Nordic takeover at Caffeine & Machine

September 19, 2023 Eleven

As if by miracle, the torrential rains took a break, the skies cleared and the winds died down to watch over another gathering of our Swedish creations at the inimitable Caffeine and Machine last night.

As the clock rolled on and the sunlight faded, more and more inspirational Saabs rolled in; 2 900 Carlssons graced us with their presence, whilst many 93’s of all generations proved how timeless their design is over and over again, from an early jewel like blue HOT Aero with tan interior to a superb last generation Griffin V6 black convertible.

The silver Hirsch 95 Sportwagon made its inaugural appearance and joined a few other 95s including a beautifully modified silver Aero, and a seriously desirable last generation 95 TTiD Aero saloon in black with tan leather; a real vision of what Saab had in store for us if it wasn’t for their untimely disappearance.

Caffeine and Machine did it’s thing and gave us a backdrop of hospitality and style, food and drink as good as ever and plenty of friendly faces from the Saab community to while away a few hours with.

For a Monday evening it was an impressive showing and more than enough Saabs to wonder around and gather a few great photos. Looking forward to the next one, and thanks goes to Steve from Saab Club GB for organising it and bringing us all together again.

Saabs United GB

May 30, 2023 Eleven

One of the many reasons I love Saab, is their ability to bring people together from all walks of life; the standard definition of a Saab owner no longer applies. That makes for a gathering full of conversation, laughter and a united interest.

For a second year, the folks at SaabsUnitedGB have created a fantastic event with over 200 Saabs gathered under the wings of historic planes at Newark Air Museum. A fitting backdrop to show off our pride and joy, with everything from the spectacular Granturismo 850 and immaculate 9000 Carlsson to highly modified 9-3s and iconic 900 Turbos.

As I walked around rows and rows of Saabs shining in the morning sun, coffee in hand and an inviting smell of food cooking on the nearby BBQ, I caught moments of conversation; an older couple had turned up in an impeccable Imola Red 9000 Carlsson, straw hats and stylishly dressed, their many Saab adventures proudly displayed on their windscreen with numerous event stickers. People polishing their alloys whilst others talked about engine mods, or setting up chairs and tables near their Saabs for a day in the company of friends.

Two highly modified, Kent Saab 9-3s stood out for their vibrant colours, impeccable stance and attention to detail, a stunning, bright orange Sonnet II was getting a load of interest, and one of the nicest 9-3 TTiD Sport Combis I’ve ever seen was carefully parked with one of the museum’s aircraft in the background. It was great to see a number of NG 9-5’s there too, it makes you realise how advanced Saab design was, as they look as fresh today as they did back in 2009.

My own Turbo X, recently reunited with a working engine, carried me flawlessly to Newark and joined a few other Turbo X on show, whilst the car it honours; the 900 Turbo, was aptly parked just a row away in gleaming black with an immaculate sand leather interior; my ultimate 900 colour combo.

A memorable day, and one that highlights that the fierce loyalty for Saab is still alive and well, their guardians might not all be Creatives, Architects and Doctors any longer, but with so much love for the brand, I feel our cars are now in good hands and we’ll enjoy many more years of likeminded gatherings like this. Thanks to all at SaabsUnited GB for organising such a great day.

Next up; Caffeine & Machine.

Dead Hour Driving

April 18, 2023 Eleven

Silenced neighbourhoods, desolate streets and empty roads, when it seems like the entire world is safely behind locked doors and curtained windows, that’s the time to drive, like truly drive.

An almost bewitching sense of freedom and reverence - you, your car and endless opportunity to journey, anywhere, everywhere.

Old Saabs whisper their way through silent streets and once on to open roads, the instantaneous rush of the Turbo projects you towards the distance, no destination in mind. Window down no matter what the weather, just to listen to the soundtrack to another perfect drive. There’s a rawness to older Saabs, they allow an affinity with the roads that no new car can dream of matching, an analogue experience delivered by an intelligently engineered machine.

Mile after mile of not knowing where you’ll end up, see an interesting road and turn on to it, truckers and other dead hour drivers are virtually the only other people on the roads, silenced passage to your unknown destination.

I think it’s a part of life not many people understand, or even want to, it has no real purpose, no real result. Except the people that do get it, live by it, freedom and space to be totally immersed in the beauty of driving, a bond with your car and space to strip away complicated thoughts - simplicity for a few dark golden hours.

Road Trip

November 2, 2022 Eleven

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As with every Saab Aero I rescue and modify, I like to get a good amount of driving time and enjoyment in before they continue their journey with a new family. It gives me a chance to really feel the car and discover if there's anything I'm not happy with; handling, noises, electrics etc.

I decided to take the Silver 9-5 Aero on a road trip to the inspirational Peak District, all in, around 250 miles and a good balance of fast motorway and winding country roads, the Saab performed faultlessly as I'd hoped. I have to remind myself that I'm sitting in a 22 year old car with 140,000 miles under its belt, not only that, but less than six months ago, it was a non runner with a broken oil cooler and burst pipes.

This is an agile process, one of repetition, chunks of work followed by a shake down, more work and then the same again until I'm happy with how the car looks, feels and drives. A long road trip tends to bring out the best and worst in a car, you begin to learn its idiosyncrasies, its strengths and weaknesses.

A longer drive gives the Saab an opportunity to properly warm up, the auto gearbox becomes silky smooth and quickly learns to use its newly acquired 275hp beautifully, responsive yet relaxed and when the mood takes you, effortless power to quickly and safely reach any destination with a smile on your face.

The 9-5's unique gift though, is its ability to sooth and comfort its passengers, the seats are supremely soft and luxurious, in Winter it provides heat and when Summer comes, the Prestige leather option offers cooling too. The dashboard always feels right, a familiar layout with everything accessible, the buttons and instrument cluster bright and clear and when night falls, the Night Panel boosts concentration to help you arrive home safely.

Given that the factory audio is also 22 years old, it still pleasantly surprises with its clarity and depth. An upgraded Harman Kardon system with 3 powerful amplifiers feeding 9 perfectly positioned speakers. No, it doesn't offer Bluetooth or even Aux In, but there's a real beauty in choosing your set of CD's for a long journey.

I arrived home in the evening after spending several hours in the 9-5, I just can’t help falling for them, they’re understated, comfortable, safe and above all, becoming exceptionally rare, and all of this for less than five thousand pounds, yes please.

2000 Silver 9-5 Aero £4500 | Aeroriginal

A Road Trip to...

May 8, 2019 Eleven

…Cardigan, North Wales. Firstly, this is more about driving than it is about cars, and dare I say it, not all journeys need to be in a Saab, it helps, but let’s face it, a great Road Trip is a great Road Trip and if you love driving as much as I do, it’s pretty much always as exciting as the destination itself.

I was heading out to Makers & Mavericks, an event hosted by the inspirational jeans company, Hiut Denim based in Cardigan, North Wales and what promised to be 500 miles of pure driving pleasure.

The initial part of the journey to Wales is always laborious, 50 mph speed restrictions, endless traffic and mind numbing roads, but patience is a virtue and you’ll soon find yourself driving along immaculate roads and winding your way through ever more beautiful landscapes. Hit the A44 running alongside the River Wye and you’ll quickly gain altitude with majestic snow capped Alpine forests on one side and wild open mountainside the other, take the opportunity to turn off the main A44 and embrace the majestic wind farms and shear beauty of the valleys nearby.

A little further on and in to the valley with endless tree lined, sun dappled roads, wind down the windows and enjoy the raw, visceral sounds of the engine bouncing off the tress and hillside rocks. this opens up on to the A487 coastal road with immaculate sparkling blue ocean views and slate lined beaches, eventually leading to my temporary market town home.

After a weekend of meeting some inspirational and exceptionally talented creatives, I had the pleasure of the return journey home, and it didn’t disappoint.