Hooniverse Asks- What Saabs Would You Grab Up?
Grim fairy tale,
Once upon a time, there was a Swedish Airplane company that thought it might be a good idea to branch out into automobiles. Idiosyncratic and individualistic, the car arm of the company, while not exactly flourishing, survived for decades selling their quirky, but owner-beloved cars. Eventually, the cost of building autos in a nation of stoic blonde people with 16 weeks of paid vacation a year became financially untenable for the company, and they decided to offer themselves for sale. Eventually they were bought by one of the world’s largest car makers – a company that would itself shortly suffer significant financial hurdles.
That pecuniary misfortune led to the Swedish maker being cast off by the wounded titan, and they were forced to wander the vast economic wasteland, in search of another savior. At one point a benefactor seemed at hand, in the form of a beautiful but rare SWAN. Unfortunately, that maker of all things engine-turned was quickly revealed to be a false profit, and the faltering Swedish company was once again set adrift into the unremitting fiscal winter. Sadly, as is sometimes the case, the ardor of their devotees was not matched with monetary faculty, and despite much encouragement for their continued survival, just this week, the small Swedish auto company finally succumbed. The world today is a less quirky and interesting place for its passing.
Yeah, I know, what the SAAB story. Need a tissue? Anyway, now that Saab is kaput (do the say kaput in Sweden? Maybe Käpût?) they won’t be building Saabs any more, so this is obviously the ripe time to:
A. Pick up a rare and desirable model that will appreciate in value as an investment.
B. Grab that Saab you’ve always wanted and stock up on spares before they go the way of Elvis and, well, Saab.
If either of those options puts the Lingonberry in your pie, then what Saabs would you be hoarding?
Image source: [saabwagon.com]
Related posts:
For me, this is an easy one… Probably because I never really knew Saab before GM.
<img src="http://www.auto-power-girl.com/high-resolution-wallpapers/saab-turbo-x/saab-turbo-x-2008-38.jpg" width="500/">
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Saab_9-3_Turbo_X_Front.jpeg" width=500>
Also, it did the sinister thing better than just about any car since the Grand National.
Sonetts are looking pretty good to me – they're bone simple, distinctive, and built in small numbers. And the 99 EMS turbo was the first SAAB that really captured my imagination, so they're worth a look. My geometry teacher's 96 wagon was just too bizarre to get me hooked.
The last 9-5 may turn out to be very collectible, if they actually ever built any. I'd hold out for an Aero wagon with a five-speed, and the wackiest high line interior offered.
I'm a sucker for a Sonnet.
EDIT: Though I always spell it wrong. Stupid Shakespeare!
<img src="http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs19/f/2007/260/5/1/Saab_Sonett_II_V4_by_qmorley.jpg" width="500/">
It's perfectly understandable. After all, Shakespeare never had the advantage of driving a Sonett.
I am with you guys. My Sonett preference would be the Sonett III.
<img src="http://img.netcarshow.com/Saab-Sonett_III_1970_1600x1200_wallpaper_03.jpg" width="500">
I've wanted a Sonett III ever since I saw a green one in a magazine when I was 8. Possibly the first indication that my tastes were far from typical.
"My geometry teacher's 96 wagon…."
The wagon is Model 95, not 96.
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2461/5758646591_f68e2400fe.jpg" width="350">
This would be my choice but I prefer it in green so the moss doesn't show.
While Saab has made some cool cars I'll go with the complete heresy of the 9-7X Aero. It is a Trailblazer SS without the boy racer looks, but sadly only one front cup holder, since they had to put the ignition in a cup holder to make it a Saab. I also like the other anti-Saab the 9-2X Aero, except when I test drove one it felt like someone hit the center diff with a sledge hammer when a did a fast shift at full throttle. As far as semi-traditional Saabs go a 9000 Turbo might be nice. If I had unlimited amounts of time and money I would fit a Ferrari 288 GTO engine to a 9000. The 9000 was the same car as the Lancia Thema. The Lancia Thema 8.32 came with a Ferrari V-8. How hard could it be?
<img src="http://mycarblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/saab-900-aes-1.jpg">
900 Turbo for funstuffs and daily driving.
For a collector car, I would pick up the Saab Jerry Seinfeld drove in, uh, Seinfeld.
0-60 in under 6 seconds? I will also take one of these:
<img src="http://saabcarsite.com/saab-pics/2008-saab-9-7x-aero-16.jpg" width=550>
9-7x Areo
The most powerful Saab ever sold. Probably the heaviest too.
No probably about it.
I think the answer is none. They've never done anything for me, and that is even after I've raced 2.5 LeMons races in a 900 Turbo. Anyone who knows the story of my last LeMons race 3 weekends ago knows that Saab is a word that I'd prefer to be stricken from my vocabulary.
Actually, scrolling up the answers, I gotta agree with P161911… the 9-7 and 9-2 Aeros are actually pretty cool in a weird way, but they're not real Saabs.
I do like the new 9-5. If it were sold by anyone else (i.e., a company that could offer a warranty), I'd buy a stick shift with the HUD. A real shame that GM didn't spec it out like that for its own brands.
In order…
1. Any Sonett
2. Saab 95
3. Early 99 Turbo
96. Dad owned several, I remember the last one. it was a fun little car, and he used to drift into the driveway when it snowed in IL.
Also, this: <img src="http://www.saabhistory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/ev1_color_600a.jpg" ,="" width="500"> Because solar roof powering cooling fans when parked in the sun. Also, really cool gauges that I cannot find a picture of.
image courtesy of saabhistory.com
This seems to be the best I can find.
<img src="http://www.sacsaabs.org/images/ev1b.jpg" width=500 /img>
I saw that one, too. It doesn't show the coolest feature, which if I remember correctly, is that at night the gauges only light up the numbers around where the needle is pointing, leaving the rest of the dial dark.
I guess it was an early version of their "night mode".
I'll take a Viggen
<img src="http://automobilesdeluxe.tv/wp-content/uploads/blogger/blogger/5807/1885/1600/Viggen.jpg"width=500>
yep.
A noble spirit enviggens the smallest man.
Yea- I was in the 'none' camp until I saw…
<img src="http://img-10.carmax.com/Images/2/10/7797210-3-3-ba5452ad.jpg">
Then I saw this thing…
<img src="http://img-00.carmax.com/Images/9/30/7866930-3-3-a5a0acaa.jpg">
What's that about lipstick on a pig?
<img src="http://img-00.carmax.com/Images/6/48/7674648-3-3-4fbc102e.jpg">
Edit: The 5.3 makes the 9-7 a little prettier.
The 6.0 makes the 9-7X Aero really pretty.
Too bad nothing ever came out like this concept. I think perfect is an apt descriptor.
<img src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/lrg/2010-saab-custom-1968_100306708_l.jpg" width=500>
Wow. That's like TT meets Ur Quattro meets propane heater in the garage.
The only thing SAAB I see in that is the center of the grill.
I don't know, I can see it.
<img src="http://saabworld.net/attachments/f90/1407d1284862176-1961-saab-96-two-stroke-tribute-rally-driver-erik-carlsson-magazine-article-p1090628.jpg" width=500>
<img src="http://www.saabsunitedhistoricrallyteam.com/wp-content/images/Saab96greenrally.jpg" width=500>
<img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Saab/67_Saab_96-VH_DV-07_BR_012.jpg" width=500>
I've always loved that line on the old Saabs. Never seen this concept until now, though. Recognized the inspiration and loved it instantly.
A good vanity plate for this … IMSA'D
Well, these guys did take a 96 body and put it on a 9-3 Aero chassis:
<img src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j432/Neobros/DSC05548-1.jpg" width="600">
Read about it on Build Threads.
Here's the thread: http://www.neobrothers.co.uk/saab-b207r-powered-t…
All that work, yet the front hoop on their cage has reverse bends:
<img src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j432/Neobros/DSC07419.jpg" width="400">
For what? Significantly compromised strength just to clear the dash? Run it forward, then notch the dash! No big deal! That's what we did:
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6551171927_e1310c9bab_z.jpg" width="400">
I'm happy to say this with the full measure of unjustified self-satisfaction that naturally arises from having been involved in exactly one cage project.
I didn't notice that. WTF?
That's just stupid.
There are some other unusual choices as well, but that one seems particularly egregious, especially as it is so very simple to do it the other way. My 96 dash still bolts to its original body mounts right next to the cage. It really is as simple as just cutting the notches to clear the tubing.
Okay, fine, it would also mean relocating the levers for the heater controls if they want a heater, but still not a big deal. As a bonus, bringing the hoop forward would give them more room along the outside edge of the steering wheel, too. Some of their shots make it look like a tight fit.
One of these, driven by Mr. Carlsson or Mrs. Moss-Carlsson….
<img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6004/5945255544_36f4d3734f.jpg" width="500" height="343" alt="64 coupe des alpes carlsson-haggebom saab 96">
…or, one of these driven by Mr. Blomqvist, Mr. Lampinen or Mr Eklund
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2614/3984648414_a98a688bf8.jpg" width="500" height="328" alt="73 rac rally lampinen saab 96">
Here you go… Stirling and Pat and two Saab 92's!
<img src="http://www.saab-gt.pl/files/images/2.jpg">
Stirling?
Oops!!! I got carried away by Patt Moss… I wanted too say Erik obviousy!!!
To make matters worse, Model 96, not 92.
Oh crap!!!
Anything that's NOT a 9-3 convertible. The rear end of these things give me nightmares!
<img> <a href="http://;http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/2005-2006_Saab_9-3_Linear_1.8t_convertible_%282011-06-15%29.jpg/800px-2005-2006_Saab_9-3_Linear_1.8t_convertible_%282011-06-15%29.jpg” target=”_blank”>;http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/2005-2006_Saab_9-3_Linear_1.8t_convertible_%282011-06-15%29.jpg/800px-2005-2006_Saab_9-3_Linear_1.8t_convertible_%282011-06-15%29.jpg
SAAB 92, 93, 95, and 96 (1950-1980)
<img src="http://www.suisseautomag.ch/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1300638-Saab-96-a1.jpg">
Because of the way they look and the way they sound…
[youtube WCC-UbTfmms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCC-UbTfmms youtube]
and Clarkson talks about the Maser because you can hear it from 2 miles away like that's a new thing…
I like the red one.
There are three Saabs on my list.
1) Sonett III
<img src="http://www.carsablanca.de/files/medias/filename/Saab%20Sonett%20III%201%281%29_1367_big.jpg">
2) Original 99 Turbo.
<img src="http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/saab/99/autowp.ru_saab_99_turbo_combi_coupe_5.jpg" width="538">
3) Any 850 two-stroke. Especially one that's been upgraded to later "soccer ball" wheels!
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MiZ-UqDwf6c/TCeN0YnVEOI/AAAAAAAAFmc/_iomfE1pMsg/s1600/1967+Saab+96+Monte+Carlo+Montecarlo+850+V4+Coupe+1.jpg" width="536">
I mean, seriously, how can anybody look at these cars and NOT want them?
Our list is very similar, although I'd prefer a two-stroke wagon.
Ideally an early one with suicide doors:
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2524/3843850932_870a2598ce.jpg" width="400">
Even speaking as the owner of three longnose models, the bullnose SAABs are quite something.
I'm way ahead of you all. I knew this day would come!
<img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6029/6098032932_9c1bcaef35.jpg" width="500">
Oh, wait, you mean as an investment? Sonett II (not V4 or III), 92, or 93. (For the benefit of those just joining us, the latter two model numbers refer to the two-stroke vehicles of 1949-1959, not production years or that weird superscripted/hyphenated stuff.)
As an "any model you want" question, however, it'd have to be a Sonett Super Sport and a Saab-Lancia 600.
You have an Austin Metro too???
He's probably the 6th or 7th most interesting geologist out there.
You need to meet more geologists. Some of them are insane….
I gave you a buffer.
My best friend in college was a geology/geography double major. Genuinely fascinating fellow.
Typical of his humor, he said his dream job was to figure out where people were going, then study what they were walking over to get there.
No, I have an MG Metro. Completely, um, different. Yes, not at all the same.
Even more rare… How the hell did you find that in the States???
I found it like this:
http://bringatrailer.com/2010/06/25/bat-success-s…
Thanks! and…
<img src="http://www.stuureenlach.nl/img/cards/4457/576_420_maarten-rijnen-thumbs-up–.jpg">
MG, Saab, Plymouth, KV, that three wheeled thingamabob. I see a pattern here.
Please don't buy an Alfa or a Subaru. How about a nice Toyota? BTW, I'm spending the holidays in Seattle so, naturally, I've been checking ebay for interesting ways to get home. I see two that are relevant to your interests, being brokered by Cosmopolitan. Would I be bidding against you? If so, I'll gladly defer to the master (plus, my wife took one look and asked what the hell I was thinking).
I saw those two, too. The wagon's serial number places it as a '66 but apparently now it's sporting a V4 transplant. Interesting roof rack. The sedan is quite similar to the one I'm making into a LeMons racer. I've got my hands full, so they're all yours. I'll be spending the holidays in Oregon, myself.
MG is still around, after a fashion. I also own a Ford. Hmmm….
<img src="http://www.carlustblog.com/images/2008/08/28/saab900spg3.jpg">
This one (an '86 900 SPG) is the Saab that turned me from "interested in Saab" to "smitten with Saab". I've never owned a classic 900 though.
These were my Saabs:
'91 9000CD turbo<img src="http://www.swedishmotorcars.com/php_includes/image_from_db.php?photoid=73">
'01 9-3 SE<img src="http://imganuncios.mitula.net/2001_saab_9_3_se_new_castle_de_94630819711107310.jpg">
Barring having a 9-7x Aero just to rip out its guts, it's got to be this 99 notchback:
<img src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/04/saabtest1.jpg" width=500>
Saw it on [redacted] and I've never forgotten it. There's another story out there, don't remember where, but it was this young guy buying a used Saab 99(? It was yellow.(?)) and having it break down on the way home. Called the original owner to ask what might be broken, and the owner just said "bring it back." The original owner bought it back instead of helping him get it running. Couldn't bear to see it go.
Yes. Yes. And Yes.
I was this close to buying a turbo 900 for my wife when we were in college. I liked the car but could not get over the fact that the mechanic's shop was a lean-too with a floodlight and a dirt pit used to access the under parts. That sort of thing is just fine for somebody working on their own vehicle but a used car lot? No thanks.
My Dad had a few of Saab two-strokes when I was very young. I thank him for that.
<img src="http://face2012cars.tk/images/Saab_9000_Aero/Saab_9000_Aero_4.jpg" width=400>
Not the Saabest of Saabs, admittedly, but a genuinely excellent car to drive. The turbo lag is there but progressive and managable, the wrong-wheel-drive handling grippy, benign and predictable, and the overboost makes for a car that, mid range, could blow a Ferrari 348tb into the weeds (Autocar test, Saab 9000TCS 1991).
Not the sportiest car in the world but easily capable of devouring continents. And some of the best seats of eVar. Buy one now, before they all end up as hoopties or Euro-Scene fashionvictim-mobiles.
Definitely the 9000 Aero
<img src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/special-report/end-of-the-road-for-saab/gallery/photo_22/2647691-1-eng-US/saab-9000-aero-my1997-3_gallery_image_large.jpg" width="500" />
Someday…someday…
I'm keeping my 9000 Aero for as long as possible. I'd love to have 99 Turbo as well. Wonder if the B234R could be made to fit in a 99's engine room?
This is for sale in my neighborhood:
http://bend.craigslist.org/ctd/2761361864.html
I had that car as my desktop picture for ages. Now it's totally affordable. But with 180k, I fear this one will be in need of, well, everything in just a few months.
Between my budget, and sheer availability (seriously, in certain parts of Toronto, they feel more ubiquitous than Camrys), I'd probably go after an NG 900/9-3. I mean, I'd probably ideally go for something older (be it 2-stroke or turbocharged), or a brand new 9-5. Or the rare Venture Motors variant.
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qeJ-S9Brz84/TJ-oraZZJRI/AAAAAAAAALk/zacWPnSlm18/s1600/Picture+34.png" width=500 /img>
An mid 80's 900 Turbo for me, and a 99 Turbo & early 900 (non-turbo) for my dad.
Heck, let's toss in a 9-3 Viggen for good measure.
Okay, seriously guys, I have a real opportunity to nab a bitchin' Saab:
http://bend.craigslist.org/ctd/2761361864.html
I could sell my sport wagon (2003 Mazda Protege 5), buy this and have about $2k leftover.
But would $2k be enough to cover repairs on this thing? It has 180K on the odo. I'm thinking tons of stuff will need replacing/rebuilding soon. Definitely the turbo, if it hasn't already been replaced. Clutch? Engine? Suspension bits?
What say you? Go for it? Or keep the P5 and save up for a 2005-ish MINI Cooper S?
It'd be a good car, generally. However, it looks like a dealer. And it looks like someone's rode it hard and didn't know what they were doing. Salvage title just for crunching a corner, which you can't be bothered to repair? I doubt it. So approach with extreme caution. However, if not abused the engine and turbo should be just fine. I bought one with 186k on it and put on another hundred thousand with no engine or turbo issues. Took a while to get a DI cassette that didn't leak, though.
I've been seriously shopping for a 9-7x Aero, as I can't find a decent low miles wagon with some power and the wife approves of the looks on the Saab. I agree on it looking way better than the Trailblazer SS, and having essentially (totally?) GM running gear… Not looking for it as an investment but I'm totally going to grab one up after the new year.
Saabs, huh, never got it. Used to work in the exotic car body shop in a small town. Fenders that came in a front half and back half, which had to be welded on. Hood hinge arrangements that hardly ever worked right from the factory. The complete lack of rocker panels (how did they get these things certified in the US?) and the goofy lack of structure forward of the firewall made the 900's the most flexible unibody car this side of a rusted out Lancia. At least the Turbo's and torque steer meant the owners were frequent customers, as they could accelerate towards a ditch with alacrity.