Although I couldn’t spend the entire weekend at the this year’s SAABFEST, I did manage to visit on Sunday for a few hours, and what a turnout. I took the wonderful 9000 T18, and the 150 mile round trip was an absolute pleasure, it quickly joined the rows and rows of Saabs gathered, from early 93 and 95 classics, through to some of the final edition 9-3 and 9-5’s and every conceivable model inbetween, including a lone Sonnett.
The weather was again, absolutely superb, sunlight reflecting on spotless cars, convertible roofs down, bonnets open revealing their pampered hearts, and boots full of genuine Saab goodies to rummage through and buy. Hosted at Foxfield Railway in Stoke-on-Trent, the Saabs had been given designated areas that loosely split the earlier cars from the later ones - classics and modern classics shall we say, but it’s all too easy to forget that all of them are at least 15 years old now, despite looking so timeless.
Every year, I’m excited to quietly wander around an ever changing collection, I find them inspiring to study, the perfectionist cars, nut and bolt restorations that could have just rolled off the production line, the driven cars with their stories to tell and inviting patina, and the highly modified cars, with every conceivable detail changed to enhance these amazing Saabs.
It’s also a pleasure to meet some of the owners, ask about their pride and joy, and generally soak up the vibe for a few hours. Also a shout out for the organisers, they do such a wonderful job of bringing all of these cars and people together, and a special mention to Elli - it’s always an absolute joy to see his smiling face at these Saab Owners Club events.
This is my small collection of photos, Saabs I find interesting and inspiring, small details that make the difference between a good and great car, photos of the people and faces that bring the event to life. I always feel privileged to be a part of such a welcoming community, wear no one is excluded or frowned upon for doing something a bit different from the rest, after all, that what Saabs are all about - Moving your mind.