Black is Back

April 3, 2023 Eleven

The Saab 9-3 Turbo X is the true heir to the classic Saab Turbos of the 1970s and 1980s. It is a limited edition model and is only available in Jet Black metallic paint as an homage to the original Saab 900 Turbo. So take a good look, a car like this only comes around every thirty years.

Thirty years ago, Saab stunned the automotive world by revealing its first turbocharged model. Now, with the Saab 9-3 Turbo X, for the first time Saab unleashes turbo power through XWD (cross wheel drive), an innovative all-wheel drive system. Thanks to “rightsizing” the 280PS, 2.8 V6 Turbo engine has the characteristics of a V8 engine: 400Nm of torque and an acceleration of 0–60mph in 5.4 seconds. As if this wasn’t enough, the sport chassis, brakes and electronic control systems combine to give you the drive of your life.

Purity of Design

May 8, 2019 Eleven

When it comes to wheel design, not many marques got it quite so right as Saab, they seemed to create an endless array of beautifully simple styles that remain just as timeless today as they did the year they were launched. From the early Inca and Aero wheels, the later double Y spokes and brutal nailhead wheels they’ve all kept a purity of Scandinavian design that’s hard to beat with any aftermarket alloys.

On my current project, the 9-3 Aero convertible, it already has a set of iconic nailheads, but I’ve always been tempted to push the size up slightly to a set of 18” and only one original Saab design keeps me coming back for more, the Turbo X. After fitting a set of the rarer 19” Carlsson versions to the 9-5 Aero project, it seems only right that the 9-3 should be treated equally, so once the brakes have been totally replaced, we’ll see how they look, I’ve only ever seen them on one other og 9-3 Aero and they looked exceptional.

Aero Rescue Mission

April 12, 2019 Eleven

Not one to do anything by halves, I’ve jumped right in at the deep end with the second Aeroriginal, an iconic first generation 9-3 HOT Aero convertible, straight silver with (what used to be) black roof.

A Gumtree find and currently non running, it has been sitting sadly in a Welsh field for the past year, the rear brakes are completely seized, the engine is pretty much had it and requires replacing, and the interior has a velvet-like covering of mould.

Upside is, these things are truly stunning, the timeless Ian Cullum designed Aero body kit just never ages, and although the front bumper is badly ripped, it’s saveable and from initial inspection, the bodywork itself is exceptionally straight and rust free.

Interior wise I’m unsure if I can make the leather good again, deep cracks and a bad rip on the driver’s bolster seem make it seem unlikely, but I’ll reserve judgement for now, the original stereo unit has vanished, so has one door speaker, ashtray and even the leather gearknob, but again, all fixable.

Right now, the next stage will be to give the underneath a good inspection and make sure it’s solid, then breaks freed, engine out and begin the uphill battle to save another gorgeous Saab Aero.