A Saab for Autumn

September 21, 2022 Eleven

I recently came across this absolutely beautiful Saab 99 GLE for sale in Finland and had to share it. Back in 1967, Sixten Sason headed up the design of a car that through a number of generations, would lead us to arguably the most iconic Saab ever built; the 900 Turbo.

The timeless elegance and wonderful colour combination on this particular 99 appeal to my love of retro, a way to escape the less than inspiring modern world, driving along Autumnal roads, burnt orange leaves lazily drifting in its passing presence.

Clasanteri, the Finish dealer currently selling the Saab, explain the car in more detail :

In 1967, the completely new Saab 99 was introduced. The body of the Saab was wide and low two-door saloon, which was later supplemented with a hatchback Combi coupé in 1974 and a five-door saloon in 1976.

From the 92 model to the 96 model, Saab had preferred two-stroke engines in its cars until the mid-1960s. However, it was decided to equip the new model with a four-stroke power source, which Saab acquired from Triumph. The Slant-4 engine was 87 horsepower and in the first Saab 99 models it was 1.7-liter. The modern equipment was electric fan, as well as disc brakes and rack and pinion steering.

This light brown original Saab 99 was bought by baker E. Vuorinen from Vanhalinna on May 25, 1971. Triumph had just upgraded the Saab’s powerplant to an 1850cc engine. Vuorinen sold the car after four years on April 4, 1975 to O. Pesanno in Lieto, who kept the car for more than 20 years until February 27, 1996.

The car still remained in Varsinais-Suomi and it was transferred to Jari Hoikkala in Turku. The next owner was T. Nironen from Littoinen, Turku region, who kept the car for only one year. On August 24, 1999, Saab was sold to North Karelia, for mr. J. Kerminen and the following year 2000 to E. Riikonen.

Riikonen restored the car thoroughly and the car was registered as a museum on September 25, 2000. There are plenty of documents about the restoration. Riikonen kept the car until 2022, when car enthusiasts M. Kakko and E. Riikonen exchanged Saabs with each other. Saab 99 came back to Varsinais-Suomi region, where it was spent its earlier years.

1971 Saab 99 GLE €12,800 | Clasanteri

Saab Sourcery

April 28, 2021 Eleven

When there's a new Saab project on the horizon, I find it increasingly difficult to relent in my search for parts, in fact, I find it one of the most enjoyable stages of the build. I'll spend hours looking at old brochures and images to see what works best; interior, exterior, engine mods, stance, wheels, even colours.

For many years, I've wanted what I class as one of the very best Saabs ever built; the 9000 Aero, and I think I've finally found the perfect one for me. It's a 1996 Scarab Green with Dover Interior, it's covered decent miles at 212,000, but for a 9000, that's relatively low and best of all, it's a manual with minimal rust.

One of the most exceptional design features of the Saab 9000 Aero is the interior. Beyond its time in both style and substance, the curvaceous seats, designed by Recaro are things of beauty, and even today, not many seats have come close to beating them for comfort of support, and then there's the absolutely gorgeous dashboard and centre console, full of analogue beauty, functionality and old school longevity.

Sadly, it's had the original stereo removed and a poor replacement fitted and that's where my sourcing began, I've already found a perfect tape deck with amplifier, but better still, I noticed the donor car also had a rather fantastic compartment with pop out coin tray and cupholders which I just couldn't resist.

I was also lucky enough to have procured a rather lovely full Aero interior a few years back, Rocky leather with all seats and door cards in amazing condition, so if the Dover interior feels a little too light, I'll be doing a full swap out for my reserve interior which might suit the Scarab Green even better.

The search continues for more parts, a wood and leather wheel is already on its way, but I'll be on the lookout for wood door caps and latch surrounds next.

Shady Character

March 25, 2019 Eleven

Each new day brings a reminder that Spring is well and truly underway, it’s one of the most amazing times of the year here in England - warm sun, cool breezes, trees, hedges and fields turning green again, a beautifully fresh scent in the air and of course the most important of all - dry, clean roads.

Drop the windows in the 9-5 and enjoy the sounds - the subtle turbo whistle as you accelerate, the deep bubble of the sports exhaust and the seamless power leading you on your journey, no destination in mind, just the joy of the drive.

On mornings like this, I take my trusty old Leica and head out looking for the perfect spots for a quick photo, the Saab isn’t clean and shiny, it’s dusty and enjoyed, but find a peaceful lane and the sun and shade create the perfect feel for a few photos of this timeless car. More and more I’m enjoying the Gen1 over most other 9-5’s i’ve owned, the Carbon Grey with the Matt Black Carlsson Turbo X alloys give it a menacing stance and with the updated interior, I can’t think of many other cars I’d rather drive through Spring in.

Inside Information

December 29, 2018 Eleven

Despite all of the ‘Born from Jets’ clichés that surround Saab, there can be little argument that the interiors share similar design details. From the green and orange illumination, beautifully crafted switchgear and toggle operated air vents to the genuinely unique ‘night panel’ function, ball joint map light, simple but effective ‘fasten seatbelt’ and the wonderfully functional fold out cupholder - a Saab interior can never be mistaken for any other marque.

Investing time and energy in to refreshing the interiors of all of my Saab projects has been an enduring love affair, worn buttons and blown bulbs replaced, leather cleaned, dyed and fed, carpets thoroughly cleaned and mats replaced with factory originals, hinges and locks lubricated and any squeaks and rattles detected and resolved.

Above all, I’m always amazed at just how hard wearing and timeless these interiors are, this 9-5 for example, was manufactured in March 2001, some seventeen years ago, it’s covered nearly 100,000 miles, had 3 previous owners and yet the interior could easily be mistaken for that of a new car, even the leather seats still offer an entirely unique aroma, one that is just so Saab and is an absolute joy to spend time in, it’s both relaxed and reassuringly refined.

I’ve sourced and fitted an original Saab carbon fibre dashboard rather than the plain grey one, and am currently searching for a 2001 sat nav head unit and rear parcel shelf bass speakers, but other than that, I can’t wait to just sit back and enjoy this unique and timeless interior a little more.