For each Saab Aero I rescue, I try to add a few small touches of individuality, modifications that subtly enhance the aesthetics of the build, drivability, comfort or handling. Not all of these can be bought 'off the shelf' of course, and these beautifully crafted metal mesh grilles are one of those items.

I originally commissioned Fraser to make one of these for an early build, a 9-3 HOT Aero, closely followed by another early 9-5 Aero. Each time they arrived, I was reminded of the care and attention that had gone in to making them, the metal mesh neatly finished and tucked under the original Saab grille frame, the condition of the outer frames he'd sourced, the quality of coating when I'd chosen to have them in Satin Black.

The grilles help create the overall visual impact of the car, and whilst the original forms are kept totally identifiable, the mesh adds a small point of difference which helps sets an Aeroriginal apart from other Aeros.

Many have asked about having one of these grilles made, so I’ve spoken to Fraser and he’s happy to take more commissions, depending on the donor grille, prices start from around £120.

Bespoke Mesh Grille | Fraser Davison

Imagination, creativity and craftsmanship have long been associated with Saab, but in recent years, these skills have had to be lovingly upheld by the owners and diehards instead, the ones that can make things happen themselves.

When any car becomes a 'modern classic' it takes people like that to keep them alive and on our roads, parts might become rarer and difficult to find, but it also empowers us to be a little more creative in finding alternative solutions.

Obviously, the foundations are usually in place for us to be inspired by, folks like MapTun and Hirsch, Nordic Tuning and Abbott Racing have all given us desirable enhancements for our Saabs in the past but all too often these are no longer available.

This is where a bit of Saab craft comes in. I recently started to discuss a bespoke mesh grille with a lovely guy and a fellow Saabist. Turns out he's been reimagining Saab grilles for a while now, he sources perfect original plastic and chrome frames and then proceeds to adapt them, adding chrome mesh similar to Abbott Racing and Hirsch ones of the past.

I wanted to go a little further and create a satin black frame with a louver style anodised black mesh for my 9-5 Aero instead. After a few weeks, my bespoke grille has arrived and what a difference it's made, the Aero front feels updated yet timeless, it enhances the 'black edition' look and gives a subtly aggressive stance to a 17 year old Saab.

Whilst we have folks like this around, our Saabs have very bright and exciting futures, imagination leads to unique and interesting Saabs for us all to enjoy and admire, and allows to share them with future generations.

Need a bespoke grille handmade in the UK? Contact the craftsman here.