Always had a soft spot for this one.
Posted on 10/13/2010 3:17:35 PM PDT by WesternCulture
Admittedly, I'm biased.
One of the prime reasons why I wish SAAB to survive is the fact that I'm Swedish.
Sweden and SAAB is one.
I have travelled, slept and ate in small SAABs.
As our country grew richer and richer, SAABs more and more got associated with pioneering turbo engineering and yuppie lifestyles.
However, unlike Volvo, SAAB never became a car for the vast masses over here in Europe. Perhaps in London, but not among the middle class in the Paradise of Sweden.
Perhaps because SAAB is very much of an individualist's vehicle and the average Swede isn't much of an individualist.
I guess I'm pretty much of a Swede. I abide the law and although I like America, I don't think we should employ their gun laws.
But, I also shed a tear when the historical mark of Oldsmobile recently was put to sleep.
Not only because I love USA, but also because I love cars.
Anyhow, Welcome back, SAAB!
Individualism and creativity is still needed!
Care to give some background? Did someone buy Saab?
When my SAAB ran it was the greatest car I ever drove, the acceleration, the handling, were perfect; I could not keep it out of the shop. Lost more money on that used car than any vehicle I ever owned.
Who owns Saab now? I know Koneigsegg was trying to buy it. I heard Porsche has part ownership. I think VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) woul dbe a good owner or part owner because they are smart and have boat loads of money thanks in part to Dr. Piech.
SAABs are addictive but in the 80s they were pricey to maintain. I couple of brothers that I knew that owned them for about ten years said that it was really just simpler to find a mechanic that had two children in private school and offer to pay their tuition annually for the next ten years in exchange for labor — you would come out ahead.
Their recent convertibles are very striking and look to be great fun.
Saab is an incredible story of a manufacturer surviving by the shear will of its management team, workers, and enthusiasts all over the world who would not let it die.
I’m proud to be one of the enthusiasts. Even got my picture with my TurboX included in the Save Saab mural that hangs in the Saab headquarters today.
“Did someone buy Saab?”
- Dutch Spyker Cars N.V. did.
Regardless of that, the new 9-5 model was more or less ready for the assembly line by then.
Today it is out there on the market.
Have owned a total of six Saabs. One saved my life because of its good construction. Still have three...a 9-5 Aero wagon, a 9-3 convertible and a 9000. All have turbo 4-cyl engines. Power like a V8 when you need it, sips fuel like a little 4-cyl should when your off the turbo. I’ve gotten 33mpg on the hwy with A/C off. The power available at your foot for passing seems limitless.
Spyker Automobiles purchased Saab. Saab now is an independent automobile company, out from under the abyssal management of General Motors.
Would love to have a model 92, 3 cylinder 2 cycle, to go smoking down the street, and piss-off the greenies.
Nothing depreciates like a SAAB except maybe yesterday's sushi!
I had two SAABs, both pre-GM. Same model, even similar colors. The first made it to almost 300k miles. The second made me swear I'd never buy another one.
My indy SAAB mechanic gave up and decided to specialize in Volvo Marine. Both my local SAAB dealers gave up and threw in the towel.
Give those in the US the right price and you will become the top seller in North America!... Otherwise, it may be a nice car, but to become tops requires safety and reliability ratings...
“Saab is an incredible story of a manufacturer surviving by the shear will of its management team, workers, and enthusiasts all over the world who would not let it die.
I’m proud to be one of the enthusiasts. Even got my picture with my TurboX included in the Save Saab mural that hangs in the Saab headquarters today.”
- Regards from Western Sweden, a corner of the World where people still believe in.. producing cars!
(Apart from the Volvo and SAAB plants, Pininfarina manufactures the Volvo C70 model here on the West Coast of Sweden)
I remember driving in France the next summer, every other day we saw a SAAB on the side of the road or being towed.
I agree, US gun laws are too restrictive and overreaching.
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