment / satin anthracite £450
Donor car £1250:
Engine
Bilstien shocks
Eibach springs
Polybushed subframe
Upgraded Intercooler
Upgraded brakes
JT 3” exhaust £500
Welding, bodywork and paint £1500
2nd Aero engine £750
Mechanical inc. ancillary parts, oil, filters etc £2000
NoobTune Stage 3 £90
Genuine Saab badges £100
Approximately £8691