I've always had a bit of a thing about the illumination in cars, so much so that whenever I buy a new car, I make a point of going out for a night drive, just to see how the interior looks and feels after dark. Having had over 30 Saabs, this pleasure still shows no sign of diminishing and despite knowing exactly have each model looks, I still can't help myself.

That first night drive inevitably leads to a 'to-do list' though; missing pixels, blown bulbs and worn buttons, and whilst this is a slightly easier challenge for the later models, the 9000 Aero has been more difficult with parts far harder to source.

After a few months though, I have a dashboard to be proud of, the aftermarket stereo has been replaced with an original radio and tape unit together with a separate CD unit and amplifier, the climate control unit has been replaced as have a number of bulbs in the instrument cluster, and whilst there isn't illumination, the wonderfully retro cup and coin holder adds a perfect finishing touch to the overall beauty.

Those with an eye for detail will notice the 217,000 miles, of course it’s a Saab 9000 Aero which has an almost legendary reputation for covering huge milage without issue, but to also get one with that milage and looking as great as this, that makes me a happy man.

The Hirsch 9-5 Aero went in the Malcolm Miles yesterday to be put back together, and I’d had my eye on a beautifully straight classic 900i convertible the had been at the garage for the past few months and they very kindly gave it to me as the loan car for the day.

Purchased from ACE Saab in Kensington back in 1990 and registered by its first owner in Piccadilly, Mayfair and its only had 3 further owners during its 30 year life.

Having owned a number of these in the past, it was easy to see how straight this one is, the underneath is totally rust free, an absolutely solid floor pan and sills, this is extremely rare, but apparently this convertible was taken to live in Portugal around 1997 and stayed there in the sun for nearly 20 years which could explain its solidness.

Although it’s far from perfect and has its usual foibles, its easy to see that it could be a gorgeous classic, having covered only 104,000 miles it drives smoothly; smoke free and pulls beautifully for a non Turbo model. It’ll be having plenty of tic shortly, full service, an new exhaust, new discs and pads, fresh cluster bulbs and a damn good clean.

With rare Winter blue skies above, I popped the roof down for an hour and enjoyed a truly fantastic country drive, the tan leather has aged beautifully, the mohair hood has been replaced and it has an exceptionally rare Tonneau cover to keep the hood safely tucked away, it was a real pleasure.

It has some surface body rust that’ll easily fixed, and the interior needs some love to get back to immaculate, but all I could think it that this will make someone a very useable and unusually solid classic Saab 900 convertible. It’ll be far sale in the new year, and can’t help thinking it’ll make excellent value at circa £5000, maybe the perfect project for someone looking for a bit of classic driving in the Summer.

If anyone’s interested, mail me and I’ll pass on the details of the seller.