It took me a little while to believe this; a 2010 Saab 9-3 SportCombi 1.8t Turbo Edition with just four hundred and forty three miles, that’s one tank of fuel used since it left Sweden.

Finished in showroom condition, Nocturne Blue Metallic with 5 spoke ALU59 wheels and appointed leather in black, this is as close as you'll ever come to walking in to a Saab showroom and collecting your brand new SportCombi fourteen years ago.

Its owner; J, contacted me recently to share its story, truth be told, it has yet to start a real story, as this Saab has been silently waiting in a heated warehouse for the past twelve years. But this isn't J's first Saab, back in 1971 he owned a two stroke 96, followed by having the unique privilege of driving the very first Saab 99 Turbo to arrive in the UK, that lead him to own and drive two further non-turbo 99's throughout the years.

Then, in 2012, J purchased this beautifully understated 9-3 SportCombi from Saab Swansea with just 37 miles in readiness for his retirement car. It's twelve years on and he still hasn't found the time to retire, and the Saab has only ever been taken for a few drives, including trips for 3 MOT's since being purchased.

In J's words "I bought the car for use in my retirement, but find myself still working. I now have too many cars and would prefer to see this sold to a Saab enthusiast rather than being used as the taxi for the grandchildren".

I've been exceptionally tempted by this one myself, but feel it needs to be cherished and enjoyed left completely standard, and I for one, know I'd struggle to leave it alone. If anyone fancies turning back time by fourteen years, and buying themselves a brand new, Nocturne Blue Metallic Saab 9-3, this is quite possibly a unique opportunity to do exactly that. J doesn't have a specific figure in mind, but anyone interested can message here and I'll pass on your details.

I’ve long been rather jealous of the Netherland way of life, their laid back attitude, exceptional cuisine, beautiful cities, crisp clear air and endless driving roads, but reading about a company called Saab Youngtimer almost made me up sticks and move to the Netherlands.

Due to favourable company car tax schemes, any cars over 15 years old are only required to be taxed at 35% over their basic value, and as we all know, older Saabs are incredible value, so if you fancy a reimagined Saab for your company car, either leased or purchased, Saab Youngtimer might just be the perfect solution.

Youngtimer promotes an open conversation with their customers, what model, colour and spec do you prefer, fancy a 2nd generation 9-5 Sportwagon with 350hp, 480Nm and a Hirsch style steering wheel, no problem, oh, and you want that in Nardo Grey, no problem, yes, they’ll even repaint your dream Saab in the colour of your choice.

A 2004 9-3 convertible has been completely reimagined with full 2014 specification, and it really is a beautiful creation, and that colour.

Essentially, Youngtimer will source the perfect Saab for your needs and then put it through an impressive program for refurbishment and replacement, they use genuine Saab parts wherever possible and commission a series of bespoke parts when unavailable.

You end up with a nearly new Saab that has been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure longevity, reliability and enjoyment. Being a Saab of course, your young timer is pretty much a timeless design that you’re helping protect for the future and needless to say, it is a far more sustainable choice than opting for a brand new car.

They’ve left me dreaming about collecting my new youngtimer, experiencing the fresh, unique smell and comfort of a Saab leather interior as you climb in for the first time and heading out of Mappel towards Doosje on the N375, open countryside, trees, canals, the beginning of a new Saab journey

Saabs Reimagined in Holland | Saab Youngtimer Lease