P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 1

JULY/AUGUST 2010 ISSUE 4 £6.00

SAABDRIVERThe Magazine of the Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Limited

INSIDE ROBIN’S REVIEW The Future’s Electric... or is it? MOTORSPORT Mr Saab comes out to see the Le Mans Car

www.saabclub.co.uk NATIONALINSIDE 2010 BOOKING FORM P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 2 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 3

8 16

32 48 CONTENTS 6 STEERING WHEEL 32 THE NATIONAL 2010 8 SAAB NEWS 34 SWEDISH DAY UK ANNUAL Mille Miglia 36 9-5 VERSUS MERCEDES GENERAL MEETING 10 IN THE NEWS The Annual General Meeting Of The Lock It or Lose It 38 FAMILY TREASURE HUNT Club will be held on Saturday 9th 12 ROBIN’S REVIEW 40 TRAVEL CLUB October 2010. The Future’s Electric 14 Day Self-Drive Tour of USA Members are reminded that items for 41 REGISTERS inclusion on the Agenda and Nominations 16 SCOTTISH WEEKEND for the Board of Directors must be 18 CAR CLINIC 48 MOTORSPORT received by the Secretary (address on page 5) no later than Saturday 31st July 2010. 20 POSTBAG 58 CLUBSHOP Under clause 18 (as amended) of the 22 NOTICEBOARD 60 PRODUCT OFFER articles of association, the text of any CG-Lock Seatbelt Stabiliser 24 WHAT’S ON matter to be discussed at the AGM must 62 CLASSIFIED be signed by two Members and sent to 26 AROUND THE UK the Secretary by the above date. Nomination Forms for the election of FRONT COVER: 99 Rally – Winner of the ‘Peoples Choice’, at Swedish Day © Lance Cole Directors are available from the Club Secretary on request (please include Please state your Membership Number on all correspondence an SAE). Design, print & production: BY ORDER OF THE BOARD MYPEC, The Old Pottery, Fulneck, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8NT. Tel: 0113 255 6866 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mypec.co.uk Keith Copperwheat – Secretary © Copyright 2010 MYPEC Ltd ISSN 1477-2604

JULY/AUGUST 2010 3 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 4

4 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 5

WHO’SWHO

FOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP, RENEWALS, CHANGE OF ADDRESS, DIRECTORS CLUB QUERIES CHAIRMAN – Richard Elliott Phone: 01457 852944 Contact the Membership Team on: ‘The Quorls’, 9 Wheatcroft, Tel: 01954 232810 Fax: 01954 232106 E-mail: [email protected] Hadfield, Glossop, SK13 2EN. [email protected] POSTAL ADDRESS VICE CHAIRMAN – Dave Garnett PO Box 1063, Octagon House, Swavesey, Cambridge, CB24 4YR. Phone: 01706 368724 Gorsey Field House, Club Insurance Schemes. Tel: 0800 298 4071 Birtle, Bury, BL9 6UD. [email protected] IMPORTANT VICE CHAIRMAN – Alistair Philpott Please quote your Membership Number on ALL correspondence Registers’ Co-ordinator Phone: 01653 697561 Rivendell, Middle Street, Swinton, CONTRIBUTIONS Classified Advertisements Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6SR. Please send your contributions to: – see details on page 62. [email protected] ‘DRIVER’ Editor, DAVE GARNETT, COMPANY SECRETARY Keith Copperwheat Gorsey Field House, Birtle, Bury, BL9 6UD. Copy should be submitted either by e-mail or on Phone: 01692 535482 E-mail: [email protected] CD or DVD, either in PC or AppleMac format, Cobble End Cottage, Pennygate, along with a hard copy for reference where Barton Turf, Norfolk NR12 8BG. [email protected] For information, and ALL articles, Branch possible. Photographs should be undamaged and Organisers’ reports, Post Bag, Sport, etc. of a good quality and, if supplied digitally, be of a Motorsport Secretary – David Barrow Phone: 0151 510 0681 (See above for address.) high resolution for print, either 300dpi or taken 27 Lilac Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, at the highest resolution setting on your camera. WA8 6SX. Technical queries for Car Clinic, Richard [email protected] Elliott. (See Car Clinic for details.) DEADLINE DATES FOR Information Technology –Toby Field Phone: 01323 460363 CONTRIBUTORS 78 Foxglove Road, Eastbourne, Register articles to respective Registrars. Sept/Oct 2010 ISSUE: 23rd July 2010 East Sussex BN23 8BX. (See individual Register Pages.) Nov/Dec 2010 ISSUE: 17th September 2010 [email protected] Regional Groups’ Co-ordinator – Ellie Wilson Phone: 01527 403596 43 Towbury Close, DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE SAAB ‘DRIVER’ Oakenshaw South, Redditch, Anyone in the business of selling goods or services related to the motor industry can advertise in ‘Driver’. Worcestershire, B98 7YZ. If Members can recommend a service or would like to suggest a potential advertiser please contact our Sales [email protected] Executive: Derek Best Kay Scott Phone: 01900 814317 KJS Advertising Tel: 01943 461679 Longview, Central Road, Dearham, Maryport, E-mail: [email protected] Cumbria CA15 7ER. [email protected] Robin O’Connor Phone: 01793 873179 CLUB VALUATION SCHEME 16 Thurney Drive, Grange Park, Swindon, The Club Valuation Scheme is continuing to provide a very important service to Club Members. However, I would like to Wiltshire, SN5 6EP. remind everyone that the purpose of the scheme is to provide The Valuation Service for any model of Saab which qualifies [email protected] for an ‘Agreed Value’ Insurance Policy. To obtain a Valuation please request a form, return this along with a series of good quality photographs showing all aspects of the vehicle. The Valuation will be issued soon after receipt of the information, but Finance – Vanessa Hehir please remember that if there is any doubt due to lack of information or poor quality photographs the Valuation may be Phone: 01782 783677 withheld. Finally, can I please emphasise that Valuations cannot be provided for cars less than ten years old, and are not 13 Wavertree Avenue, Scholar Green, based on resale value. Cheshire, ST7 3HN. Ken Dover [email protected] Manor Heath, Manor Brow, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4AP NON DIRECTORS International Liaison – Iain Hodcroft Phone: 07976 314012 Saab ‘Driver’ is published bi-monthly by The Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Ltd 330 Manchester Road, Tyldesley, M29 8NN. Designed and produced by [email protected] MYPEC, The Old Pottery, Fulneck, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8NT Librarian/Historian/Press & Publicity – Keith Long Tel: 0113 255 6866 E-mail: [email protected] www.mypec.co.uk Phone/Fax: 01226 385139 10 Byrne Close, Barugh Green, Barnsley, South Yorks S75 1NS. Disclaimer [email protected] Valuer – Ken Dover The Club welcomes contributions to ‘Driver’, but reserves the right to amend them where necessary. All contributions, Manor Heath, Manor Brow, Keswick, whether they bear names, initials or pseudonyms, are accepted on the understanding that the author is responsible for the Cumbria CA12 4AP. Post only opinions expressed and that they do not necessarily reflect or comply with those of the Club, publisher or editor. Although every care is taken, the Club, publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to material submitted. Shopkeeper – Molly Kenchington Phone: 01780 720 541 Whilst every care is taken to ensure contents are accurate, the Club, publisher and editor assume no responsibility for any 32 Kelthorpe Close, Ketton, effects arising from errors or omissions. Acceptance of material is not a guarantee of publication in any particular issue, since Stamford Lincs, PE9 3RS. space is at a premium. The Club, publisher and editor cannot guarantee to return original material and photographs. [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP TEAM NUMBER: 01954 232810 – 9.00AM TO 5.00PM – MONDAY TO FRIDAY

JULY/AUGUST 2010 5 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 6

STEERINGWHEEL

As I compile Steering Wheel, the weather is sunny and warm there will be lots to see of interest for all the family. and it’s the day after the longest day! Last night, Linda and I In closing, I had a conversation with James Howarth of went to the Classic Car Show in Hope valley, Derbyshire in my Cambridge Saab, they are more than pleased to host our AGM 96 V4. There were many cars including three other Saabs, one in October, we thank them for their support and wish them being the Two-Stroke owned by Mike Doughty along with a every success with Saab in the future. This company is one of 1992 900 Aero, and a 1992 900 Convertible. the few remaining independent dealers who are 100% Saab. Tonight (22 June) we have the North West annual barbecue James is very positive about the future of Saab which is good kindly hosted by Tom and Margaret in Manchester, weather news, they are eagerly awaiting the new 9-5 in anticipation. looks good, and I know we will all have a night to remember. Hope to see you at the National in July, have a good summer The Peaks and Dales as usual was a great day out with good break and share with us your Saab experiences in 2010. Thanks weather and 74 participants in 31 Saabs and one Volvo. to everyone who has attended and helped organise events for Another interesting route with lots to see, and thanks go to us all to enjoy. Mike and Veronica for their hard work in making this such an Richard Elliott enjoyable event. I am pleased to say we will do it again next year on Saturday, 3 June 2011. It was with sadness Dave, Ellie and I attended John Woods OBITUARY funeral in Durham, some of you will remember John as for many years he contributed to the Club in many ways, you can read JOHN WOOD more about John throughout this issue. 8 September 1945 - 15 May 2010 We have had little response to the proposed Sweden trip in John was a Member of the Club for 19 years and served October, maybe due to the Saab festival in July which has now as a Director for five years – more tributes to John been announced (see page 9). However, alternative options will posted throughout ‘Driver’ – one of the lasting memories be considered and I will let you know in due course. was when all Directors descended on John’s house every The National is now very close, and I have to say I am looking October for the weekend to sort out the Membership forward to seeing you all and of course visiting the area, thanks forms, amongst other things, for the year ahead! to all who have played a part in organising this major event, if Editor you have not been to a National before why not come along, THE NATIONAL 2010 23-25 JULY BATH RACECOURSE

FULL DETAILS AND BOOKING FORM ON PAGES 32-34

6 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:31 Page 7

ADVERTISING FEATURE itwebstudio & ABBOTT RACING After 10 years within the Saab Franchise dealer network (for Turners Saab and Cecil & Later in Bury St Edmunds) Haydon Wilding and Ian Tooke set up a website design and hosting company based in Suffolk. They have developed several CMS (content managed) websites for local business, groups and organisations including car sales sites, first aid training, community first responder groups, accountants, window film centre, scout groups, village halls, and the East Anglian Saab owners club to name but a few. Haydon was also at Abbott Racing for 18 months and so kept Haydon and Ian’s motor trade knowledge to be invaluable, as links with Giles Fairweather, and was approached to develop a they understand motor trade jargon!” new website for Abbott Racing, as the old site was out of date, The site will continue to develop as Haydon explains: “The next and the shop just never worked properly for them. process will be to add high resolution pictures to many products, Giles and Ed Abbott gave them a brief to develop the new to develop some ‘Flip Books’ of Abbott Racing press releases, and site, to make it up to date, and a new CMS e-commerce shop to to construct new pages as products are developed.” ‘work’ as they have clients all over the world who purchase Have a look at the new site at www.abbottracing.com bespoke ‘Abbott’ products. or call 01255 870636 In March this year the new site was launched, and has taken a Haydon is a member of the East Anglian Saab group, and massive increase in orders since its launch. Giles and Ed are developed the site www.easaabclub.co.uk which is linked to the delighted with the response the new site has created, saying: national Saab Club website. “We would recommend ‘itWebStudio’ as they stuck to the brief To see the portfolio of clients for web designs look at and we have had positive feedback from customers who are www.itwebstudio.co.uk or call Haydon Wilding or Ian Tooke now singing the praises of the site to us. We also consider on 0845 095 1305.

1987 - 2010 Over 20 Dedicated SAAB Years NEW WEBSITE JUST LAUNCHED What We Offer • Web Site Management • IT Support • CMS Websites • Logo Design • E-mail Marketing • E-Commerce Sites • Domain Names & Email • Web Hosting Abbott Racing Technical Services and Facilities • E-Brochure Production • Search Engine Optimisation • Flash Production • Banner Advert Creation Abbott Racing Motorsport is an Integrated workshop complex We also offer logo and graphic design, search engine optimisation, flash and banner offering the following facilities... production, domain name management, web hosting and E-brochure production. • Air Conditioning • Professional valet We also offer a unique 'web design test drive' where we will produce the • Routine servicing • Superflow SF-1 Dynamometer homepage for your viewing before you proceed with anything. Test Cell • M.O.T. • Electronic Services and • SAAB Engine building Information Technology • SAAB Gearbox Repair • Prototyping, machining and • Dent removal Engineering • Interior repairs • Tyre Supply, Fitting and Balancing • Full body shop facility • Accessories

Still the First Choice For All SAAB Tuning, Sales & Repair... For more information relating to the above products and services please contact: Abbott Racing Motorsport Wix, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2UJ Saab Owners Club Members T: +44 (0) 1255 870636 F: +44 (0) 1255 870057 Contact Haydon Wilding or Ian Tooke E: [email protected] Telephone: 0845 095 1305 (local rate) e-mail: [email protected] www.abbottracing.com it web studio, 15 Court Farm Business Park, Stutton Road, Brantham, Suffolk CO11 1PW

JULY/AUGUST 2010 7 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 8

MILLEMIGLIA Trollhättan, Sweden – Italian hillsides a reverberated once again to the distinctive crackle of a Saab Two-Stroke engine. Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson and Saab competing once again with the Saab 93, although we didn’t Automobile Chairman and Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller, drive quite so fast.” each drove a 1957-vintage Saab 93 at this year’s historic This year’s event, was Victor Muller’s tenth Mille Miglia. Mille Miglia road race. “The 93 is unlike any other car I’ve entered, which is hardly The two executives were celebrating the 93’s class win on surprising as it’s a Saab”, he said. “Jan Åke and I enjoyed the this unique event 53 years ago with cars prepared by the event and the friendly rivalry between teammates. It certainly Saab Car Museum in Sweden. Jonsson and Muller followed – wasn’t as intense as the competition between Eklund and at a more leisurely pace – in the tracks of the 1957 class Blomqvist when they were rallying with Saabs in the late ’70s.” winner crewed by Charlie Lohmander and co-driver Harald Saab’s 1957 Mille Miglia success was followed by Erik ‘Mr Kronegård. Today’s annual classic recreation of the 1,000- Saab’ Carlsson’s overall victory on the Finnish 1000 Lakes mile (1,600 km) Brescia-Rome-Brescia route was held over Rally later the same year, both results bringing early three days on open roads and was decided on punctuality international recognition for the Saab brand. Carlsson would between checkpoints. Jonsson and Muller were co-driven by go on to achieve back-to-back Monte Carlo wins and a hat- their sons, Christian 38, and Olivier 18. trick of RAC Rally victories in the early ’60s. Powered by a 45hp, 748cc, three-cylinder engine, but Between 1955 and 1960, 52,731 Saab 93s were built at weighing only 810 kilos, the Saab 93’s agile handling and Trollhättan, where Saabs are still produced today. Its frontal good aerodynamics enabled it to embarrass far more styling introduced a new face for Saab, carried forward by the powerful, larger cars. “Saab’s early success on this event is 96 saloon and 95 station wagon which stayed in production part of our rich heritage,” said Jan Åke Jonsson. “We enjoyed until 1980.

8 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 9

SAABNEWS

Book Review Saab 96 & V4 RALLY GIANTS SERIES by Graham Robson For those interested in the development of Saab from the 92B through to the final modifications in 1976 and the V4, this book is a must. It describes how Saab overcame challenges in the rally field to lost touch with the sport. Not only has Graham competed in produce a car, which will always be remembered in rallying in the many British and European events, he’s also reported on 1950s, 1960’s and 1970’s more than any other car of its era. marathons in South America, and acted as a travelling controller The 96 V4 models proved that front wheel drive and in the legendary London-Mexico World Cup Rally. superstar driving could produce unexpected results against As a recognised authority on many aspects of classic cars strong opposition. Eric Carlsson, Stig Blomquist, Per Eckland, and motoring of that period, he is the most prolific of all Pat Moss, Simo Lampinen, Carl Magnus Skogh all feature in this authors, with more than 130 published books to his credit. book as Saab rally drivers through these important years. Over the years Graham has owned, driven, described and The book is wonderfully illustrated both in black and white competed in many of the cars featured in the Rally Giants and colour, and Saab’s marvellous history during this period is Series, and his insight to their merits is unmatched. both accurate and well described. Graham Robson is to be congratulated on an excellent The reviewer – Mike Doughty publication – this book is definitely one for every Saab Mike has been a Club Member for many years, rallied both his enthusiast’s bookshelf. Mike Doughty Two-Stroke and V4 all over Europe. He rebuilt both cars and knows every nut and bolt and nook and cranny. Both cars are kept in pristine condition and could pass for new cars in a The Author – Graham Robson showroom. He has rallied in India and is due to visit South Graham Robson possesses a worldwide reputation as a motoring Africa. See the May/June 2008 ‘Driver’ Mike Doughty Interview. historian, and has been close to the sport of rallying for many years, as competitor, team manager, organiser, reporter, The book can be obtained from bookshops, specialist mail order companies commentator and observer, in more than forty years he has never or direct from www.veloce.co.uk SAAB FESTIVAL Thousands of Saab enthusiasts from automobilia sales, the festival will all over the world are expected to include a celebration of the 50th attend the 2010 Saab Festival in Anniversary of the Saab 96, the car Sweden between 15 and 18 July, the that took Erik ‘Mr Saab’ Carlsson to first to be held since Saab became an the first of a hat-trick of RAC Rally independent company earlier this year. victories in 1960. The biennial festival is traditionally “This year’s event has special the world’s largest gathering of Saab significance as it comes at the start of a fans. Based around the Saab Car new era in our company’s history,” said Museum in Trollhättan, the home of Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. Saab, this year’s event will focus on “Many Saab fans around the world Saabs past and present, including the demonstrated great support for Saab soon-to-be-launched Saab 9-5 saloon. during the sale negotiations and we are In addition to factory tours, delighted to take this opportunity of parades, presentations and showing our appreciation.”

JULY/AUGUST 2010 9 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 10

INTHENEWS

CAR SECURITY Lock it or lose it Car crime is an unfortunate fact of modern life. The chances are that if you haven’t been a victim, you know someone who has. It affects around 12.5 million vehicles in the UK – and their owners – every year. car parks. The Police ‘Secured Car Park’ scheme aims to improve car park security by setting high crime prevention standards of internal design, layout and management. • Look for the scheme’s official gold or silver plaque to locate a security- conscious car park. • Otherwise, choose a car park that appears to be well lit, has staff on duty and has security cameras. • If you feel uneasy about a particular car park, for whatever reason, don’t use it, park somewhere else.

Minimise the risk Your state of mind is a vital element in safe driving. Calm, relaxed, alert – that is what you need to be to drive safely and responsibly. On the move, on your guard alarm or use any auxiliary anti-theft • When returning to the car, have your Thieves are opportunists – they'll snatch devices you have. keys at the ready to open it it if they can. So don’t put temptation in • Hide valuables: lock them in the boot immediately, to minimise the time their way, make life as difficult as possible or better still take them with you. spent getting in. for them. • Carry your mobile phone with you. • Don’t leave any clues visible to • A bag, wallet or phone on the Some 40 per cent of car break-ins indicate that the driver is a woman. passenger seat looks inviting. Tuck any involve theft of a phone. • Never leave your handbag in the car valuable item away, low down or out of • If your stereo has a removable front, when you're out of it. sight. take it with you. Don’t leave it hidden • Play safe but don't become paranoid. • Keep the doors locked and windows in the car – thieves are clued up to A significant minority do become closed to deter a thief from snatching that trick. car crime victims, but the majority something at traffic lights or in • If you have a garage, use it and lock it. of us don’t. crawling traffic. • When parking at night, choose • Keep the boot-lid or tailgate somewhere well lit and preferably Make it tough for thieves permanently locked. busy. Avoid dark, deserted places. Make security features a priority when • In a multi-storey car park, try to find a you buy a car. Play safe when you park space near an exit, well lit and not • If your car is not equipped with an When you park the car, you leave it concealed by a pillar. alarm/immobiliser, consider having vulnerable to the attention of thieves. • When parking in any car park, never one fitted as an accessory. Frustrate them as much as you can: leave the ticket in the car unless it is • Invest in security devices to deter a • Always remove the ignition key, even pay-and-display. thief. Consider buying these for when only leaving the car for a minute. • Always retract the aerial, to avoid the added protection: steering wheel • Take the key with you and leave the risk of it being vandalised. security bar, gear-lever lock, locking doors locked when you go to pay at a wheel bolts. Have the registration filling station. Choosing a car park number 'security etched' on the • If you’re going out of sight of the car, Car parks pose a particular risk. A quarter windscreen glass. engage the steering lock, arm the car of all recorded car crime happens in public www.greenflag.com

10 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 11

Orpington Saab Full service only £95.00 Free collection & delivery anywhere on the South coast Free courtesy cars available Service also includes wash & vacuum New & used spares we will better any price Mail order service available • All major credit cards accepted Tel: 01959 574737 Mob: 07956 458323 Orpington Saab, Tatsfield Garage, 7 Paynesfield Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, Kent TN16 2AT www.orpingtonsaab.co.uk PRESS RELEASE CLUB MEMBERS SET TO BENEFIT The Saab Store FROM NEW ONLINE TRAVEL FACILITY FROM SOC INSURANCE The only website you need for all Saab parts and East Sussex, May 2010 accessories: The Club’s chosen insurance broker, SOC Insurance, is www.thesaabstore.co.uk pleased to announce the launch of another product to benefit members of the Club. SOC Travel Insurance is the new service offering competitive single trip and annual travel cover via the Club’s dedicated site at www.ckinsurance.co.uk/SOC The new facility, provided by a name you already know and trust, enables instant quotes and is easy to navigate. Policies are all issued online and renewals will be invited automatically • Mail order parts at the appropriate time. • Thousands of parts and accessories in stock Neil Franklin of SOC Insurance said: “Travel insurance is an obvious product to put online. It’s relatively simple to • All Genuine Saab Parts (OEM) calculate the premiums as the questions are fewer than for, • Two year warranty on most parts say, car insurance.” He added: “We’re delighted to be offering travel insurance • Next day delivery available to Club Members online. This reduces our overheads and • Worldwide delivery (Price on request) means the premiums can be very competitive. I would encourage Members to give it a try next time they think • Dedicated team of parts specialists about planning a trip.” Age is rarely a problem either, as cover is available up to 10% discount to all SOC members quoting age 79 for single trips and up to age 64 for annual cover and offer code SOCQ2 many pre-existing medical conditions are covered too. The Club continues to benefit from every policy sold through the site. Simply visit www.ckinsurance.co.uk/SOC For more information and find out just how affordable SOC Travel Insurance could visit the website be for you. or call 0800 999 9395

JULY/AUGUST 2010 11 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 12

ROBIN’SREVIEW

Just about every car maker is developing electric cars, on their own or in joint ventures, so who are the front-runners and who has got it right? The future’s

...or is it? 12 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 13

Mitsubishi is the first manufacturer to put a pure electric car miles per gallon, this figure is the same for city or urban into volume production and sell it via their dealer network, the driving. You fill the car up in the much the same way as a 1-MIEV recently went on sale for an eye-watering £38,000, yes regular car in around six minutes. At the moment the car is there are government subsidies and you do not have to pay only available in California but Honda plan to be in a position congestion charges, but you still have to pay to charge it. to make the car available worldwide within three years, the I have driven a couple of them and they are really quite introduction of the home energy systems a number of which entertaining. It’s a very small four-door city car, quite are already on trial, will allow this to happen. The system will comfortable for four average sized adults, very quiet and very provide power for the home and produce electricity and smooth, acceleration is amazing. It will hit 80 mph and run up hydrogen for the car, this really is the car of the future. to 80 miles on a single charge, if you live in a large town or So what are the downsides to electric cars? There are city it could be the ideal car, but at that price you have to be several, most have limited range and performance and still a very green supporter. There will also be Citroën and need electricity to charge them, which means until we accept Peugeot versions of the same car on sale in 2011. nuclear power, or install solar panels and accept the look of The Renault Nissan alliance has several models ready for wind farms, we will have to rely on fossil-fuelled power production from two-seat city cars to a Scenic-sized mpv, the stations – as our energy demands increase (including first to go on sale later this year will be the Nissan Leaf, a charging our electric cars) more greenhouse gasses continue five-door, five-seat hatchback, a little larger than the current to attack the ozone layer; then there is the initial cost and Renault Clio, they claim a top speed of 90mph and a 100 mile how long will the batteries last? Seven to 10 years seems to range. The price tag after the £5,000 subsidy is expected to be the estimated figure. Another downside is that in Japan a be £23,350. number of people have been run down by electric cars The Chevrolet Volt is interesting, whilst it does not have an because they did not hear them coming, they are now fitting internal combustion engine to drive it, there is one in the car them with sound systems that lets you choose your engine that drives an on-board generator system, it will do around 40 sound, you can have everything from a 2CV to a Ferrari! miles (the average commuting distance for 75% of Americans Electric motorcycles are also being experimented with. is claimed to be 33 miles) on its batteries before the 1.4 litre The hit TV show American Chopper featuring the petrol engine kicks in. This can extend the cars range to dysfunctional Teutul family, (actually the show has been around 300 miles. The car is slightly larger than the Nissan cancelled as Paul Snr has taken out a law suit against his Leaf, cost in the UK is expected to be under £30,000 and son) created a pure electric bike capable of over 100mph could be here in 2011. and a hybrid version. Honda in a lot of people’s opinion, (including mine) is the During the 2009 Isle of Man TT there was a single lap race king of zero emission cars the Clarity FCX is an electric car that for electric bikes with average lap speeds approaching has a hydrogen powered fuel cell pack and will cover around 80mph, this will be repeated this year. Could we see the first 240 miles on a tank of hydrogen. At the equivalent of 60 US 100mph lap of the course by an electric motorcycle?

JULY/AUGUST 2010 13 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 14

ROBIN’SREVIEW SHOW ME THE MONEY Victor Muller’s ability to raise large amounts up a new team to run the cars Scan+Sport of money in a global recession is awe using a Reynard 853, sadly following a good inspiring, he recently confirmed that the start to the championship and a fifth place it Antonas family lent Tenaci capital BV (one of was not the success they hoped for and the Muller’s companies) $25m, which was half of project soon ended. They also used some the first instalment to GM, the second similar two-stroke engines in formula Junior during amount was borrowed from Epcote an the fifties and early sixties. investment company run by Pieter Heerema, who is both a close friend and former Saab GB, following the purchase by Spyker employer of Muller. This was paid to GM on Saab GB, is currently looking for new 23 February, the second payment of a further headquarters, Milton Keynes seems favourite 24 million dollars is due on 15 July. at this time. MD Jonathan Nash is staying with the brand along with a large number of During the winter of 2009/2010 Victor current Saab staff, I also believe David Pugh Muller narrowly missed buying the is staying with the brand, but this has not Brawn Formula 1 team, he was beaten been confirmed. to the chequered flag by Mercedes Benz. I wonder who was going to It has been claimed that tooling to produce finance that deal, Bernie Ecclestone? the new 9-5 variant Combi/Estate has been There was a lot of talk about a link ordered from Novacast. It should be with between the two of them, a Saab them by Spring 2011. This car and the 9-4x Formula 1 car! due on sale at the same time and a new 9-3 Saab did get involved in motor racing in 2012 will give Saab the youngest model in 1985. In a joint venture with range of any car manufacturer. If we get a Nicholson MacLaren and Scania they small 9-2, Saab in 2015 the oldest model will developed an F3 engine, they also set be the barely five-year-old 9-5.

Potholes Parts Genuine or aftermarket What are the advantages and disadvantages? Following on from the article about potholes in the May/June edition of ‘Driver’, if your car is damaged after hitting a I prefer to use genuine parts. The trouble is Saab parts can be pothole make a claim on the responsible council, I very expensive, for example a genuine Saab front wheel bearing successfully claimed for a wheel and tyre early in 2009. To for a 2000 9-5 is £65.00 plus VAT and one from a Saab specialist successfully claim from the relevant authority you have to parts supplier is around £25.00 including VAT, quite a saving. prove neglect, so what do you have to do? Find out who is You can generally take it that genuine parts will fit correctly, responsible for the particular section of road, in my case it perform and last as long as the original part, sometimes non- was on the outskirts of my town and the county council was genuine parts can need more work or additional parts to make responsible for this road. them fit, and sadly some are not manufactured to the same If you see a large hole forming, report it as you or quality as the genuine item. Most genuine parts have a two-year somebody else may hit it and unless it gets repaired quickly, warranty against a defect in manufacturing, some non-genuine it will only get worse. It could also help your case if you take parts only have a one-year warranty. some photos of the hole, phone the highways dept who, The biggest issue can be if the part fails within the warranty after taking a note of the exact position etc should give you period, if the genuine part fails even if you have fitted it an incident number, of course you can also e-mail them but yourself or got your chosen repairer to fit it, thanks to block ensure you add a read receipt. I did this but a couple of exemption you can take your car to the franchised dealer who weeks later I had to use the same road and forgot about the will carry out the repair at the manufacturer’s cost, providing pothole that I had reported. It was dark and raining and I hit of course that the part has failed because of a defect in the hole, although the tyre did not go flat immediately, it manufacturing. A large number of suppliers of non-genuine began to lose air over a couple of days. On removing the parts will – if proven to be a defect in manufacturing – wheel I found a crack at the edge of the wheel and a bulge replace the part, but as for the cost of replacing it they will in the tyre. I reported it to the council who asked me to not cover it, it’s in the small print that most of us do not read, prove neglect on their side. I quoted the incident number so the cheaper option may cost you more. and within a couple of days they agreed to pay for the Robin O’Connor repairs without any fuss. [email protected]

14 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:32 Page 15

SAAB SAAB Tel: (01763) 246699 [email protected] SPARES REPAIRS SALES SERVICE

Quick Search Go Home Site Map Terms Contact Us Blog Links Log In Product Sections:

NEW PARTS Customer STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 25 YEARS Feedback CAR SALES Click here for SERVICING POWERFLEX SAAB Parts Store Uprated Bushes JETEX – Exhausts & Performance Air Filters LABOUR VOUCHERS REPAIRS SPECIALIST SERVICES SAAB 95 / 96 PARTS SAAB 9000 PARTS (1985-98) SAAB 900 CLASSIC PARTS Best Sellers Saab Parts & Volvo Parts New Products Saab Parts & Volvo Parts

View Cart SAAB 9-3 PARTS (2003- ) SAAB 9-5 PARTS SAAB 9-3 PARTS (1998-2002) Checkout Items: 0 Value: 0 www.twostroke.co.uk For methods of payment please see our website Have you logged on yet? New Products We would like to thank everyone who has gear selector assemblies, this will cure the Best Sellers 1. TSTTB207 B207 made use of our new web-based sales facility common problem with the linkage seizing, 1. S9188186 Thottle Timing Chain Kit, over the last 12 months. The feedback from please contact us for more information. Body Housing Balancer Chain Kit 9-3 & 9-5 customers has helped us to develop the site 2. 10.19739 Petrol 2. 51.821036 Tank Strap Saab and add more product lines that service the In the meantime an exciting opportunity to Window Regulator 9000, LH needs of Saab drivers. Over the next few join the team at Two Stroke has come up. We Motor, Front, RH & 3. 55.600RP Water months this development will continue with are looking for an experienced Parts Manager Rear Pump Repair Kit more parts for V4 owners going live and many to work alongside Michael and Roy to 3. 30.7898 Hand Brake Cable LH/RH 4. 10.50162 Petrol more special offers for the whole range. continue the development of the parts Tank Strap Saab 4. 51.6441 Heater 9000, RH department and contribute to the business as Core Kit. 5. 55.600 Water For owners of B205 & B235 engined cars we a whole. 5. WLQ7020 Front Pump Repair Kit will have an unbelievable offer for new throttle Window Regulator 6. WLQ7020 Front bodies later in the summer. We now have Please contact Michael or Roy for further Repair Kit RH Window Regulator overhaul kits available for 9-3 sport manual details. 6. 55.600RP Water Repair Kit RH Pump Repair Kit

Unit 12 & 14, Wireless Station Park, Chestnut Lane, Bassingbourn, Royston, Herts. SG8 5JH Visit our eBay shop at: stores.ebay.co.uk/two-stroke-to-turbo-saab-spares_other www.twostroke.co.uk Email: [email protected] Auto Trader “Keyword” Search type: 121795

JULY/AUGUST 2010 15 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:45 Page 16

19-21 March 2010 Scottish Weekend Many thanks to Ron Cunningham, for submitting the following report

Thursday and the forecast had predicted rain, but no sign of it yet; was it lying in wait for our drive down the country due next day? Friday came and so did the sunshine, breezy mind, but a good omen perhaps as this was to be our first Saab Owners’ Club event and coming from Scotland’s North East corner, what better than to choose the Scottish Weekend? I had been play, choosing your own vehicle was not on. At this time I had working into Friday afternoon and so we arrived at the Royal the opportunity to have a closer look at the 96. The car has Hotel in Bridge of Allan with just under an hour to spare prior to been a four-month/300-odd hour project for Paul Mills and his meeting up for drinks before the evening meal. son Christopher (don’t worry, still plenty to do – Paul). Since this was all new to us we were a bit apprehensive as to Christopher is rightly proud of the car and I didn’t need to be how it all would go, but needn’t have worried as we soon fell in asked twice when offered the chance to sit in behind the wheel with some folks who had travelled up from south of Manchester of this shining example of Saab heritage. Slowly climbing back and later at the meal were joined by a couple from the Stoke area. down from cloud nine all too soon, it was time to return The first evening went well; suffice to say that our table continued indoors for the results, prizes and raffle. With entries for five of to ‘blether’ into the early hours before finally retiring to bed. the seven categories having no competition the eagerly-awaited Our room looked out over the car park and it was quite a results were those for Classic 900 and 9-5. view in the early Saturday morning sunshine; 96 V4, 90, four Classic 900s, 9000, NG 9-3, 9-3 Sport and three 9-5s. As it was The winning cars were: a ‘do your own thing’ day we had a look around town before 92-96 MHS 574L Christopher Mills visiting nearby Alloa and continuing with a drive (it’s what 90, 99 B353 RFA Keith Squire Saabs are for) to Tulliallan and then back to base via Dollar and Classic 900 F200 NSP Elizabeth Mills Tillicoultry. As I chatted to some of the others in the car park 9000 S337 CGJ Stephen Hehir Paul drove into view laden with prizes for that evening’s quiz; a NG900, 9-3 SG02 URD Malcolm Odlin generally fun affair, though there were moments of controversy 9-3 Sports R7 RRC Ron Cunningham as quiz fever set in. Despite a valiant effort our team was fourth 9-5 M55 KSB Susan Branthwaite equal from the five teams fielded. Following the raffle which was organised and run by Susan Branthwaite, Susan took a moment to present Elizabeth Mills For the record, the winning teams were: with a gift and a card, which had been signed by all in 1st: Proper Saabs appreciation of the hard work done in planning and presenting 2nd: The Rescuers such a successful event. 3rd: The Thistles Some folks were staying on an additional night or two but we Sunday morning breakfast had added entertainment in the were due to be in North Yorkshire that night so once contact form of people ferrying buckets to and fro in preparation for details were exchanged we set off down the road. Oh, the rain that morning’s car beauty contest. OK, I confess I did give mine which had been forecast – just a light spring shower when all a quick ‘dicht’ on the Saturday following our run. Everyone was were indoors for the prize giving. a judge, voting for best in each category. In the interest of fair Paul & Elizabeth Mills

16 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:33 Page 17

ADVERTISING FEATURE SERVICE REPAIR KIT TO OVERHAUL GEAR Tel: (01763) 246699 CHANGE TOWER www.twostroke.co.uk Are you experiencing problems with your 6-speed gearbox in your sports saloon? Sideways movement across the gate price of £75.00 plus VAT OR, a while you • Nylon scouring material to clean the when changing from second to third or wait repair can be undertaken for £135 alloy casing once the bearing has been from fourth to fifth, the gear lever does (parts and labour) OR, an exchange gear removed including a tool to fit into the not centralise naturally. tower for £100 (with an additional £50 end of a drill which holds the nylon to Gear change becomes vague and surcharge until we get the old unit back). enable quick removal of corrosion unable to select correct gear. The kit contains: • A DVD containing pictures and Two Stroke have designed and improved • A stainless steel pivot bolt including description of how to undertake a pivot pin and bearing bush which can be a nylock nut the repair installed easily and economically unlike • A self-lubricating bearing • A knife to cut the old thin plastic Saab’s complete replacement gear change • A replacement ‘o’ ring bearing tower (Part number: 55556311 – costing • A taper drill to remove old pivots • A bolt puller device to pull the around £200) which has not been and a punch to knock through the bearing into place improved to cure the problem . old tube pivot The kit comprises of all components • A bag to seal the gear change tower This job should take one hour from start required to carry out the installation of whilst work is being carried out to to finish and can be carried out with this service kit. This kit is sold at a retail prevent ingress of foreign particles gearbox in situ.

1. Contents of gear change repair kit 2. 6-speed gear change tower 3. Three bolts that hold gear change tower in place 4. Gear change tower as removed and gear selector locked in position for removal

5. Drilling out old pivot pin 6. Peened pivot pin edge removed ready to be 7. Using tool to knock out pivot 8. Pivot pin fully removed punched out

9. Cutting nylon bush to remove 10. Bush removed 11. Tool assembled with abrasive material to 12. Using drill to remove corrosion remove corrosion

13. Puller bolt and replacement bush 14. Puller bolt pulling in bush 15. Installing bush 16. Bush fully installed

17. Assembling new pivot 18. Tightening pivot bolt 19. Refitting assembly to gearbox 20. Testing selection once job has been completed

JULY/AUGUST 2010 17 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:33 Page 18

CARCLINIC

Stalling to be able to restart. We eventually found occasional play of This is the first time I have used the car clinic service having about 0.5mm by the throttle flap on its mounting shaft. been an SOC Member since October 1987. I have a Saab 9-5 Tighten the screws, clean the housing and all appears now to 3.0TiD which is a 2002 model (52 plate). It has done 143,000 work OK. miles and has a full main dealer service history. It had a new All the above make sense to you? engine at 88,000 miles. In the last six months it has developed Cost to me of £100 for exchange parts and £200+ for circa a mysterious fault. The car stalls and the engine warning light six hours labour! comes on. This has always happened a few miles from home or Ian Studley after the car has done a few miles from cold. It has happened when the car is stationary at tickover and also when on the Yes, I guess so, if throttle screws are loose it would restrict closing move up to about 30mph so far. It has not happened when of the throttle, my brother-in-law’s 900 is exhibiting similar going at greater speed yet. It is impossible to start the car symptoms, good tip straight away. If I wait for about 30 minutes it will start again and carry on working for a couple of weeks before the problem 9-5 Auto Problem re-emerges. The car had an EGR valve (new) at 130,000 miles. It My 1999 9-5 Estate stalls some time after starting, usually just has had a second hand unit and part of the engine before it has reached full operating temperature. management system (fuel injection part) has also been replaced My local garage man thinks it is something to do with a one way with a second hand part. This has made no difference and the valve in the inlet manifold. To date he has not solved the problem. symptoms persist. The next suggestion has been to replace the Alasdair MacArthur engine wiring harness. There are very few of these around and a new one from Saab (don’t hold your breath) is £1200! The main First course of action is check for any fault codes with tech2, has dealer who has been looking at the car has not been able to the check engine light come on? Then clean the throttle body with replicate the problem. My only choice at the moment is to carb cleaner, check all breather hoses and vac hoses including the scrap the vehicle which would seem a shame. one way valve for leaks, check also intercooler and hoses for Henry Pielacki condition. A minor air leak will upset the engine management system and I presume there are no fault codes present? These can be checked may not always cause the check engine light to come on. with tech2. In the absence of any codes I would check the wiring to the crankshaft position sensor, had several with broken, or 900 Heater deteriorated wiring, also symptom is similar to faulty sensor so I read your car clinic reply to the heater problem in the classic change the sensor if wiring is ok. 900 on the day after I repaired the same problem. The heater did not work and the T piece was leaking. When stripped there More Stalling was no trace of whatever was supposed to block off the flow so Thanks for the telephone advice some weeks ago about my there was therefore no water flow through the heater. I fitted a stalling 1991 900i 140,000 miles when I depressed the clutch. brass disk behind the spring and all appears well. Exhaust black and sooty, smell of petrol from the exhaust. I think the last sentence of your response should have read I put in new spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor arm. ‘failure of this valve can cause the heater to cease to operate’. Swapped plug leads and coil. No change. Having said that it is nice to see that others have the same My local, non-Saab garage, put their diagnostic computer on problem. to the car and swapped the airmass meter, AIC, throttle plate I Gordon sensor and breather tube from rocker cover to inlet manifold. The car then sometimes ran OK but would suddenly get high Thanks for the e-mail, I know the valve can be a source of problems revs, up to 2500, without me touching the accelerator pedal. with poor heater performance. I had to then turn off the engine and wait for a minute or so

SAABTEC SAAB Authorised Dealer Sales • Servicing • MOT & Parts manual transmission repair a speciality Mail order service Tech 2 diagnostics for parts and accessories Collection & Delivery arranged Courtesy Cars Parts Hotline: (01342) 718799 close to A57 Manchester/Sheffield – Credit cards accepted Parts Fax: (01342) 714085 Unit 4B, Hadfield Mills, Platt St, Padfield, Glossop SK13 1EB All major credit cards accepted TEL: 01457 867878 Turners Hill Garage Ltd MOB: 0780 1103426 FAX: 01457 852944 Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex e-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.saab.uk.com www.saabtec.co.uk Email: [email protected]

18 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:33 Page 19

For CAR CLINIC letters send a SAE for individual replies to: Richard Elliott, ‘The Quorls’. 9 Wheatcroft, Hadfield. Glossop SK13 2EN Telephone: 01457 852944 E-mail: [email protected]

TECHNICAL TIPS Upgrading the factory fitted Sat Nav on a SAAB 9-5

My 2004 9-5 came with a factory fitted Sat Nav which has a 6.1 Computer. These were readily available new from two or inch touch screen built in the dash whilst the navigation three suppliers but again the cheapest was £199. Used units computer unit is in the boot. This unit has a DVD drive which is also came on eBay auctions from time to time and so I bid used to read the digital mapping data. The display unit also for several of these over a couple of months and was outbid handles the radio and CD changer touch screen user interfaces, each time, the units going for anything from £80 to £130 but it turns out that these operate independently from the Sat depending on how many bidders there were. Nav Computer even though they all use the same display. The maps which came with the used units also tended to Once I got used to using the navigation system I found it be out of date, typically 2004, so I took a gamble and extremely useful, especially when driving around London. decided to get the latest map before getting the unit as one However, the 2002 Western Europe Map DVD which came came up for sale on eBay (Western Europe map KNA MP328) with it was out of date (2002), notably it didn’t know about for 30 euros (£26) from Italy including postage! the M6 Toll! Now I had an updated map DVD but no unit. To get a So, I thought it would be a good idea to update the map better chance of winning the auction, I used an automatic DVD and after a bit of searching around various internet bidder (Auction Sniper) and won the next auction at a very sites, eventually found the latest map version on eBay, but good price (£66 including postage). the cheapest supplier wanted £199 for it! One German The replacement computer unit arrived a week later and supplier wanted 329 euros (£290)! This is of course a turned out to be a breeze to fit. The aerial, power and head ridiculously high price since you can buy a new TomTom XL unit display sockets on the new unit were compatible with for around £110 (with UK and Ireland maps). the old one. The new unit being slightly smaller than the I had to decide whether to get a TomTom with up to date original, fitted in the original’s tray in the boot under the mapping or continue to use the built-in screen and upgrade parcel shelf. The retaining screws didn’t line up but a left the navigation computer. On balance, it seemed to make over washer from an IKEA cupboard bracket was used to more sense to use the built in touch screen in the dash as clamp the unit into place! Once the three cables were this has a 6.1 inch wide screen (compared with TomTom at plugged in, the unit worked first time! The unit came with a 4.3 inch) and is a lot tidier than having something stuck on 2004 map DVD but the recently acquired 2008 map DVD also the windscreen or dash with wires all over the place. worked fine! After looking at a couple of Saab internet forums, So for a mere £92, ignoring the time spent checking including the SOC forum, one contributor (S. Gould on the everything out and messing about on eBay, the job was saabscene forum) suggested that the factory fitted done! The new unit is a considerable improvement, apart navigation computer unit (KENWOOD KNA-DV2200) can be from the up to date maps, it has clearer mapping, loads replaced with the later version, the DV3200, using the more ‘Points of Interest’, improved route guidance, and route existing cable harnesses to the touch screen head unit in the preview with fast forward and reverse. Traffic management, dash. Also reception with the built in unit can be much voice activation and remote control can be added as better in built up areas due to the roof mounted antenna. optional extras. The next stage was to acquire a Kenwood DV3200 Sat Nav Richard Templeman

JULY/AUGUST 2010 19 P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:33 Page 20

POSTBAG

Oh dear! And I waited so long for this car... Retirement meant I had the funds to go and get a newish Saab. The previous 14 had been second-hand in varying degrees, but mostly a few hundred pounds, with high mileages. I drove them almost problem free (mostly things I could fix myself) well into the 150,000s and then sold them on and started again. I began with V4 96s and 95s which were great. I loved the free-wheel device, the shape and the sound. The kids loved the rear- facing seats in the 95s and we all liked the amount of space – they seemed to swallow holiday clobber out of all proportion to the size of the had been clunking on small bumps, and wheezing as well. Yup – car – a Tardis on wheels. you guessed it; new shockers and drop links etc, coming to just Then came a two-door 99 which was grand. Went on for short of £500. And comfortably out of warranty period. Still the years, and became the extended family hack. Various family reverse assist didn’t work! I asked, and paid for an oil change members borrowed it for longish periods and it was worth much even though it was not scheduled. I am old-fashioned and more to us as a spare than it would have been worth on the wanted to protect the engine! Wonder why I bothered now. market. I remember someone driving a new Mazda into my back Then yesterday I noticed a cross between a whistle and a bumper at a roundabout. His car was a mess – grill, lights, wheeze coming from the engine compartment. Opening the bumper, two wings and bonnet were all bent or smashed. I bonnet gave me no help in locating the noise, but it was slightly found one split in the black rubber on the 99s rear bumper, and more audible near the cam belt side of the engine. No warning a crack in a rear light lens! messages came up, although once or twice I did hear the bing- Eventually the time came to move on to 900s. The first one bong from the dashboard that tells you nothing but just was a five-door Classic 900 Turbo – in black of course. confuses. I had done a 50-mile round trip in the morning with no Goodness how I enjoyed that monster. Then there was a string problem, and then after a couple of hours back home I went to of 900s including a couple of Turbos and always bought for a do the school run for my grandson. “Goodness Grandad, your few hundred pounds. I remember one in ‘Burnt Sienna’ – we car sounds a bit rough!”, the 11 year old said as he entered the had another name for that colour! Class motoring on a car. He was referring to the whistle/wheeze noise. One mile later shoestring! Brilliant. Then about six years ago I bought a 9000 the car would barely go about 15mph, and then died in the LPT. Comfort on wheels. Not quite a real Saab I always thought, middle of a junction! We pushed it to a safe parking spot and up but good nonetheless. It is still in the family as my younger went the bonnet, to reveal a boiling engine with coolant well daughter uses it. We need to sort the exhaust but otherwise it is distributed over the engine compartment. The temp gauge then a pleasure to drive and coming up for 150,000 on the clock. said maximum, but still no other warning message! Mind you I paid serious money for it – about £1200; the most I RAC arrived and suspected fuel starvation – I was very had ever paid – till this current problem vehicle. dubious and said so. More diesel was obtained, but no go! The 9-5 TiD Auto Estate was bought at 19,000 miles and 18 Then the cam belt cover was eased open enough to see that months old, so still with a fair bit of warranty on it. Pretty soon the belt had jumped off the pulley, minus a few ‘teeth’! after I bought it the reverse assist became superstitious – it Recovery followed and the current estimate for the engine seemed only to work when there wasn’t a Monday in the week! rebuild is at least £1500 + VAT! I tend towards the view that the It was ‘reset’ a couple of times and then I had new sensors water pumped seized and forced the cam belt to jump etc. To fitted, and more ‘resets’ – and it still doesn’t work. Actually it say I am not impressed is putting it mildly. Still no improvement worked twice last Wednesday – first time in four months! I on the reverse warning by the way. Saab UK seemed a bit put should have realised that something was up, but more of that out when I asked them to recommend a manufacturer of later. About a year ago the turbo packed up on the way back reliable cars! I was really pleased that Saab was rescued at the from the South of England to my home here in Derbyshire. eleventh hour – but now I am not so sure. Amazing how sluggish a car of that weight is with only a 1.9 I still have the 9000 which hopefully will soldier on. I am Fiat-sourced diesel. The Saab agents in Stockport had the car exactly the same age as Saab cars and I have a few problems for three days and then said it was sorted. I drove halfway but then I am quite high mileage – the car in question is only home and it packed up again. So back it went and finally it was 52,000! I feel a Victor Meldrew moment coming on. put right! Mind you the reverse assist still wasn’t corrected. Andrew J Hodkinson All seemed to go along well until it went in for an interim service, and I asked them to look at the front suspension as it The saga continues in the next ‘Driver’ – Ed.

20 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 01-21:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:33 Page 21

5JYJW'JXY.SXZWFSHJ8JW[NHJX1YI Don’t cover your Saab A FRESH APPROACH with anyone else! For The Best Saab Car Insurance Call 01376 573033

UÊ6>ÀˆœÕÃÊ
˜˜Õ>Ê ˆi>}iÊ"«Ìˆœ˜Ã UÊ3T*]HJXX on windscreen/glass UʘVÕ`iÃÊՏÊ œÛiÀ Ê Ài«>ˆÀʜÀÊÀi«>Vi“i˜Ì ÊÊ Ì ÀœÕ} œÕÌÊ ÕÀœ«i UÊ+WJJ Glass Etching UÊ+WJJ Breakdown & Recovery UÊ->Û>}iÊ,iÌi˜Ìˆœ˜Ê"«Ìˆœ˜ Ê ÜˆÌ ˆ˜Ê1ÊEÊ ÕÀœ«i UÊ““i`ˆ>ÌiÊ œÛiÀʈvÊ«>ˆ`ÊLÞ UÊ œÛiÀÊ
Û>ˆ>LiÊvœÀÊ Ê,iÈ`i˜Ìà Credit/Debit Card UÊ ÕÌˆ‡6i ˆViÊ ˆÃVœÕ˜Ìà UÊœÕÃi œ`Ê-V i“iÊ>Û>ˆ>LiÊ UÊ ˆÃVœÕ˜ÌÃÊvœÀÊ ÕLÊ i“LiÀà ˆ« with Car Parts/Accessories Cover with a 1 )NXHTZSY +WJJ UÊ Ê
}Àii`Ê6>Õi Ê vœÀÊ ÝˆÃ̈˜}Ê*œˆVÞ œ`iÀà UÊ>ˆ`‡1«Ê œÛiÀ UÊÀˆi˜`Þ]Ê*œˆÌiÊE Personal Service

/iÀ“ÃÊ>˜`ÊVœ˜`ˆÌˆœ˜ÃÊ>««Þ° \\\UJYJWGJXYNSXZWFSHJHTZP

Tel: 01376 573033 or Tel: 01376 574046 YEARS 180 High Street, Kelvedon Colchester, Essex CO5 9JD Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority Peter Best Insurance 25 Years of Quality Service

STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUSTS

CLUB SCHEME Some of the systems currently available are: CAR YEAR MEMBER EQUIV Members may now obtain Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems PRICE RRP at very competitive prices. V4 95 £338.49 £449 Subject to the manufacturerʼs guarantee terms and conditions 90 2L SAL 84-86 £300.10 £410 99L GL EMS GLS GLE SAL 76 on £297.82 £407 their guarantee is for life for as long as you keep the car. 900 GL GLE EMS GLS CD 79-83 £297.94 £410 Your contract is directly with the manufacturers who provide a 900 900i 85-90 £343.07 £410 900 Turbo 81-82 £399.61 £546 VAT invoice along with the formal guarantee. 900 Turbo 84 on £386.85 £529 Membersʼ prices include 15% VAT and delivery UK Mainland. 900i 16V Cat 89-91 £263.39 £359 900i 2L 16V HB 88-91 £343.07 £470 Quotations supplied for deliveries elsewhere. 900i 2L 16V CAT 91-93 £235.10 £320 Systems are also available for a wide range of other 900i 2.3L CAT 16V 10/93 on £394.16 £540 makes/types of vehicle. A range of Stainless steel clamps is 900 Turbo CAT 8V 89 on £249.12 £339 900i 2L Turbo 16V CAT 10/93 on £394.16 £540 also available at £6.22 each including VAT plus, if sent 900i 2L Auto CAT 10/93 on £394.16 £540 separately, p+p £3 per parcel. 900i 2L CAT Manual 10/93 on £330.81 £451 900i 2.3L CAT 93 on £394.16 £540 Orders should be made directly to Guaranteed Exhaust 900i 2.5L CAT V6 24V 94 on £345.69 £473 Systems Ltd. Tel: 01884 821237 Fax: 01884 820631 9000 Turbo 16V HB 5dr NFP 85-88 £376.42 £515 e-mail: [email protected] quoting: Name, Address, 9000 9000i 86-88 £376.42 £470 9000 2Li Turbo CAT CS 92 on £300.15 £521 Telephone Number, Membership Number and relevant vehicle 9-3 2.01 CAT B2041 02/98 on £410.44 £526 details including Registration Number. Immediate payment to 9-3 2.01 CAT Turbo B204L 02/98 on £403.92 £526 Guaranteed Exhaust Systems Ltd either by acceptable credit 9-3 2.01 CAT B2341 02/98-09/98 £410.44 £526 9-3 2.2L TDI CAT HB 03/98 on £411.42 £546 card, cheque or cash. (Website: www.gsexhausts.co.uk) Think 9-5 2LI 2.3LI Turbo CAT Sal 06/97-09/01 £463.54 £618 stainless... with a lifetime guarantee and benefit as so many 9-5 2LI CAT Est 06/97 on £387.84 £514 9-5 2.3LI Turbo CAT Sal 07/99 on £463.54 £712 have already – Order in good time – Avoid disappointment 9-5 2.3LI CAT Est 07/00 on £475.26 £750 when your present exhaust fails. This scheme is offered 9-5 2.3LI Turbo CAT Sal 06/97-09/01 £463.54 £712 without any liability or recourse to the Club or its Officials. 9-5 3LI Turbo CAT Sal 06/97-09/01 £420.87 £559 Catalytic systems are supplied excluding front pipe and CAT. In course of introduction are catalytic converters to fit some Saab models

JULY/AUGUST 2010 21 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:46 Page 22

NOTICEBOARD

New SOC Group for the New SOC Group for the North Wales area Bristol & Bath Area A few of us are looking into starting a A few of us are looking into starting a meet for fellow Saab enthusiasts. meet for fellow Saab enthusiasts. If you are interested please e-mail on: If you are interested please e-mail on: [email protected] or [email protected] telephone Mark on or telephone Dave on 01352 756445 0117 909 1993

New SOC Group for the Kent Area A few of us are looking into starting a meet for fellow Saab enthusiasts. HEATHER HOP 2010 The last ‘Driver’ prompted Saturday 4 September a good response. This year is the 50th Anniversary of Erik Carlsson, our Club President, winning the first of his hat- Please e-mail me if you would like to trick of RAC rallies, so that forms the theme of the attend a meet [email protected] ‘Heather Hop’ event this year, which will again take Hope to hear from you. place in the North York Moors National Park area. The starting point this year will be in Pickering, ending in the Helmsley area, with a half-day scenic tour taking in the previous RAC Rally stage venues of Cropton, Dalby and Wass Forests. As with the last ‘Heather Hop’ event I will THE NATIONAL provide a detailed roadbook with information about the route and sights along the way. Bath Racecourse There will be a variety of interesting places to stop and obtain refreshments. 23-25 July 2010 No formal catering will be provided, but for those who wish to eat together after the event, I will arrange a suitable venue for an informal supper. The event is aimed at owners of Two-Stroke and See centre pages for the V4 engined ‘jelly mould’ Saabs, but if anyone with a full details of the event – newer Saab wishes to join then please get in touch. everyone welcome Contact Alistair Philpott to register. (See page 5).

22 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 23

Valley Automotive (Formerly Valley Saab) 01737 553464 / 01737 372780 38 Ormside Way, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2LW (Holmethorpe Industrial Estate) 40 years as a main dealer now operating as a Saab Specialist • Service and MOT • New and Used car sales • SOC Discounts • FREE courtesy car • Collection delivery • Main Dealer service Tel: Wellington 01823 652692 Exeter 01392 259600 at specialist prices www.valleysaab.com Classic 900

SERVICE, INDEPENDENT SAAB SPECIALIST REPAIRS For Expert Advice speak to our & SALES MASTER TECHNICIAN Bryan Ward 01482 222 622 Classic 900 – Personal Saab Service Tel/fax: 01482 581 519 • E: [email protected] www.classic900.com Official Installers

Classic 900 Ltd, 15 Kimberley Street, Argyle Street, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 1HH

B. & D. SPECIALIST CARS SAAB - OUR SPECIALITY

Breaking 9000 and Classic 900 Courtesy cars available • MOT Testing • Electronic Tuning • Tyres • Batteries • Wheel alignment & balancing • Tel: 01303 264700 for appointment RANGE ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HYTHE

CENTRAL SAAB SPECIALIST Scotland’s Premier Performance and SAAB Servicing Centre • All of our services are carried out to the • Courtesy Cars Available highest standards; • Over 17 years SAAB experience • Engines, Electrics, Transmission, Brakes, Steering, • Qualified SAAB Master Technician Suspension • Warranty Cars no problem • Air Conditioning Servicing • All our work is fully guaranteed Telephone: 01875 821 144 6/1 Butterfield Industrial Estate, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, EH19 3JQ www.centralsaabspecialist.com

JULY/AUGUST 2010 23 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 24

WHAT’SON

JULY AUGUST Sunday 29th Sunday 12th Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab EBOR Saab Thursday 1st Sunday 1st Attending Capesthorpe, we like this Run: Route TBA (Ron and Stuart) EASOC Saab Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab event so much we will do it twice or perhaps a Treasure Hunt (Chris Club meeting at The Bunbury Arms, We are in the planning stages of this year, and you are welcome to and Janet). Ixworth Road, Great Baiton, Near Bury attending Woodvale. Please contact join us. Contact Chris Boffey St Edmunds, IP31 2NX at 7.30pm. Chris Boffey to confirm [email protected] Monday 13th [email protected] Lancashire Saab Saturday 3rd South West Saab On Tour Club Night at Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring South Yorkshire Saab Tuesday 3rd Seaton Classic Show - TBC ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, (June meet). By the Pond in Dunscroft West Midlands and Warwickshire L40 5TE. We meet on the second [email protected] Saab Monday 30th Monday of each month at 7.30pm – Club Meeting at The Stonebridge www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk Sunday 4th Pub 7.30pm. Just 1 mile from Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab West Midlands and Warwickshire Birmingham Airport. Contact Will be attending Oulton Park. South West Saab On Tour Saab with Cheshire and [email protected] This is a popular event with many Visit to Gartell Light Railway from Staffordshire Saab makes of vehicles on display, a really 10.30am onwards. Convoy from Boots Attending Cars in the Park Lichfield. Wednesday 4th nice way to spend the Bank Holiday. Babylon Hill, Yeovil at 10.30am. This is always a popular event – Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab For more information contact entry £3.00. Chris Boffey The Red Bull, Congleton Road, Chris Boffey [email protected] Tuesday 28th [email protected] Church Lawton. Cheshire at 7.30pm North West Saab – [email protected] Meet in Manchester in the evening – EBOR Saab SEPTEMBER all welcome – see www.saab-nw.co.uk EBOR Annual Car Run from Sutton Thursday 5th or contact John 0161 9299155 or Bank to Whitby. EASOC Saab Wednesday 1st Richard 01457 852944. Club meeting at The Bunbury Arms, Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab Tuesday 6th Ixworth Road, Great Baiton, Nr Bury The Red Bull, Congleton Road, West Midlands and Warwickshire St Edmunds, IP31 2NX at 7.30pm. Church Lawton, Cheshire at 7.30pm – OCTOBER Saab [email protected] Club Meeting at The Stonebridge Monday 9th-12th Tuesday 5th Pub 7.30pm. Just 1 mile from PRE INTERNATIONAL SAAB South West Saab on Tour West Midlands and Warwickshire Birmingham Airport. Contact MEETING Saab [email protected] Black Forest, Southern Germany – Get-together for a chat and a drink at the Airfield Tavern, Yeovil. 7.45pm- Club Meeting at The Stonebridge www.saab.de Pub 7.30pm. Just 1 mile from 8.00pm until late. Wednesday 7th Birmingham Airport. Contact Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab Lancashire Saab [email protected] The Red Bull, Congleton Road, Club Night at Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring Thursday 2nd Church Lawton, Cheshire at 7.30pm ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, EASOC Saab Wednesday 6th – [email protected] L40 5TE. We meet on the second Club meeting at The Bunbury Arms, Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab Monday of each month at 7.30pm – Ixworth Road, Great Baiton, Nr Bury The Red Bull, Congleton Road, South West Saab On Tour www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk St Edmunds, IP31 2NX at 7.30pm. Church Lawton, Cheshire at 7.30pm Pub get-together at the Bakers Arms – [email protected] in Lytchett Minster, near Poole, BH16 Tuesday 10th Saturday 4th 6JF. Either convoy down together or South West Saab On Tour Heather Hop South West Saab on Tour meet there. 7.00pm until late. This month’s get-together will take Details on Noticeboard page 22. Get-together for a chat and a drink place at Nothe Forte, Weymouth. A Saturday 10th at the Airfield Tavern, Yeovil. BBQ is being organised so numbers South Yorkshire Saab 7.45pm-8.00pm until late. Beds Herts and Bucks will need to be known. Le Mans Classic Weekend. Please (August meet), Barby at Wadworth Thursday 7th contact us if you are interested. Wednesday 11th [email protected] [email protected] EASOC Saab EBOR Saab Club meeting at The Bunbury Arms, Group Meeting. Sunday 5th Monday 12th Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab Ixworth Road. Great Baiton, Nr Bury Lancashire Saab Friday 13th-15th Attending Cholmondeley Castle. St Edmunds, IP31 2NX at 7.30pm. Club Night at Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring INTERNATIONAL SAAB CLUB For a truly fantastic day of classic ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, MEETING motoring displays – £3.00 entry. Saturday 9th L40 5TE. We meet on the second Interlaken Switzerland – Beds Herts and Bucks Contact Chris Boffey Meeting at the Green Man, Monday of each month at 7.30pm – www.intsaab2010 [email protected] www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk Eversholt. We will be there from Saturday 14th 1.00pm. Please contact Thursday 15th-18th Beds Herts and Bucks South West Saab On Tour [email protected] SAAB FESTIVAL Meeting at the Green Man, Visit the Thornfalcon Classic Car Trollhättan, Sweden. All weekend. Eversholt. We will be there from Meet from 10.00am onwards. Monday 11th 1.00pm. Please contact Convoy from the Airfield Tavern, Lancashire Saab Friday 23rd-25th [email protected] Yeovil at 9.30am Club Night at Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring NATIONAL EVENT 2010 ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Come to our fantastic weekend of Sunday 15th Tuesday 7th L40 5TE. We meet on the second fun and Saabs at Bath Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab West Midlands and Warwickshire Monday of each month at 7.30pm – Racecourse, near Bath. (See page Attending Shugborough Hall. Saab www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk 33 for details and booking form). Fantastic grounds and Hall, and of Club Meeting at The Stonebridge course a great Classic Car line-up. Pub 7.30pm. Just 1 mile from Wednesday 13th Sunday 25th Please join us. Entry for this event will Birmingham Airport. Contact EBOR Saab EBOR Saab be £2.50. Contact Chris Boffey for [email protected] Group Meeting – AGM. EBOR Classic Car Day – Ripon Old Cars. more details [email protected] Tuesday 27th Tuesday 24th Saturday 11th Tuesday 26th North West Saab North West Saab Beds Herts and Bucks North West Saab Meet in Manchester in the evening – Meet in Manchester in the evening – Meeting at the Green Man, Meet in Manchester in the evening – all welcome – see www.saab-nw.co.uk all welcome – see www.saab-nw.co.uk Eversholt. We will be there from all welcome – see www.saab-nw.co.uk or contact John 0161 9299155 or contact John 0161 9299155 or 1.00pm. Please contact or contact John 0161 9299155 or or Richard 01457 852944. Richard 01457 852944. [email protected] Richard 01457 852944.

24 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 25

Ellie wants your dates! The Rolling Diary is proving hugely popular with Members, so please do support any activities in your area. Please fax any events to Ellie Wilson on 01527 403596 Group contact details can be found on the following page. or e-mail: [email protected] giving dates, times, locations and a contact name, number and e-mail plus, if required, a few words about the event. The deadline for for ‘WHAT’S ON’ ONLY in the September 2010 issue is 30th July 2010. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE

Wednesday 27th Wednesday 10th Thursday 2nd Wednesday 15th South Yorkshire Saab EBOR Saab EASOC Saab South Yorkshire Saab Ruth’s Supper. Extra Group Meeting. Keith Long Club meeting at The Bunbury Arms, Group Christmas buffet [email protected] SOC Historian will be attending, Ixworth Road, Great Baiton, Nr Bury [email protected] giving us a brief history of the SOC St Edmunds, IP31 2NX at 7.30pm. Late October and Saab Memorabilia. Tuesday 28th EBOR Saab Tuesday 7th North West Saab RAF Holmpton – Cold War Bunker – Saturday 13th West Midlands and Warwickshire TBA nearer the time. Beds Herts and Bucks Saab Meet in Manchester in the evening – Meeting at the Green Man, Club Meeting at The Stonebridge all welcome – see www.saab-nw.co.uk Eversholt. We will be there from Pub 7.30pm. Just 1 mile from or contact John 0161 9299155 or NOVEMBER 1.00pm. Please contact Birmingham Airport. Contact Richard 01457 852944. [email protected] [email protected] Wednesday 3rd Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab Tuesday 23rd Wednesday 8th JANUARY 2011 The Red Bull, Congleton Road, North West Saab EBOR Saab Church Lawton, Cheshire at 7.30pm – Group Meeting Meet in Manchester in the evening – Tuesday 4th [email protected] all welcome – see www.saab-nw.co.uk or contact John 0161 9299155 or South West Saab on Tour West Midlands and Warwickshire South West Saab on Tour Richard 01457 852944. Get-together for a chat and a drink Saab Get-together for a chat and a drink at the Airfield Tavern, Yeovil. 7.45pm- Club Meeting at The Stonebridge at the Airfield Tavern, Yeovil. 7.45pm- Wednesday 24th 8.00pm until late. Pub 7.30pm. Just 1 mile from 8.00pm until late. South Yorkshire Saab Birmingham Airport. Contact Natter ‘n’ Noggin Saturday 11th [email protected] Thursday 4th [email protected] Beds Herts and Bucks EASOC Saab Meeting at the Green Man, Eversholt. We will be there from Wednesday 26th Club meeting at The Bunbury Arms, Late November South Yorkshire Saab Ixworth Road, Great Baiton, Near Bury 1.00pm. Please contact EBOR Saab AGM Meeting St Edmunds, IP31 2NX at 7.30pm. Group trip to NEC Classic Car Show [email protected] [email protected] Monday 8th DECEMBER Monday 13th Lancashire Saab Lancashire Saab Club Night at Ring ‘O’ bells Pub, Ring Wednesday 1st Club Night at Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Ring ‘O’ bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Cheshire and Staffordshire Saab ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 5TE. We meet on the second The Red Bull, Congleton Road, L40 5TE. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm – Church Lawton, Cheshire at 7.30pm – Monday of each month at 7.30pm – www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk [email protected] www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2010 25 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 26

AROUNDTHEUK

All correspondence to: Ellie Wilson 43 Towbury Close, Oakenshaw South, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7YZ Tel: 01527 403596, E-mail: [email protected] Contacts THIS LIST REPLACES ALL OTHERS

BEDFORDSHIRE, EAST MIDLANDS SAAB NORTH WEST SAAB HERTFORDSHIRE & Peter Briggs Richard Elliott BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SAAB 16 Saville Street The Quorls Blidworth 9 Wheatcroft Christian Sawers Mansfield Hadfield Tel: 01525 402749 Notts NG21 0RP Glossop E: bedsbuckshertssaab@ www.eastmidlandssaab.co.uk SK13 2EN googlemail.com E: [email protected] Tel: 01457 852 944 www.saab-nw.co.uk

CHESHIRE, NORTH EAST SUSSEX SAAB SHROPSHIRE & Toby Field SOUTH WEST SAAB STAFFORDSHIRE SAAB 78 Foxglove Road Alex or Robin Eastbourne 10 Arundel Road Chris Boffey East Sussex, BN23 8BX Yeovil, Somerset 66 Brereton Drive Tel: 01323 460 363 [email protected] Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6HF www.eastsussexsaab.co.uk Tel: 07963 066384 Tel: 01270 624659 [email protected] E: [email protected] Tel: 07515 112120 www.2csaabbranch.org EBOR SAAB Karl Moxon 38 Queens Drive SOUTH YORKSHIRE SAAB CUMBRIA SAAB Cottingham Keith Long Robert Morley East Yorkshire 10 Byrne Close HU16 4EL Barugh Green 44 Brierydale Lane E: [email protected] Barnsley Stairburn 01482 847120 South Yorkshire Workington S75 1NS Cumbria Tel: 01226 385 139 Tel: 01900 679 26 FIFE AND TAYSIDE SAAB Liz Robertson 9 Fernhill Gardens SURREY & WEST SUSSEX DALE SAAB Windygates SAAB Fife Michael Dey Richard Unsworth KY8 5DZ 19 Hawthorn Road 2 Quarry Lane Tel: 01333 351 364 Barnsbury Farm Estate Tandem E: [email protected] Woking Huddersfield, HD5 0AP Surrey, GU22 0BA Tel: 01484 350230 Tel: 07711 439 585 07786 861760 HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF E: [email protected] WIGHT SAAB Richard D Sprinks Hello and welcome to the Summer edition of this fantastic, 2 Alverstone Cottage THAMES VALLEY SAAB DUMFRIES, GALLOWAY & Alverstone Road (and best!) section of the ‘Driver’. I know you have all been BORDERS SAAB Whippingham dying to get to this part of the magazine, so here goes... oh Gerald Chamberlain East Cowes WESSEX SAAB 113 Bergh Road Isle of Wight Nigel Bailey yeah you may need a long cold drink and some refreshments as Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 7NB PO32 6NN 12 Oakdene Close this may take a while... enjoy. Tel: 01983 880 084 Wimborne Tel: 01228 537 838 E: [email protected] Dorset Tel: 01202 886 888 E: [email protected] Ellie is Bjorn again! DURHAM SAAB LANCASHIRE SAAB It is with great shame I have to admit that after opting out of John Wood Steve Alty the company car scheme, I moved over to the ‘dark side of Dunvegan 2 A Queensway WEST MIDS & 58 Thorndale Ashton-on-Ribble WARWICKSHIRE SAAB motoring’ and did not buy a Saab as a replacement for my PRESTON, PR2 1SN Rich Bone Belmont, Durham, DH12AH Tel: 01772 769015 160 Ardath Road usual Eurobox! Tel: 0191 384 2461 www.lancashiresaabowners Birmingham B38 9PE The car I bought was built in the UK, and a nice car it was E: [email protected] club.co.uk E: [email protected] www.wmwsoc.co.uk too, but just did not press the right buttons in terms of driving

Please note the groups highlighted have returned their experience and overall satisfaction. After three months of EAST ANGLIA SAAB attendance registers. owning the said car, I was driving past a Saab dealer in London Rachel Hillier Linnaeus Groups Sub-Committee Local Liaison Officers and it was like fate! I pulled in to the dealership car park and Norwich Road Stephen Trigg, 18 Clevelands Avenue, Draycott, Derby, DE72 3NR just like the Little Britain character Andy Pipkin, says... ‘I want Scole, DISS Tel: 01332 872302 Norfolk, IP21 4DY Regional Groups Co-ordinator: Ellie Wilson, 43 Towbury Close, that one!’ I liked the look of this 9-3 and was very interested. Tel: 01379 740 158 Oakenshaw South, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7YZ The salesman came over and we discussed a possible deal, and E: [email protected] Tel: 01527 403596 e-mail: [email protected] after a few miles, test driving, and thrashing out a deal, I had

26 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 27

the MPG, I am getting 54.7 which is very, very good. I was talking to an SOC Member earlier in the Month, Mike Philpott, and he has suggested an engine upgrade to Hirsch which will make the driving experience much more pleasing... Note to Hirsch upgrade suppliers... have you any deals at the moment? As I know one recent convert to the 9-3 range seeks upgrade at reasonable price! Contact details at the top of the previous page.

Australian Links I had a very interesting letter from David Jones, Member who now resides in the UK but also has a C900 (pictured with SOC badge proudly on display!) which now resides in Australia. The letter goes as follows: “Please find enclosed a copy of the Saab Car Club Australia signed on the dotted line. The Saab dealer was to be within a Magazine and also a picture of my Australian specification C900 week, the owner of a Jaguar X type... and I would be the proud T16 Aero. The picture shows the car in front of a cabin we and very happy owner of a Tid 9-3 Anniversary. stayed in about three hours north of Adelaide. I bought the car Now at this point I will be totally honest... I have been a in Melbourne, but we left it at home with my wife’s sister. C900/96 V4 enthusiast for what seems like for ever, (and I still “It’s quite strange over here as you have to get new love them), and have as good as made a pact with the devil that number plates for each state in which you register the car’s I would not be seen dead in one of those ‘new’ non-Saabs, well permanent abode. let me tell you! Even at my tender age of just turned 21 (well I “The village policeman came up to the house to evaluate the feel it) you are never too old to learn, the old saying ‘don’t car at MOT time, and was quite blown away by the condition of it. knock it till you’ve tried it’. “The roads in Australia are terrible... what with no traffic, no The 9-3 has been the most pleasing car I have ever owned or tailbacks... oh it’s so boring! But I am sure you would get used possibly driven! Everything is laid out logically and the ride is to it. first class, during the first week of ownership I had to work late “Air conditioning is an absolute must, there were times we did in London, the journey back was during the night and, this is not want to get out of the car, as the outside temperature was when I really got to enjoy the car. I then had my first experience over 40 degrees. of using the Night Panel, I know it’s not a new thing to you “I have a friend here who owns a Borgward Isabella in more avid Saab drivers, but to me it was absolutely fantastic, all excellent condition, he must have been in a good mood one day the dials go out, except the speedometer, and warnings as he let me drive it. I managed to get up to 60-70mph. Then... I illuminate as an when... such as the speed warning, low fuel etc, let him drive my Aero to let him see what real quality was about! the overall car is really pleasing, while very affordable and as for “By not living on the tourist trail we have met a lot of

JULY/AUGUST 2010 27 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 28

AROUNDTHEUK

interesting local people, one friend of my wifes was the driver Mrs Ellie was not reading the maps properly and my loss daughter of a pilot who flew Lancaster Bombers during WWII at this event is purely down to her (don’t worry, I will ensure and survived every mission. The friend had also built his own she does not read this bit!), so I will still be alive to write the Aircraft and showed us pictures of various places he had been next edition. during the conflict. “I hope this has not bored you but has given you a small SOC Member Dr Oswald Reid contacted me insight into our Aussie adventures.” “You probably would not remember me Ellie, as we met for the first time at the Save Saab Convoy run on 17 January, my car is Thanks for taking the time to write to me, I am never bored with pictured no 15 in your photo gallery of the event, great day out letters and calls from our fellow Saab enthusiasts. For those by the way. Her indoors loved it! Have just been putting a few who are wondering what a Borgward Isabella as I was, please more touches to the ‘Beast’ which endures a constant see picture... and please keep those letters and e-mails coming! evolution, nothing boring about a Saab! It all makes for great reading and a fantastic ‘Driver’. “The car is due in September to have a major engine rebuild to attempt to nudge me ever closer to 400 horses! The missus Birthday Celebrations now has finally admitted defeat with me, and helps out where Beds Herts and Bucks group is one year old – Happy she can lol! – bless! Birthday! As you all know this group has been going from “You will have to forward some dates of the Clubs that you strength to strength over the past year, and a lot of growth plan to visit in the year Ellie, so that we can meet up and swap has happened during the last 12 months, including the group some car info; as I hear you are an absolute encyclopaedia with chair getting married to the very lovely Paula, we wish you all things Saab. both well for the future. “Well, take care Ellie and keep up the good work.” On Saturday, 8 May, myself and Mrs Ellie went down to List of project work completed and who installed them. Eversholt to celebrate the Club’s birthday, we were all greeted Abbott Racing Motorsport by Christian, and after a light lunch (yes there’s that food issue 1. Carbon Fibre NASCAR louvers cut into the front bonnet and again), we were issued with our route for the treasure hunt. repainted. Despite the light rain we all had a great time finding all the 2. Three inch bespoke dual outlet stainless steel exhaust landmarks on the list. After a 30-mile drive, which incidentally system from the cat back. sounds like a hike, but in fact went by in just under an hour, we 3. New rear bumper from a 2008 model 93 to accommodate a arrived back at the Green Man pub in Eversholt... it was time Hirsch rear air diffuser, with replacement rear park sensors now to check our results. I had scored a very respectable 21 and reflectors. out of a possible 24 and was pretty confident I was in with a 4. Hirsch stainless steel 3 part front grill re-sprayed matt black. chance... then out of nowhere came a 100% score from SOC 5. Hybrid Turbo TD04 L-14T with heavily modified internals and Members Emma and Peter Shine. I wouldn’t have minded so larger impellors. much but they are recent converts to the Saab way of life after 6. Samco complete performance coolant and turbo hoses in blue. suffering years of misguidance by other manufacturers. We 7. Abbott Racing stiffened and lowered suspension springs. welcome you both with open arms! None the less 8. Bespoke stainless steel tube front strut bracing. congratulations and well done (said thru gritted teeth!). 9. Driver’s side foot rest made from drilled and formed Christian duly presented them with a bottle of champagne, and stainless steel. as time was getting on, I had to say my goodbyes to the Members as I had another epic journey the next day down to Thanks for your kind words, and I am really pleased you find the Swedish Day in Yeovil. I left this event truly bitter that my Co- ‘Driver’ interesting. Firstly I must congratulate you on the work

28 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 29

you have done on your car, it truly looks fantastic, and the pride in ownership is clear for all to see. I hope you will continue to support your local Group (Beds, Herts and Bucks) and thanks for supporting the Save Saab Convoy, it was truly a great event. Well all that tech info above must mean something to the more avid Saab drivers! As for me, I was lost after point 1 (you know I am joking), but 400BHP, that is a lot of horses, just make sure you tame them well before taking to the roads. There will be more detailed information on this car in the next edition on our brand new page dedicated to the 9-3SS model, so if you would like to contribute to this page please do, so that we can get this new section off the ground.

Swedish Day 2010 It was an absolute honour to be asked to pick up Saab racing legend and Saab Owners Club GB President, Mr Erik Carlsson. The organisers Robin and Alex had no idea I was to bring him to the Swedish Day, what a coup! The racing legend known as ‘on the roof’ was transported in my recently acquired 9-3 Saab Tid. I was really looking forward to the journey down to Yeovil which I estimated would take three hours, which would give me ample time to ‘interview’ Erik Carlsson in the confined space of a car. However, unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Erik was unable to attend, but I still think the piece I have written is worthy of addition to these pages. Now some of you may already know these facts but for the rest of us please enjoy. Erik Carlsson married Pat Moss (3 March 1963 in London), also a rally driver (and younger sister of Sir Stirling Moss – yet another racing driver. Because of his public relations work for remain true and dedicated to the Saab brand, past, present and Saab, Erik Carlsson is also known as Mr Saab. well into the future with Saab Spyker. In John Gardner’s James Bond novel Icebreaker, Bond gets The Swedish Day event proved ever popular for the third several weeks of driving training from Erik Carlsson as consecutive year, and well done to Robin, Alex, Kerry, Isobel and preparation for an arctic assignment. He also outfits and all the team which helped them organise this event. delivers Bond’s ‘Silver Beast’, a Saab 900 Turbo. Due to the growing popularity of this event the rear field at Because the early Saabs he raced with were seriously the Haynes Museum in Sparkford was opened to allow cars to underpowered, he had to keep a high speed in the curves and park, this was quickly filled with Saab enthusiasts from the UK developed the left-foot braking technique to perfection. Left- and parts of Europe. I would like to say a belated welcome to foot braking was done by keeping the right foot on the gas the visitors from France, Belgium and Switzerland, for making pedal while pushing the brake pedal with the left foot. This this epic journey to the event. To be honest I am sure Etienne brought the rear out in a controlled skid while maintaining Morsa from Belgium only has to hear two words and they are speed. The drawback of this was that it wore down the brakes. Saab and Event, and he already has his bags packed to travel In 1965 Pat Moss and Erik Carlsson wrote a book titled The art across Europe! Come to think of it, I know a few UK Members and technique of driving (and was published by Heinemann). This who have exactly the same train of thought... must be book was translated into Dutch, German, Japanese and Spanish something in their blood (I must try to find a cure for them!). to cater for a worldwide audience. While I am on the subject of the overseas visitors, I found it The expression ‘Carlsson on the roof’ originated from the amusing (well I am pretty simple) that they even take the mick children’s story Karlsson på taket by Astrid Lindgren where a out of themselves by proudly displaying their banners ‘Frog Karlsson character lived on the roof of an apartment building, Eaters Convoy’ (see picture). Fantastic... but I must point out I and the habit of Erik Carlsson to occasionally roll a rally car on was reliably informed they don’t eat the whole frog... and even its roof. In the Safari Rally he even rolled the car intentionally to then it’s just certain types of frogs from specific places at get out of a mud pool. When journalists later doubted his story specific times of the year... and only under the right since there were no dents in the roof he proved it by rolling the conditions... is someone winding me up! Is this like the tale I car again. This is testament to the strength of Saab (please was told of the Scottish haggis that have only three legs and don’t try this at home!), he did it so you don’t have to! they run around in circles, which in turn make them easy to And to this very day Erik Carlsson is still as entertaining and catch? Anyway, back to the story in hand. pleasant company as he has always been, and long may he As I was travelling down the M5, I saw a bright orange little

JULY/AUGUST 2010 29 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 30

AROUNDTHEUK

car some way off in the distance. I said to my son: “That’s a everyone together in anticipation of the forthcoming spring and Saab 96”, he was amazed that I was so confident it was a Saab! summer’s events. The lunch was very well attended, 26 present, On getting within good viewing distance I recognised both the of whom only two were guests. car and the owner, it was Chris Wilcox (aka transit80). I signalled “Sunday, 28 March saw eight cars take part in the first run-out him to meet at the next services for breakfast (there’s that food of the year. We toured the eastern edge of the Lincolnshire word yet again), after breakfast we travelled on and met fellow Wolds, on something of a (very light!) culture trip. First port of Saabists in Bristol, where we carried on to Yeovil. call was The Old Rectory at Somersby, the birthplace of Alfred On arrival, the field was already packed with a host of varying Lord Tennyson. Later we had afternoon tea at the water mill Saab models, and I was most pleased to see the Volvo which inspired several of his poems, including the famous line members also had a good showing. ‘Come into the garden, Maud’. In between a bit of history, with I have been informed that a total of 197 cars made it to visits to the site of the Civil War battle at Winceby and Swedish Day, and this event is growing bigger every year. I Bolingbroke Castle. managed to get one of the special edition Swedish Day Moose “The highlight of the year so far took place on Sunday, toys, and as I gather Robin Morley is looking for one. How weird 25 April, when a group of us were fortunate enough to take part is that, as he was the sole supplier... well Mr Morley I will be in a private tour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF starting the bid at £100. It’s up to you as I have one and you Coningsby. Everyone present was absolutely captivated by the seem to be lacking possession of one! But seriously though, Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancaster and Dakota: so much so, that well done you guys and see you at Swedish Day 2011. we were so late for our intended lunch at a nearby hotel that the management of the establishment took the huff and NorthWest Saab – Peaks and Dales, 5 June 2010 cancelled it! But true to form we soon found a pub instead. This was my first ever visit to the Peaks and Dales weekend, and Photo our Group beneath the DC4 which we had seen take to it certainly will not be my last, like buses, events come along all the air earlier in the day, together with the two engineers from at once and I have also been to the Spares Day at Cosford. This the Memorial Flight who most kindly gave up their day off to event will be reported fully in the next ‘Driver’. show us round. “So all-in-all quite a good start to the season. Will keep in EBOR Saab Update from Karl Moxon touch as and when there is anything newsworthy to report.” “Hi,Ellie, thought it might be a good idea to let you know what Ebor have been up to so far this year. On Sunday, 17 January we Thanks Karl please keep us all updated with more outings, and had our pre-season lunch at The Windmill PH, Dunnington, near please remember if you would like to attend any of the EBOR York. As in previous years, this was in lieu of a Christmas bash, events which are primarily in and around the Leeds/York area we find it bettter to avoid the ‘silly season’, when there is a please contact Karl Moxon, via e-mail or telephone – host of other things going on anyway, as well as useful to get [email protected] Tel: 01482 847120

30 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 31

New Saab Owners Club Polo Shirts forever, as it will for all the SOC Directors and Members. On Polo shirts are available now from the Club Shop. They have the behalf of all Saab Owners Club GB Members, we send Joan Saab Turbo Gauge, and labelled with the Saab Owners Club GB sincere condolences and our very best thoughts... forever! on them. They are very stylish and, what’s more, you know you want one. To order your polo shirt please contact the Club And Finally... Shop by telephone or e-mail. Oh yes and while I am on the Don’t forget there is still a lot of British Summer Time left, and subject of SOC branded things, a window transfer is also still loads of events to go to. Please let me know of events available stating – www.saabclub.co.uk – they look fantastic in coming up and for the future to be added into the What’s On the window of the car, make sure you order yours today, only pages. The next edition will of course include the Saab Owners £1 including postage, now there’s a bargain. Club National, and events I have been to in between, this will of (Go to page 58-59 – Ed.) course include the Chipping steam fair, The Peaks and Dales event, and of course memoirs of all of you that I will have met In Memory of John Wood at the RAF Cosford spares event. It is with absolute great sadness that I have to let you know of Keep Safe the passing of John Wood. John has been an absolute pillar to Ellie his family, and to the Saab Fraternity and his other love, Motor Sport, with the Saltaire team. John was an absolute Saab enthusiast, you may recall me writing about my visit to his group last year, and between John and his lovely wife Joan, you could not have asked for better SAAB company. For those who don’t know John, he helped the SOC INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST

grow to the strength we have today. In the earlier days of the SOC G NEW AND USED PARTS AVAILABLE where all the admin work was done manually, when membership G SERVICE AND REPAIR FACILITIES G USED SAABS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES and the ‘Driver’ was compiled over a long period (usually weeks) G MAIL ORDER SERVICE and it was in black and white, and sat in cold garages to compile membership packs and do all the background admin stuff. We are all grateful for all the hard work and dedication he put in to keep VOLSAA the Club going. Myself, Richard Elliott, and Dave Garnett attended the funeral, and John would have been proud to know ENGINEERING his popularity was shown in the most respected way, as the Tel: (01332) 291320 Fax: (01332) 380698 2-4 Fox Street, Derby DE1 2BW Church service was absolutely packed. www.volsaaengineering.co.uk The talks I enjoyed with John will remain in my thoughts

JULY/AUGUST 2010 31 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 32 THE SOC NATIONAL 23-25 July 2010 Having been going for just over a year, our Group has been asked to host the 2010 National.

It has not been an easy thing to do. After listening to lots of people we tried to get a motor sport event or We will be having the annual beauty contest for all location. A very big hurdle indeed. We tried all sorts Members to join in. Last year’s car painting was a great but for one reason or another, we could not book a success so we will be doing that for the children again. location with motor sport connected. One very big Derek is organising a Competitive Gymkhana which problem we have is the cost of these events and there the race course has agreed to. An easy-to-compete was no way we could afford it. Not this year anyway. event in any car. Maybe another year with another group who may find We have the use of the whole inside track area of the a more accommodating track or venue. racecourse which includes a very large building just in So this year’s event will be very similar to the 2009 case there is a small chance of rain. event. We have booked the Bath Racecourse, which is We hope to see you all there. just north of Bath City in the area of Lansdown. Very Robin, Alex and the rest of easy to get to and just south of the M4. South West Saab.

32 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 33

NATIONAL BATH TIME Camping on-site for tents, trailer tents, BOOKING FORM caravans and motor caravans. • SOC designated area within race course itself. Name • Arrival from 2.00pm Friday, 23 July. • No sleeping in commercial delivery vans. Membership Number • Fees pre-booked pitches: £12.00 per unit for one night, £10.00 per unit per night if more than one night booked. (These rates Address will apply for Friday and Saturday nights only). • Fees for those wishing to camp without prior booking: £13.00 per unit for one night, £11.00 per unit per night if more than one night booked. Postcode (These rates will apply for Friday and Saturday nights only). • There are no electric hook-ups available at the Racecourse. Telephone • Non-members will be charged an additional £5.00 per adult for participating in the weekend. (Please encourage your E-mail friends to join (or rejoin) The Saab Owners Club at the meeting or prior to the meeting quoting code ‘natl2010’ to qualify for a No. £ special one-year membership rate, without the payment of a joining fee.) PRE-BOOKED PITCHES, PER UNIT • Campers wishing to stay on the commercial site prior to or after the event should contact the organisers. This may @ £12.00 per night (for one night) necessitate moving your unit to a different pitch if so @ £10.00 per night (2+ nights) requested. • Access to showers is via a token system and these will be provided by SOC reception. DAY VISITORS • Dogs are welcome on site provided they are kept on a leash and are properly controlled. A dog walk is available. DO NOT Member @ £3.00 per day walk or exercise dogs on the race track; and owners will be Non-member (pre-booked) @ £4.00 per day responsible for removing any dog fouling.

Children under 16 free Other accommodation • Bath has a full range of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. Please contact the Tourist Information office at Bath Tourist Total for camping/caravan etc. Information Centre, Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY. Tel: 0906 711 2000 www.visitbath.co.uk MEALS Day visitors – Saturday, 24 July 2010 Friday supper – adults @ £10.00 • Arrival on site from 9.00am. Friday supper (vegetarian) – adults @ £10.00 • Fees: members pre-booked £3.00, on the day £4.00. Non-members pre-booked £4.00, on the day £5.00. Friday supper – child @ FREE • Traders and ‘car booters’ are welcome and will be able to park in a designated area. They will be charged the same rate as Friday supper (vegetarian) – child @ FREE campers or day visitors. A contribution of a raffle prize or a gift Saturday carvery – adults @ £12.00 for entry to the ‘penny auction’ would be appreciated! • Day visitors are welcome to stay to the carvery – open from Saturday vegetarian – adults @ £12.00 about 6.00pm. Saturday carvery – child @ FREE Sunday, 25 July 2010 Saturday vegetarian – child @ FREE • There will be no on-site activities on Sunday, 25 July.

GRAND TOTAL Catering • Friday evening supper (pasty and chips and apple crumble) Booking form should be sent to arrive with Keith and Sue Long £10.00 per adult. Children under 14 free. There is a vegetarian no later than 10 July 2010. Please let us know of any special option. requirements. (Photocopies accepted) • Saturday – an on-site cafe will be available for drinks and snacks from 9.00am until 4.00pm. Non-Members can join the Club by downloading a form from: • Saturday evening carvery and £12.00 an adult, dessert www.saabclub.co.uk quoting code ‘natl2010’ to qualify for a available and £2.95 per adult. Children under 14 free. special one-year membership rate, without a joining fee. There is a vegetarian option. • Our caterers will try to meet particular dietary needs if we are informed in advance. • There will be bar available on-site. Booking information to: Keith and Sue Long, 10 Byrne Close, Barugh Green, Members and guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic or Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 1NS. soft drinks but not into the retreat area. Clearly, the organisers will Cheques payable to The Saab Owners Club GB Ltd. expect responsible consumption of any alcohol and safe removal of ‘empties’.

JULY/AUGUST 2010 33 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:47 Page 34

SWEDISH DAY Swedish Day 2010 was a bit of a colder there, a Volvo PV544 and a couple of Volvo 1800s, a Saab Two- weekend. Saturday threatened to rain on us Stroke and one of the first Saab 99s driven all the way from the Alps in Switzerland. We had our first truck to the show, a very as we did a bit of pre-set up. Sunday was beautifully restored F10. dry (apart from a quick shower just before The Saabs and Volvos once again came from all four corners we got the gates open) but very windy and of the UK, and we had 15 cars from mainland Europe. France cool with it. was very well supported and they all had a grille rally plate saying ‘Frog Eaters Tour to Swedish Day’. The weekend started on Saturday evening with a successful The other attraction of being at Haynes was the Museum. carvery at The Sparkford Inn. Forty-six Swedish fans enjoyed a Everybody who signed their car in received a couple of tickets two-meat meal with a pudding and lots of chat from six o’clock to get in the museum at a reduced rate. Almost everybody took until about midnight. There were guests from four countries a visit to enjoy the great cars in the Museum. The children had sharing their love for both Saab and Volvo. Luckily for us, the the play park, go-karts, diggers as well as the wooden English language was known by everyone. fort/climbing frame and the play bus plus this year an old white The day of the show saw Alex and myself and our families Saab to paint, it wasn’t very white by the end of the day. Other turn up at 9.00am to get things organised. This year we had attractions were taking place, one being a remote control chosen to hold the event in the field behind the Museum but driving competition. You had the choice of a Volvo or Saab and sadly the gates remained locked until about 9.15am so it was you had to get around the course without knocking the bollards full speed ahead when the keys arrived. The gazebos were down. Well done to the Rankin family for organising this great erected and flags were put up to fly. The stars of the show, the attraction. There was also a full-size gymkhana taking place Volvos and Saabs, started to arrive around 9.30am, although a where skill was the reward of the day over speed. A raffle took couple of Saabs from South Wales were there before us. As last place with many great prizes. I want to thank the many wive’s of year, the cars kept arriving and turned into a steady stream of the South West Saab group for looking after the coffee and teas Swedish vehicles driving through the gates. By 11.00am one and Hillary for her great voice when drawing the raffle prizes. hundred cars had received their welcome bag and instructions. During the day there were six judging competitions going on. Like the two previous years, we decided to continue with the Three were named ‘The Most Admired Volvo, Saab and Truck’ idea where everybody parked together no matter which make or and was sponsored by Chris Knott Insurance and Trail-A-Way. model you arrived in. This works quite well as you get a great Each entrant was given the task of choosing their Most Admired mixture going on. There were opportunities during the day to Volvo, Truck and Saab at the show. Another was ‘Best in Show’, have photo shoots with like models if you wanted. sponsored by Peter Swann from ‘The GB Motor Book By the end of the day we had had a total of 197 different Company’. As Pete said, it was very difficult to choose one as Swedish vehicles including our first lorry. It was great to talk to there were a great many ‘Best’ cars, so he decided to ask so many enthusiasts and to see so many people smiling all day. himself, which car would I like to travel home in? The local Saab The variety of Swedish cars was brilliant. The older cars were garage was there to choose their favourite Saab and Dimitri

34 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:48 Page 35

UK 2010 from www.dimini.ch – an Internet shop selling model cars, who chose his favourite Volvo at the show.

The prizes at the 2010 show were awarded as follows: • The Chris Knott ‘Most Admired Volvo’ chosen by the people at Swedish Day was presented by Paul Channer to Malcolm Tridgeon and his Volvo P1800ES. • The Chris Knott ‘Most Admired Saab’ chosen by the people at Swedish Day was presented by Paul Channer to Julian Davies and his Saab 99 Turbo. • The Trail-A-Way ‘Most Admired Truck’ chosen by the people at Swedish Day was presented by Robin and Azzy to Rob Davies and his Volvo F10. • dimini.ch’s Favourite Volvo was presented by Dimitri to Peter Smethurst and his Volvo 164. • Astley Saabs Favourite Saab was presented by Dave Irish to Tony Grestock and his Saab 95. • Peter Swann of the GB Motor Book Company’s ‘Best in Show’ or later re-tagged as ‘Car I would most like to drive home in’ was presented to Russ Tidbury and his Volvo 1800S.

If you have Internet access you can find a few pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/trollpowersaab/sets/72157622727657924/ and www.flickr.com/photos/23946388@N05/sets/72157623907503381/ There is also a short video on You Tube, the link being www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViXmtmbkKeA All the links can be found at www.swedishday.co.uk

I would like to thank everybody for supporting this event, the helpers, the five sponsors mentioned above, Marcus and Haynes Museum for the location, my friends Pete, Paul, Mike and Marion, Mark and Carol and Alex and Isabel for the constant support, the local Saab Owners Group for their fantastic help on the day, the Internet forums and blogs, including Saabsunited.com and Saabhuy.net and of course, my wife Kerry and daughter Azabeth. But the biggest thank you goes to all the owners of those lovely Saabs and Volvos that came along on the day.

Next year’s show will again be held in the show field on Sunday, 8 May 2011. Robin

JULY/AUGUST 2010 35 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:48 Page 36 9-5 versus MERCEDES

There’s no denying that the Saab 9-5 is a little long in the tooth by modern standards. Its humble underpinnings are positively ancient, starting life beneath the Vauxhall Vectra B.

The vehicle itself has been on the market since the end of 1997 across the available engines and generally do the same job. – seemingly an eternity compared to many rivals’ newer Both models are from premium manufacturers and promise the models. And sometimes its age shows through, notably the customer something special. chassis and suspension crashing on our badly potholed roads. My current 9-5 is a Linear Sport with the 2.3t engine, one of the However, there are so many features of this vehicle which are very last built just prior to the most recent, more dramatic face- still fabulous; a testament to its great design. This has clearly lifted model. The Merc which has come to stay for a few weeks is not gone unnoticed, given the loyal following and shiny, well- a C180 Kompressor in SE trim. Both have five-speed auto boxes. loved examples we see on our roads. And I’ve recently been Parked side by side, the two vehicles, look very smart. The able to put the 9-5’s qualities back into perspective, having Mercedes has quite an imposing nose – which initially looked driven many miles in a new C Class Mercedes. rather ungainly but has gentled with time and familiarity. The The C Class hits a very similar market segment – executive Saab’s in contrast is more aerodynamic-looking and sits on a saloon. While the term ‘executive’ is rather passé, the vehicles purposeful looking chin – still very tidy after all its years. The are of similar size, have a similar range of performance figures two are only 1mm different in height but the Saab’s lower waist

36 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:48 Page 37

line gives it a more elegant, slender profile. are on What most interested me was the general ownership the thirsty side, experience. For some, a car is like white goods. It takes you to especially on a stop- your destination, keeps you warm and lets you listen to the start commute; neither barge radio on the way. For those of us for whom cars are rather more would be the first choice of anybody emotive, even the request to perform a short errand turns into looking for good economy. an opportunity to enjoy a quick drive. After a couple of months Initially, I was excited by the Mercedes. The three- with the C Class, which car would I instinctively want to get pointed star might be a gimmick but it looks good from behind the wheel of? behind the wheel. It rides well too – absorbing bumps and angular The Mercedes has the feebler engine and both are fairly low speed humps well and eating up motorway miles. The only things down the trim spec, but these choices can be made when ticking which rattled were the items left in it by my wife and two year old. the options list. The rest of the traits like size, shape, design, The fit and finish inside is very good. Of particular note is the comfort and handling will be common throughout the ranges and rather lovely knurled knob/joystick for changing the radio settings. so there are many valid comparisons to be made. I shall avoid The Saab’s finish is still good and, like the Merc, has the bits considering running costs in this comparison as most 9-5s will be you touch covered in leather. The trim choice in both is fairly quite some way down their depreciation curves by now! Likewise, austere (which I like) and neither has leather seats – which I prefer fuel consumption is of minimal interest to me as both vehicles because the grippy fabric stops lateral slide during enthusiastic

JULY/AUGUST 2010 37 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:48 Page 38

cornering. But after driving the C Class for a while I started to spot how bad the one in the Mercedes is. A quick tap on the steering those fundamental irritating things which aren’t present in the wheel paddle and the Saab has shifted. The C Class’s gear lever Saab and whose absence makes the 9-5 such a pleasure. action is very positive but it seems to take forever to effect the On this specification level of Merc, there’s nothing to show change. Especially annoying is its refusal to change up, you the radio channel until you pop up the pod in the dashboard sometimes climbing another 2,000 rpm before swapping a cog! to reveal a screen. If you don’t want to use the preset stations (or In fully automatic mode, the Mercedes’ box feels stodgy and are driving somewhere outside where your presets will work) you lifeless. The Saab unit seems to be programmed more cleverly, have to do this each time. And this takes about six seconds to crisply changing up and down at sensible moments. initialise the screen. If you’re travelling at 60mph this means Despite the Saab being 244mm longer and almost 100kg you’ll have covered a tenth of a mile – trying not to look at the heavier, it feels so much lighter to the touch. Moreover, once on display! (You can leave the screen uncovered but the open lid is the open road, the 9-5’s aging chassis still gives great ugly and bright display is very distracting, especially at night.) confidence and good precision through corners. Smart knurled knob or not, that’s just badly thought out. Other aspects of living with both cars revealed further short- All the lights and washer controls are on the same stalk on all comings in the Mercedes. Access and egress are good in both of the Mercedes range. While I’m now very familiar with it, I still but the seats are better shaped in the Saab. The back seat prefer the separate stalks on the Saab. Both vehicles offer drops in the Saab too, meaning it is much more versatile, even similar features in terms of trip computers, cruise control, as a saloon. With the 60:40 split, I can leave a child seat in electric windows and mirrors, etc. The Mercedes’ foot-operated place and still use the full length of the combined load area. parking brake is easy to use – neither better nor worse, just The final verdict? Which vehicle on the drive am I drawn to? different from the Saab’s hand lever. Will the elegant branding and strong presence of the Mercedes Beyond the cosmetic lies the biggest fundamental difference win my heart? Not a bit! When I step out of the door, my eyes between the two vehicles. The Saab drives its front wheels, the turn towards the gentle curves of the 9-5. And if it’s the C Class C Class its rear. This gives the Merc a better turning circle. And I have to drive, it’s a disappointment as soon as I’m on the that’s about it. The steering feel is wonderful in the Swede move. While it comfortably eats up the miles, it’s just no fun. unlike its German friend’s dull, lifeless sensation. The Saab also I’m not blind to some of the Saab’s shortcomings but returning managed quite well in the snow and ice, despite 225/45 R 17 to it each time is like coming home. All the controls and tyres. The Mercedes’ ability on its 205/55 R 16s was poor and instruments are intuitively positioned, it’s one of the most improved only marginally when I filled the boot with concrete comfortable vehicles I’ve ever been in and it just gets on and paving stones and bags of cat litter. does everything I ask of it on the road. The engine of course is The Mercedes’ engine is less powerful than the Saab by about Saab’s jewel – the 9-5 doesn’t half shift! 40 horses – and while I shan’t mark it down on sheer oomph So my grief at the likely, imminent demise of Saab grows. I fear because it was somebody’s choice at purchase time, a similarly we might never see the new 9-5. We’ll lose a wonderful brand, powered 2.0t 9-5 (recently borrowed from Richard Elliott and which, developed in the right direction would still appeal to many, which had already driven the equivalent of half way to the not least its loyal band of followers. And even after 13 years of the moon) felt much more spritely. Getting back into the Saab, I old 9-5, it’s clear others still have much to learn from Saab. can’t believe how good the five-speed auto box is – or perhaps © Andrew Wright 2010 – www.motorwriter.com blog

38 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:48 Page 39

Family Treasure Hunt Another great South West Saab day out for all the 11April 2010 family and a successful one too. Great to see nine families go out and where we managed to park altogether Results enjoy the route and to try and answer and picnic, chat and enjoy the views. 1st Anna and Stuart from Plymouth the questions and get the same answers As last year everybody got an egg to in a 9-3 with 54 points that we did. take home so kids both big and small 2nd Ken and family from Shaftsbury The route was just over 30 miles with ended up with chocolate. in a 9000 with 52 points 48 clues and 12 items to be collected as There is a link to photos and a video 3rd Mike and Marion from Weymouth they travelled. The finish was at Ham Hill at www.southwestsaab.co.uk in a 9-3 with 50 points 3rd Mark and Carol from Christchurch in a 9-3 Convertible with 50 points 5th Alex and family from Yeovil in a 9000 CC with 49 points 6th Dan and family from Southampton in a 9-3 convertible with 48 points 6th Paul and Lindsay from Martock in a 9000 Carlsson with 48 points 8th Keith and Angie from Bridport in a 96 V4 with 46 points 9th Jo and her kids from Yeovil in a Zafira with 45 points

As you can see there was not much in it and big thank yous to everyone for coming along.

JULY/AUGUST 2010 39 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:49 Page 40

SOC TRAVELCLUB

14 Self Drive Tour ‘BEST OF THE WEST’ Itinerary Day 1 UK/Los Angeles Day 8 Death Valley Natl. Park/Yosemite Natl. Park Day 2 Los Angeles/Palm Springs Day 9 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco Day 3 Palm Springs/Phoenix, Scottsdale Day 10 San Francisco Day 4 Phoenix/Grand Canyon National Park Day 11 San Francisco/Monterey Day 5 Grand Canyon National Park/Las Vegas Day 12 Monterey/Santa Barbara/Ventura Day 6 Las Vegas Day 13 Ventura/Malibu/Santa Monica/Los Angeles Day 7 Las Vegas/Death Valley National Park Day 14 Los Angeles/UK

* Price based on departure from London 13 September 2010 From just • Tour information: Departures: Daily. Meals: Room only. • Tour price includes: Flights between London Heathrow and Los Angeles, car hire (excludes insurance, taxes and fuel) and accommodation. Based on two persons sharing. Other departure points and durations available. £1,175 • The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The SOC Travel Club acts as agents for Premier Holidays Ltd per person* ATOL 2713. For full details, contact the SOC Travel Club

Join the SOC Travel Club for the best prices on: • Hotels (20,000 hotels worldwide), • Flights (consolidator rates with most main airlines) • Car Hire (best rates with the major car hire companies) • Cruises (all main cruise lines) • Package Holidays (discounted rates with most major operators) For all your travel needs call the SOC Travel Club on 0845 60 60 910 Membership is FREE! The Travel Club Phone this number to contact the SOC Travel Club 2713 0845 60 60 910 Book all of these holidays and breaks and anything else with THE SOC TRAVEL CLUB, including air tickets; hotels, villas and Office hours: 09.00 – 18.00 apartments; car hire and car ferries; travel insurance. Mon-Fri, 09.30-13.30 Saturday We’d love to hear from you.

Prices and details are correct at time of being transmitted, but are subject to change without prior notice. All offers are subject to availability. Operators' terms and conditions apply. The air holidays and flights are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. Travel Club Services Ltd, 6 Powell Road, Newick, East Sussex BN8 4LS. Registered Company number 3406090. VAT Registration number 760 3688 17.

40 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:49 Page 41

REGISTERNEWS

Registers update Please contact me if you are interested in have pressures from other parts of our lives I am delighted to welcome Ian Powell as our this position. (Details on page 43). and the Club has to take a back seat, I new GM900/9-3 Registrar for the 1993- Richard Elliott has stepped in to take over certainly have weeks at a time where that is 2003 cars. Ian has kindly volunteered to take from Andy Gilchrist who has had to give up the case. If you have an urgent request, on this job and has plenty of good ideas for the 9-3 ‘Sport’ register for 2003 – on cars please tell us so in your e-mails/voicemails the column. I'm sorry it's taken so long to due to a change in his personal circumstances. and we will do our very best to help you, replace Scott McGregor, but hopefully you Thanks to Andy for his input over the last year but if it is not that urgent, please be patient if will enjoy reading Ian's column from now or two, and thanks to Richard for taking on we cannot come straight back to you. On a on. Please welcome Ian into the role. this extra work, it's not like he has enough to similar note, I would be grateful if you could Martin Clist-Woodward has decided to do on behalf of the Club is it? all be considerate about calling us late in the give up the Two-Stroke register, so I am A number of people have passed evening. After 9.00pm is perhaps a little too looking for someone to replace him. I'd like comment about the lack of a particular late for some families. to thank Martin for his input over the last column or other in recent issues, or the And finally, if you're not happy with the couple of years or so. The ideal candidate quality of the content. Please remember that content of any of our register columns, don't would be someone who owns a stroker all our registrars are just volunteers who give hesitate to tell us what you would like to see, and has a good knowledge of the cars, up their spare time to help Members and to or even send in some material we can use! suppliers of parts and where to go for help. write these columns. Occasionally we all Alistair Philpott

JULY/AUGUST 2010 41 P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:49 Page 42

V4REGISTER

EVEN SIENNA BROWN CAN LOOK ATTRACTIVE IN THE RIGHT SETTING

This edition of Driver will be landing on your doormats in early July, just I have lots of material to choose from this time, thank you all for a few weeks before the National in Bath and even fewer before the responding to my request last issue. So let’s get cracking... Saab ‘Reborn’ Festival that is taking in place in Trollhättan the weekend before. I will be making the trip for the Friday to Sunday, unfortunately Richard Skelton 95 – updates due to work pressures I can’t get there for the first day which is a Richard Skelton was asking about a source for rear lever arm shock Thursday. This will be my first trip to a ‘Festival’ and I’m really looking absorbers. Robert Hubbard has written to suggest that Powertrack forward to it, especially as this year they are not only celebrating the Limited (powertrackbrakes.co.uk), he suggests speaking to Paul on survival of our favourite car company, but also 50 years of the 96 which 01753 842680. Apparently the lever arms used to be kept in stock was launched in 1960, so it’s also 45 years since the launch of the V4! as they were identical to a unit used on some Luton-built light I hope to see lots of you there, or at Bath. Please feel free to commercials. Incidentally, Fred Glidden has also recently left me a come and introduce yourself if you see me wandering about. I’m recommendation for Powertrack as a source of brake master good at remembering names, and also good at remembering faces, cylinder rebuild kits, so that looks like a good place to know about – occasionally I can even put the two together, but if not, please don’t many thanks, chaps. Robert has sent a photo (seen above) of his 95. be offended if I don’t recognise you! Nigel Bailey also recommended Raj at ‘Recon & Return’ who will

42 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 22-43:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:49 Page 43

still refurbish one’s existing 95 lever arm shocks, either as standard or New Registrations with percentage stiffening. They are in Leicester on 0116 244 8103. Richard was also looking for a source of original style wiper blades Name: Louis Hemsley Location: Dorset and Nigel suggests ‘Classic bright wiper arms are still available from Car: 96 Tex Automotive – 01993 893500’. They are in Witney, in Registration: UMW 907J Oxfordshire. Thanks for the information, Nigel. I found Louis’s registration form buried under a pile of papers in my office recently, so I’m Best of all, Brian Hough has been in touch to say: embarrassed to say I’m not sure how long it had been there, but thank you for sending me the details of your 1971 car, Louis. Please feel free to send through some more information and “I have just finished reading the May/June edition of Saab ‘Driver’ photos if you can. and when I came upon your V4 register I was amazed to see the sea green 95 estate HBH 226G that I owned for 20 odd years. Could you please send me contact details of the present owner so that I can bring him up to date with its history.” This is the sort of thing I love about this register – cars and owners may part company but they can still cross each other’s paths many years later.

V4s for sale/rescue? David Humphries sent me a message a while back: “Whilst driving in north Norfolk last week I saw a V4 for sale. It looked a bit sad, last taxed 2009 & a faded green colour. Reg. is KVO18K and a phone number on the screen 01263 740382. Just thought I would mention it in case anyone was interested. By the way, I managed to get a new water pump for mine from Two-Stroke and fitted it – what a fiddly job – all those hoses and the two awkward bolts but it’s done so GYM is well again!” Thanks for the information, David, and congratulations on fixing the water pump, they are very fiddly. It’s often easier to remove the entire timing cover to get easier access to the water pump than to try to repair in situ.

Jim Morley from Addlestone has written to say he has decided not to restore his 96, SBM 185J. It is available if anyone would like it as a project or for spares. Please call Jim on 01932 341539. He tells me that he had a 93b in 1959, and subsequently two 96s and a 95. He asks if anyone knows what happened to the Motor road test 1963 96 with the registration number 1926 KX? Or the engine from his All correspondence to: 95 which he gave to a chap rebuilding a Two-Stroke 96? ALISTAIR PHILPOTT Rivendell, Middle Street, Swinton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6SR V4 clutch suppliers? Tel: +44 (0)1653 697561 E-mail: [email protected] I had a call recently from Francis Maguire in Northern Ireland who was after a clutch kit for his Sonett 3, or at the very least a friction plate. I thought I had a new friction plate in the garage that I bought on eBay a while back, but it turned out to be the wrong one and not for a V4 as was told by the seller. It is probably from an MGB. Anyway, I put Francis in touch with CJ Motorsport who Chris Foxley recommended in his 99 Turbo column last issue, and they were able to sort him out with a reconditioned unit. If anyone has an alternative supplier they can recommend, especially for original F&S clutches, please let me know.

Heater Valves Ian Frank was recently enquiring about an alternative valve that could be used to replace the variety of leaking items he has managed to collect, including one I gave him in the hope that it might be OK. Does anyone have any suggestions? Al

JULY/AUGUST 2010 43 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:57 Page 44

All correspondence to: STUART PAYNE 11 Whenman Avenue Bexley, Kent DA5 2BS 90/99REGISTER Tel: 01322 521580 e-mail: [email protected]

New Registrations

Well not quite new, but Fane Murray, who was last in touch two years ago, phoned to say his 90 should soon be back in use after a period of storage. Last time it was off the road for a while it started easily, went straight through the MOT and was back on the road with no problems. This time the clutch master cylinder doesn’t seem to have liked standing around. A mini one, GMC1077, should do the job. Also the headlining has given up, as they do. A cheaper fix than having it recovered can be to pin it back using matching plastic number plate screws which can be carefully threaded into the fibreglass behind. I tried this two years ago and they are still in place on my 90

Carburettor overhaul I mentioned last time I’d been having some problems with the carburettor on my 90. The carbs on most 99s and 90s are made by Stromberg, Solex or Zenith to a similar specification, and luckily parts for these are readily available at the moment. I got my kit from Fuel Systems – www.carburetters.co.uk – apart from the main jets, which are a press Another 90 has been registered by Gary Callon. ‘Emily’ is a 1986 fit, you can tackle most jobs with basic tools. cherry red 90 which Gary has owned since 2004. Modifications The carb had been leaking petrol from the include spoiler and Inca alloys. He writes: overflow when it got hot, so the main task “Mileage is 159,000 and still going strong. The plate EWL 191Y used to be on a 1983 silver Saab 99 that was owned by my boss was to change the float chamber needle and and then sold to me. He kept the EWL plate and transferred it to seat assembly and check the float height. I the red 90 back in 2002 when I bought the 99 and it became also swapped a float from another spare carb PES 411Y. I then bought the red 90 from him in 2004 and it’s been as a precaution. I also noticed the throttle my daily car from Arbroath to Dundee ever since. As a car ‘Emily’ has done me very well since 2004. Sailed through every MOT with butterfly was fitted with an anti-run on valve. only minor things needed like brake flexis, a horn and a sticking From experience with later MGBs these can brake calliper. I did however have a problem last year in sourcing start leaking air, and must obstruct the flow to the tailpipe and back silencer for the exhaust so these may be some extent, so I fitted a plain butterfly. becoming hard to get hold of. Neo Brothers sorted me out with them at a very good price but the Kwik Fits and McConnechy’s Finally I fitted a hose from the overflow couldn’t source them. The exhaust is different though to the 900 outlet, which also acts as a float chamber and 99 so I suppose it is inevitable with only 25,000 or so of the breather, down to the inner wing. This has 90s made that parts are going to become a problem. eliminated the smell of petrol you sometimes “I also replaced the radiator about a month ago which turned out get when starting the car from hot. With to be really straight forward. Neo Brothers sold me the radiator. It’s a Nissan aftermarket one for a 99 but they use the same radiator. everything reassembled I checked the ignition Cost was under £100. This has made a big difference to the timing which proved to be too advanced and running temperature of the car along with the radiator fan switch. set it to 20 degrees before TDC at 2000rpm Before the fan would come on at about 10 o’clock on the gauge but now it’s more like 9 o’clock. I used to have a problem with an as specified for the electronic ignition set-up. The result of all this has been improved fuel oil leak which also seems to have stopped and I’m wondering if economy, better power low down and most importantly no leaks! it’s because the engine is running a little bit colder that the oil is staying a little bit thicker.” Door Handle Not sure about the last point but a 90 or 99 without an oil leak is Opening the car door the other night there was a metallic clang. At first I thought something rare indeed! had fallen out of the car, but couldn’t see anything. Then tried the interior pull handle again and it was loose – clearly something had failed inside the door. On stripping it down the next day I found the end of the alloy handle had partially broken, allowing the roll pin to drop out which connects it to the linkage back to the catch mechanism. Sometimes it’s handy having a spare 90, not only for parts but to see where the bits I fished out of the bottom of the door should have gone. In fact it turned out that my spare handle was also partially broken but still holding together, so with some judicious reinforcing with Araldite I was still able to use it. Clearly these alloy handles are a weakness on later 99s and 90s. Outrageous Saab designing – a part which only lasts a quarter of a century! Stuart

44 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:57 Page 45

99TURBOREGISTER

All correspondence to: CHRIS FOXLEY 99 Turbo Registrar, Tyn-y-Celyn, Derwen, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 9SF Tel: 01824 750639 E-mail: [email protected]

A few months ago I heard of a two-door 99T that had been in hibernation for over 20 years, that had all of an unbelievable 5,263 miles on the clock (yes that number is correct). The original owner had passed away and his widow had parked the car in a thankfully dry garage, where it had stood until now. She contacted a local Saab specialist with a view to having the car re-commissioned. As you can see the cooling system was in need of a thorough clean, and the waste-gate and cylinder head had to be stripped. The car is now back on the road with a fresh MOT, (I wonder if this is its first!). For those of us with dodgy interiors then just check out these pictures, I had forgotten just how fabulous the seats are when new. Sharon and I attended Swedish Day at the Haynes Motor Museum and it was great to see four 99 Turbo owners bringing their cars along (sadly ours was not included in this number). We travelled down in convoy with Julian and his Clarion 99T, that car looks ‘the business’ and attracted a lot of attention. Sharon recently had the opportunity a split was found in the end tank around the flange for the drain plug. to drive this car, and she reports that it goes as well as it looks. The engine for the two-door is progressing slowly, I recently obtained an exhaust manifold that had a few cracks, so that’s all Fleet News welded up and is in place. I just need to fit a turbo and starter motor The three-door is sat in the naughty corner after piddling its coolant and then it will be complete. on the garage floor. The darn radiator had to be taken out again, and Chris

JULY/AUGUST 2010 45 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:57 Page 46

GM900/9-3REGISTER

All correspondence to: IAN POWELL MAKE THE ROAD Bladen House, 9 Damers Road, Dorchester DT1 2JX Tel: 07787 523213 YOUR RUNWAY e-mail: [email protected]

Hi and welcome to the new GM900/9-3 register page. and also a Pioneer double DIN head unit and DAB system for those I’m hoping to bring you a new, improved look to his Register. ‘really’ long drives with my very patient yet very supportive partner Product reviews, news, road tests and hints and tips to help keep Jenny. On the outside there has been some colour coding of the our 9-3s looking and performing how they should, either door mirrors, rear spoiler and grille. The wish list includes 18 inch concourse d’elegance or modified, I hope to be able to cover BBS alloys and a brake and suspension upgrade. Then, albeit a little everyone’s interests. way off, I had the idea of installing a 3 litre V6 power plant under the I’m Ian, a roadside technician and recovery professional from bonnet. Any upgrades or modifications of the DIY variety will be Dorset. This is my first foray to the Swedish marquee and now I’m photographed and published here in later editions of ‘Driver’. hooked. I own a normally aspirated coupé bought with the intention ‘Make The Road Your Runway’ was a tagline used for a 9-3 of modifying her (Saabrina) and bringing her back to show condition television commercial. Oh yes indeed. Every time she gets a run out. with a little personalisation too. If anyone has any stories, hints or tips or even photos of their car So far there has been the addition of a wood veneer dash, gear in an interesting location then please send them in. knob and chrome door handles to brighten up the cabin, cup holders Ian

46 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:57 Page 47

9-3SSREGISTER

All correspondence to: VERSATILE, SPORTY RICHARD ELLIOTT ‘The Quorls’, 9 Wheatcroft, Hadfield, & SUCCESSFUL Glossop SK13 2EN Tel: 01457 852944 e-mail: [email protected]

We have been looking for a Member to take over this model for some time; in the absence of a volunteer I thought I would have a go due to my interest and knowledge of this very successful range from Saab.

It was introduced in the UK late 2002 replacing the 900, later known Other options include heated seats, park assist, rain sensing wipers as a 9-3 which was a hatchback produced from 1993-2002. and electric folding mirrors. Although on the surface it would appear to be less Saab than GM This range is complemented by the sports Aero model which has many drivers consider it still to be a true Saab, some of these drivers superior handling and performance. have been driving Saabs for the last 30 years. So it has many Saab All models were available as a four door saloon initially, Sports characteristics, handles and performs well and is above all else a Wagon five door model from 2005, and of course an outstanding drivers car. It appeals also to drivers who have never owned a Saab convertible which has been a huge success and sold well in the UK. previously but have always wanted one. Several engine variants have been available at different times: To start I thought it would be useful to outline the models up to • 1.8i, fairly rare in the UK 2007 which may help in the buying decision process, this model • 1.8T and 2.0T ecopower which are the same engine with range has been successful and they represent good value for money. different ECU mapping In 2007 some additions were added to the range both in terms of • 2.0T which is same unit with high pressure turbo options and variants which we will cover maybe next month. • 2.2TiD diesel, fitted 2003-2004 Saab 9-3 starts with the Linear range. Basic no frills, cloth interior, • 1.9TiD diesel, 8 valve and 16 valve options from 2005 basic audio, but still has A/C, electric windows etc.,15 inch alloys. • 2.8T V6 turbo Cruise control can easily be added. The Arc does have full leather seats and apart from the exterior painted body parts is very similar to The above briefly covers options and comfort features, next month a Vector. The Vector is the top range model, comes with half-leather, we will outline these options in more detail along with what to look ACC, however some Vectors will have a basic audio system which I out for when buying a used model. think is poor, no park assist, and some different internal trim specs. To close, these later generation Saabs are well worth considering The sport model has improved seats. It is certainly worth looking for and they still represent good value. If you would like to contribute the higher spec audio if you like good sound quality and some are with your experience and views on the 9-3 Sport. available with built in Sat Nav. Richard Elliott

JULY/AUGUST 2010 47 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:58 Page 48

MOTORSPORT

48 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:58 Page 49

FISH LORRIES, TWO-STROKE ENGINES & 18-STONE DRIVERS won’t feature on the 2010 WALES RALLY GB But the words Monument Hill will represent a blast from the past as the iconic event rolls back the years with the return of the ultra-fast Radnor Forest stage and Ford Mark II Escorts and Audi Quattros competing in an historic rally alongside the main championship. Among the many innovations introduced for the only ones to break the two-mile stage in under 11th running of the Wales Rally GB in November, three minutes – and it opened up the event to the specially-named Monument Hill-stage in the rest of the world.” mid-Wales will delight rallying enthusiasts. The colourful Carlsson – named in novels as For it was 50 years ago Sweden’s Erik Carlsson preparing James Bond for arctic driving and his Stoke co-driver Stuart Turner won the assignments – won the RAC Rally three times RAC Rally’s first timed specialist stage – at between 1960 and 1962 in a Saab 96. Monument Hill, near Oban in Scotland. But it was not without its spills and thrills as “I think that saved the rally as a world-class Turner recalls: “Erik was one of the legends, the event,” said Turner, now a dapper 73, who was Schumacher of his day in rallying,” he said. “But in Cardiff to launch the 66th GB rally, which he hadn’t been to Scotland before and we went again will double as the 13th and final round of up there to get a feel of it. We hired a Minor 1000 the World Rally Championship. Very few near Oban and were going down this forest road European drivers came to the RAC because when a fish lorry was coming the other way. they thought it was all about map reading “I think every other driver would have before that special stage. braked, but he drove off the road and we rolled “But Erik won – he weighed 18 stone and we down a bank. were in the smallest engine car but we were the “As we were upside down rolling he switched

JULY/AUGUST 2010 49 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:58 Page 50

off, so as we came to rest the engine wasn’t ticking – I thought The 2010 event from November 11-14 will again be based in later that was safe driving. We limped back to the hotel before Cardiff with the Bay playing host to a special stage which will Eric told us at dinner that he thought he had broken ribs. run twice, on the evenings of November 11 and 13. “Next morning they kept us waiting at a local hospital, so we The timed test of speed and skill will run on Cardiff Bay went to the chemists and got bandages – and then won the Barrage and into the dock area. RAC Rally!” “We hope to provide another fitting climax to the FIA World How times have changed. The Saab shared by Carlsson and Championship,” said Andrew Coe, chief executive of rally Turner barely touched 100mph and was smaller than a Mini. But organisers International Motor Sports Ltd. Turner says, “For some rallies we’d borrow a TR3 car from the “The event will be bigger and better than ever, introducing a Triumph dealer, check the tyre pressure, put a bit of tape on the special stage in Cardiff that will appeal to families, while the dashboard so it wouldn’t reflect on the windscreen. ardent fans will be excited by the rally’s return to Radnor Forest “Then we’d take it back on the Monday and it went straight in and Margam Park.” the sale demonstration fleet. The cars were genuinely bog As well as stretching into the forests of mid-Wales, the Welsh standard and you often had rallies with over 200 entries. Now Assembly Government – the rally’s major backers – hope a it’s moved to hi-tech stuff and the modifications help to push special stage will be held in the north the previous weekend in the boundaries. the hope it will become a truly pan-Wales event. “It’s no coincidence that you can find motor sport companies Organisers have agreed a ‘kids for a quid’ deal for the third touching on to aerospace now.” successive year among other competitive ticketing and Half a century on Citroëns and Fords dominate with drivers hospitality offers. such as six-time world champion Sebastien Loeb, Petter Solberg Phil Blanche and ex-Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen ready to show [email protected] their worth in Wales. Special Member Offer. 25%* OFF RAC Breakdown Membership. This year, next year, every year.

Join now from only £32.25* at rac.co.uk/join/member or call 0800 581 077 quoting code: DT 1014 As a Member of Saab, this offer is available to you and your immediate family** at enrolment or renewal. Calls may be recorded and/or monitored.

*Discounts are based on standard RAC retail prices at the time of application with payment on a continuous annual basis, prices may vary if payment is by other methods. **Immediate family members are those who are related to you and live in the same household, up to a maximum of 4 additional people. Offer applies to personal based cover, does not apply to RAC Solutions and cannot be used with any other promotion. Full terms and conditions apply, which are available on request.

50 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:58 Page 51

SAAB HISTORIC RALLY TEAM Join a great Saab adventure The route for this year’s Roger Albert Clark Rally has been announced, with more stage miles and longer stages being the key features of the 26-29 November event. The provisional route includes two 14-mile stages in Ae and against the display of military two 12-miles stages in Newcastleton, which rally manager vehicles there. Colin Heppenstall says is in response to requests from The event regulations competitors for longer stages. will be out soon so the “Friday evening in Dalby will be a great start to the event, exact team entry but it is Sunday that will be the make or break day with 71 costs and budgets stage miles and four long stages. It is a long, hard day”, said will be available Heppenstall. shortly. With the “Competitors wanted longer stages and so we’ve done just route out we have that. The whole plan of the event is to give value for money. started the detailed The total stage mileage is 170, which is 20 more than last planning the event will year and I’m really pleased with the route we’ve put together. require. We are “It is important to refresh the route every year and we’ve not particularly interested in done the Monday stages north of Kielder Water for six years”, talking to anyone who wants to said Heppenstall. “I think it is going to be a very good year.” help with the catering required for the event. Meanwhile our team plans are progressing well, the mounting In recent publicity events several members of the Two excitement is tangible. We will have a Scania Drawbar truck and Stroke to Le Mans team who are also contesting the RAC met trailer as the centrepiece of our fixed service area with five with Erik Carlsson. Erik gave his enthusiastic support to both service bays in front. At 67 feet long we can set up a proper events. Also Nick Pinkett was with Stuart Turner and his V4 at twenty seat cafeteria inside it and out of the weather, have the start of the modern inheritor of the RAC Rally at the press transport for up to 25 tonnes of spares (if we could find them) launch of the Wales Rally GB. and even have space left over to work on a car under cover. We are sending out e-mail bulletins on team progress. We’ve worked out some accommodation deals for Carlisle and Drop an e-mail to [email protected] if you want to be we hope to get some more sponsorship deals together. included in our mailings or to offer support. Eden Camp Museum, which is just down the road from the RAC start have generously agreed to accommodate us for a pre The Roger Albert Clark website is at start event. Stuart Turner will give us a rousing send off and the www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org cars, if we can get a break in the rain, should photograph well More about Le Mans on www.twostroke2lemans.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2010 51 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:58 Page 52

MOTORSPORT

MR SAAB comes out to see the Le Mans car at

SILVERSTONEFifty years ago Erik Carlsson was test driver for the Saab works retired for a hearty lunch at a local hostelry where Erik team and tested the No 44 works car before the 1959 race. entertained us with countless stories from his race and rally After inspecting Spanners’ handiwork, he gave our GT750 a big career for Saab. The spritely eighty year old then wished us all thumbs up saying it was fantastic in every detail. He recalled well in our quest and said he would be following our fortunes. meeting Syd Hurrell and the No 43 car so it was great to hear He was and always will be our inspiration. that our recreation was as authentic as it could be. We then Le Mans Classic here we come!

52 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:59 Page 53

‘Splatting’ new members www.saabclub.co.uk

www.saabclub.co.uk www.saabclub.co.uk

www.saabclub.co.uk www.saabclub.co.uk P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:59 Page 54

JOIN THE UK’s LEADING We are always on the look SAAB OWNERS CLUB out for new Members, and Membership of the Club offers a wide range what better way than to of benefits, including: • An exclusive bi-monthly 64-page ‘splat’ them!! • National and local events held throughout the year • An extensive Club Shop You’ll find five ‘splat’ cards on this page, just • A nationwide network of dealers and carefully cut these out and when you see a Saab specialist suppliers who offer discounts – young or old – just pop one of them under the and technical support for Club Members windscreen wiper, it’s as easy as that. • Discounts at various outlets • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. If you need any more ‘splat’ cards we will be • Technical information and help • Preferential RAC rates printing a further set in the next issue, • Club Valuation Scheme but if you can’t wait contact • Online comprehensive website [email protected] 0113 255 6866 for more. Join at www.saabclub.co.uk or phone 01954 232810 www.saabclub.co.uk Please quote Ref. No. JA10 JOIN THE UK’s LEADING JOIN THE UK’s LEADING SAAB OWNERS CLUB SAAB OWNERS CLUB Membership of the Club offers a wide range Membership of the Club offers a wide range of benefits, including: of benefits, including: • An exclusive bi-monthly 64-page • An exclusive bi-monthly 64-page • National and local events held • National and local events held throughout the year throughout the year • An extensive Club Shop • An extensive Club Shop • A nationwide network of dealers and • A nationwide network of dealers and specialist suppliers who offer discounts specialist suppliers who offer discounts and technical support for Club Members and technical support for Club Members • Discounts at various outlets • Discounts at various outlets • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Technical information and help • Technical information and help • Preferential RAC rates • Preferential RAC rates • Club Valuation Scheme • Club Valuation Scheme • Online comprehensive website • Online comprehensive website Join at www.saabclub.co.uk Join at www.saabclub.co.uk or phone 01954 232810 or phone 01954 232810 Please quote Ref. No. JA10 Please quote Ref. No. JA10 JOIN THE UK’s LEADING JOIN THE UK’s LEADING SAAB OWNERS CLUB SAAB OWNERS CLUB Membership of the Club offers a wide range Membership of the Club offers a wide range of benefits, including: of benefits, including: • An exclusive bi-monthly 64-page • An exclusive bi-monthly 64-page • National and local events held • National and local events held throughout the year throughout the year • An extensive Club Shop • An extensive Club Shop • A nationwide network of dealers and • A nationwide network of dealers and specialist suppliers who offer discounts specialist suppliers who offer discounts and technical support for Club Members and technical support for Club Members • Discounts at various outlets • Discounts at various outlets • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Exclusive Owners Club Insurance schemes. • Technical information and help • Technical information and help • Preferential RAC rates • Preferential RAC rates • Club Valuation Scheme • Club Valuation Scheme • Online comprehensive website • Online comprehensive website Join at www.saabclub.co.uk Join at www.saabclub.co.uk or phone 01954 232810 or phone 01954 232810 Please quote Ref. No. JA10 Please quote Ref. No. JA10 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:59 Page 55 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:59 Page 56

ADVERTISING FEATURE Neo Brothers Unit 23 Monro Ind Est, Station Approach, Waltham Cross, Herts EN8 7LX Tel: 01992 719 280 www.maptun.net www.neobrothers.co.uk SWEDISH STEEL WITH A FINELY HONED EDGE? As you are no doubt aware, Maptun have been tuning Saabs for many a year now, and have developed a reputation as one of the world’s leaders in this field. Fellow tuners marvel at the smoothness of the Maptun cars, the power they deliver, and the amazing reliability that their tunes provide. Until now MapTun have not really pushed the UK market, happy to let can this be?’ With a friend I developed some software and tweaked the business develop organically. However, they have now realised that my own car. MapTun was born. I then wrote my own software editor there is a demand in the UK that is not being satisfied. To address this that allowed me to tweak directly the Saab Trionic system and issue MapTun have appointed Neo Brothers to run the UK market on MapTun became a commercial business, with my first tune being their behalf. Neo Brothers have performed in-depth market analysis to performed later in 1998 on another Saab 9000 Aero”. ensure that MapTun offer competitive solutions in terms of price, and of course, to ensure that the MapTun quality is maintained at these How long does it take you to develop MapTun solutions? new prices. In addition, MapTun previously was not geographically well “This is the most time-consuming part of our business. This is made represented. Neo Brothers have appointed geographically Approved even more so with the advent of a new Trionic Systems from Saab. Distributors to ensure that you are never too far away from your We spend a great deal of time reverse engineering the software and MapTun tuning house (see opposite page for the list of Approved hardware so we fully understand the engine and how it is controlled. Distributors, new ones are still being approved in certain areas). It is only then that we can even start to consider tuning the car. Saab Trionic Engine Management systems are very powerful. Rather So, how do MapTun develop and tune a car to these levels than fight against the original hardware, we like to work in harmony without causing major issues for the owner? with it. That way we can ensure total compatibility with the engine The simple answer is time. MapTun over the years have developed and car systems. This is becoming even more important now that a complete and total understanding of the Saab engine and most of the cars systems are linked through CAN bus. For the end chassis, not only the ECU. They know the tolerances of all the product this means that we can simply plug the map into the major mechanical components, and all of their packages are existing ECU, add the required additional hardware if the customer designed around this knowledge, adding in the additional hardware is looking for serious power increases, and then the car leaves with at the appropriate stage. This kind of knowledge can only be gained a fully integrated performance solution. from years of design and development, and this gives them a major “With all of this in mind, if we have a new engine to tune, it can advantage over a lot of the mainstream Saab tuners. They are able take between 6 and 12 months for us to release our first solution. to work with the hardware in a sympathetic manner, ensuring that We will not cut corners just to get to market first, but would rather they extract the maximum safe power out of every stage of their ensure our solution is fully developed and tested before we allow it maps, without jeopardising the longevity of the cars’ mechanicals. to retail out to the customers. The Maptuner took over 12 months This is one of the reasons why, when you look at a MapTun Dyno to fully develop to its current stage.” Graph, it is so smooth. They completely control the onset of torque, the development of the boost request map, the precise You mention that you test your solutions during development. controlling of the ignition timing, the fuelling, the knock map, the How do you perform these tests? warm-up map etc to ensure that whilst there is obviously an “Again, time is the major factor here. We have invested heavily in improvement in the performance of the car, that this performance the last five years in our workshop equipment. Once we have does not come at a cost to the engine. They understand the ‘how’ developed the software to interface to the car, we then put the car and more importantly the ‘why’. During the years, as and when on our test rig. We connect our emulator to the test car and then components have failed during development, they perform exercise it fully up and down the power band. We pull data from all extensive Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) to understand more. sensors and log this over complete engine cycles, from sub-zero MapTun’s founding member and chief developer, Mr Fredrik temperature operation to 35degC+ ambient. We then tweak our Bengtsson, is a man of few words, letting his solutions do the solutions to ensure that they work across the board, using the data talking for him, but we managed to corner him for a rare interview, gathered from the engine sensors and our own electronic and this is what he had to say. equipment to ensure that we are well within the safety margins of the car and its components. Once we have a solution that we are How did MapTun begin? happy with, we then test the car at maximum power for long “Back in 1998 I bought my first Saab, a 9000 Aero. I loved this car, durations, much longer than they would ever see on the road or but I wanted it to be faster, so I approached one of the local race track. This is to ensure that prolonged performance exposure Swedish tuning houses to improve the performance. When the car does not develop any issues with the car. We are lucky that Saab was returned to me I was not happy with what had been done. As a engines are so well designed. The standard engines can easily cope qualified Electronics and Computer engineer, I thought ‘how hard with 300BHP without any modification to the hardware. This is an

56 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:59 Page 57

interactive process, and we will only sign off on a solution once we modified hybrid turbo chargers coming very soon. The gearsets are are 100% confident that there are no issues. now ready for commercially selling, so expect to see them on the This is not the end of the development however. Nothing tests a website soon. We are adding to this a strut brace for most models. solution more than living with it day to day. So, once out of the test These products will all be live in the next six months. Beyond that bay, the solution is then plugged into one of our road cars and used we have already started development of the Maptuner mk2. This on a daily basis. This is to ensure that the performance upgrade has will have a new core processor, touch screen interface and many not affected the driveability of the car. It has to be able to perform more functions for data logging etc. We predict this should be as a normal car for day to day use, as well as to be able to light the ready for market in 2012. As you can see, we are very busy!” tyres up on the quarter mile drag strip or the race/rally circuit.” OK, just a few more questions to go Fredrik. What is the So, you develop hardware as well to support the software most powerful car that MapTun have developed? implementation? “We developed a 642BHP car (700Nm) in Sweden, based on a 9-5 “Of course, MapTun are about offering a complete solution to our Aero (2006 model year). It is an unbelievably fast car that is used customers. During our early years we found that even though our day to day! It is a real Q car, looking very standard but delivering ECU tunes were working well, the mechanicals sometimes let the blistering performance.” customer down on the higher power applications. That is why we now test our solutions thoroughly. If we find a problem, we now What about your own cars, what are you driving at the develop our own hardware to rectify this. We only select moment? development partners who have a proven track record in their field. “I spend most of my time in development chassis cars. I am We use their expertise and our development equipment to ensure currently running around in two, a 9-3 Sport with 400BHP and a we have the best possible solution to offer in the final package. For 9-3 Turbo X with 340BHP. These are continually being developed example, our gearsets and drive train solutions are developed by with more power and better performance.” Quaife, our braking and suspension solutions developed in conjunction with Neo Brothers. Each component typically takes Neo Brothers are the UK Distribution hub and a development six months minimum to develop, with the gearsets and suspension partner for MapTun. We carry stock of all major components and and brakes taking just over 12 months. Again, we have to ensure have the facilities to map vehicles and fit hardware on site. If you that such safety critical components are worthy of the MapTun are not local to us then you can use one of our appointed regional name. However, price is also a consideration, and where possible we MapTun Authorised Distributors:- will add value to the brand by creating our own bespoke MapTun Saabtech Ltd (Stevenage) solution, but at a price which is accessible for our customers. Watch The Saab Centre (North East, Co. Durham) this space for more MapTun products that will be released soon.” APL Saab Specialist (North West, Preston) Chris Hamley Saab (Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth) What are you currently working on at present and what can F.M. Autos (Ireland, Cork) we expect from MapTun in the coming 12 months? Neo Brothers (South East, London, Scotland, Wales, South West) “We are expanding our development to include the Saab diesel engines. These solutions are nearly complete and should be on the These centres have been chosen to offer you, the customer, the market in the coming months, just the final road testing to finish. complete MapTun experience and after-market care. Each has full We are developing 400+BHP solutions for T8 cars (9-3 Sport), and Saab Service facilities and many, many years’ experience, not only continuing work on our 2.8 V6 development. Beyond that? Well, we of servicing, but also of preparing performance Saabs. If you are will have a new range of intercoolers, custom downpipes and new putting the best on your car, why settle for less?

JULY/AUGUST 2010 57 P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 15:59 Page 58

CLUBSHOP www.saabclub.co.uk

Your suggestions are invited for items you would like to buy from your shop

£14.50 £38.50 Saab Umbrellas Code: 879 Saab Car Mats £14.50 Saab Pens Code: 12 Blue/Gold Pen Baseball Caps Code: 53 Code: Black 791 Navy 792 £2.50

£12.00 £17.00 Saab Silk Tie Saab Polo Shirt NEW Design Sizes: s-m-l-xl Code: 684 Code: 500 £3.00 Key Fobs Saab plain black enamel on chrome, black leather Code: 206 SOC Code: 201

£1.20 Windscreen Sticker Code: 21

Purchase online by secure catalogue at www.saabclub.co.uk

58 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 44-59:Layout 1 24/6/10 16:00 Page 59

Molly Kenchington (Shopkeeper) 32 Kelthorpe Close, Ketton, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3RS Tel: 01780 720541 Fax: 01780 729066 E-mail: [email protected]

£8.00 £18.00 Bow Tie Saab Polo Sweatshirt Code: 685 Sizes: s-m-l-xl Code: 700

£2.50 Car Shaped Lapel Badges 95 (blue, green, red, orange) Code: 120 96 V4 (green, red, orange, white) Code: 130 99 (blue, red, white, black) Code: 140 900 (white, green, red, silver) Code: 150

£5.00 SOC Mug £1.00 Code: 42 Tax Disc From £7.00 Holder Safety Vest Code: 22 Code: 875-877

£4.00 Car Sticker Code: 24

£3.50 Saab Calculator £2.50 £6.50 Code: 54 Lapel Badges SOC Code: 101 ‘Driver’ Binder Saab Scania enamel Code: 102 Code: 62

CHEQUES PAYABLE TO SAAB OWNERS CLUB OF GB Ltd_____

JULY/AUGUST 2010 59 P3 278 July/August 60-64:Layout 1 24/6/10 16:04 Page 60

PRODUCTOFFER PERFORMANCE, SAFETY AND POSTURE BENEFITS… ...in five minutes and for much less than a tank of Petrol!

As a regular item used on stage at Top Gears’ Live shows all over the world, along with its regular use for top movie stunts such as 007’s Quantum of Solace, the CG-Lock is now establishing itself as a performance driver ‘essential’. As Track & Race Car magazine found from a full review ‘...the CG-Lock can totally transform the way you drive a car... the effect is truly astonishing’.

As a Saab driver, you probably value safety very highly for you and your family. The CG-Lock has proven advantages in safety when added to the seatbelt. Indeed, the safety car drivers use the devices for the A1 Grand Prix and BTCC events... as they need the extra control in their supercars! Indeed, the road safety charity BRAKE gave the device a 'highly recommended' rating. Furthermore, back specialists have confirmed another advantage See more on the posture benefits at of this five-minute seatbelt add-on... improved posture. www.nomorebackache.net “It has helped many drivers and passengers maintain correct Many Saab drivers have children and again the CG-Lock has posture and reduced backache” said Emma Field, Ergonomic been found to help... by stabilising the booster seats in the rear Specialist & Physical Therapist at Back in Action seats of your car. Ask any parent, on cornering (especially with (www.backinaction.co.uk) – who, after a full evaluation, now sell Dad at the wheel!) – the booster seat tips... even at 25mph... the CG-Lock purely for the posture benefits. not good news for safety of your child. Add a CG-Lock and your Alan Raw, top Physiotherapist to professional athletes child will travel more securely and more comfortably! including England and Premier League Football players adds: See the difference by watching the three-minute video at “Maintaining proper posture in a vehicle is not easy... this www.secureyourchild.org product has really helped many of my clients, reducing and in See customer testimonials, press reviews, ‘saved lives’ and some cases eliminating back pain due to slouching.” much more at www.cg-lock.co.uk

We have three CG-Lock Seatbelt Stabilisers to give away to three lucky readers. To enter, simply answer the question below and post, e-mail or fax back – please see the details below:

What three benefits are gained from fitting the CG-Lock Seatbelt Stabiliser?

Name: SOC Membership No:

Address

Postcode: Tel

Please post, e-mail or fax entries to: Anne Szpindor • Mypec, The Old Pottery, Fulneck Leeds, LS28 8NT. Fax no: 0113 255 6887 e-mail: [email protected] Entries close 1st August 2010. The winners will be the first ten correct entries drawn at random.

60 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 60-64:Layout 1 24/6/10 16:04 Page 61

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Abbott Racing ...... 7 Ealing Saab ...... 63 Peter Best Insurance ...... 21 APL Saab...... 43 IT Web Studio...... 7 RAC ...... 50 B & D Specialist Cars ...... 23 Jetex ...... 25 Reg Morris Garages ...... 63 Bourne Motors ...... 63 MapTun ...... 55 Saab Style ...... 63 Central Saab Specialist...... 23 Mark Arnold...... 63 Saabtec ...... 18 Chris Hamley ...... 63 Motorvation ...... 63 Stainless Steel ...... 21 Chris Knott ...... 2 Neo Bros ...... 4 Two Stroke...... 15 Classic 900 ...... 23 Orpington Saab...... 11 Turners Hill Garage ...... 18 Classic Motor Show ...... 64 Partsforsaabs.com ...... 23 Valley Saab ...... 23 Concept Saab ...... 11 Perry and Prouse ...... 23 Volsaa Engineering...... 31

ADVERTISING RATES FOR SMALL ADS IMPORTANT NOTES TICK CLASSIFICATION:

NO. MEMBERS NON If you are a trader, the law requires that you Two-Stroke 9-3 OF WORDS ONLY MEMBERS state ‘Trade’ 95 V4 UP TO 9-5 36 FREE £10.00 MEMBERSHIP NUMBER 96 V4 Cars Wanted UP TO 57 £5.00 £14.00 90 I enclose a cheque for £ : Wanted UP TO 99 72 £9.00 £22.00 Bits and Pieces Name: 900 HIGHLIGHTED COLUMN £23.00 £34.00 Address: 9000 Misc ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT

Postcode:

Telephone No:

I agree the wording of the advertisement is true.

Signed: Date:

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR ASKING PRICE, and YOUR TEL. NO. within the advertising panel.

PLEASE NOTE THIS ADVERTISING FORM MUST PLEASE ACCOMPANY ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Advertisements on the web ads site will not automatically be included within the ‘Driver’ unless PRINT re-submitted on this form.

CLEARLY Please make cheques payable to: The Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Ltd

Please send cheque (to SOC) and form to:

DAVE GARNETT, Please PRINT CLEARLY or preferably TYPE on separate sheet. Use separate sheet if there is not GORSEY FIELD HOUSE, enough space on this form. Use correct punctuation. Copy the form if you wish to use more than one classified section. ONLY ONE ADVERTISEMENT PER FORM WILL BE ACCEPTED. BIRTLE, BURY, BL9 6UD We regret that ONWARD GOING advertisements cannot be accepted, all ads will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. It is not always possible to include photographs, we apologise if yours is not included. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions arising from DEADLINE – SEPT/OCT 2010 illegible submissions. COPIES OF ‘DRIVER’ are available to NON-MEMBER ADVERTISERS upon request. Please add to your cheque an extra £4.00 per copy plus 50p p&p. 30 July 2010 MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS MUST BE QUOTED ON ALL COMPLETED FORMS

JULY/AUGUST 2010 61 P3 278 July/August 60-64:Layout 1 24/6/10 16:04 Page 62

Advertisements may also be placed on the Club website. Web advertisements can be submitted using the web advertisement form. Access via: www.saabclub.co.uk and click on web adverts. CLASSIFIED Trade advertisements will not be accepted.

96 V4 900 Convertible Turbo S 2 x 16” Crosspoke Misc 96 V4 1973 Silver 1993 ‘L’ Reg. Automatic. Blue, grey leather Four stud wheels to fit 900/9000. S888 TBO interior, electric seats/windows, wood dash, Will buy set or 2 x 15%. Good all-round condition. Used weekly. MOT air con, CD auto changer, ABS, skirt and aero Also wanted 900 walnut glove box Registration number for SAAB TURBO, June 2011. Tax November. Impact resistant kits, alarm, hood covers, new screen, new and ashtrays. Tel: 01530 271024 currently on retention. Best offer over £500 bumpers. Radio CD player. Some history. rear discs and pads. 104,000 miles. FSH. (Derby). plus transfer fee. Call Chris 07538 494092 £1995. Tel: 020 856 75613 (West London). Taxed and MOT’d. £5450 ono. (Bedford). Tel: 01530 271024 (Derby). Bits & Pieces 900 Oil Leaking from Distributor Roofrack for Saab 9-3 900 Sunshine Roof 900 Turbo Convertible Oil seal replaced by SOC Member. For Saab Genuine. Year 2000. Buyer collects. £40. 1991, three-door. 158,755 miles. MOT to 1988, White, black leather interior. Five 900 (1984-1993). Bosch Part No: 0237-501010 months Tax. Full service history down to pre- Tel: 01934 838859 and 900 (1993-1998) Part No: 0237-520054. October. Reasonable condition. £500 ono. (N Somerset). Tel: 01454 891 654 (Surrey). delivery. On inspection slight paint burning on Repairs from £25 including P&P. front offside wing but easy repair. 12 stack Tel: 01208 72429 Allen Timms CD changer and radio/cassette. £1850 ovno. Roof Bars (Bodmin, Cornwall). 900 Classic 16 Valve Tel: 07941 402589 (Wrexham). 9000, 2 litre LPT. £20. Used direct ignition cassette £20. Haynes Manual £5. Near M25, 1990, Embassy Blue. Five door. MOT Holiday Lets 900XS 2.0i Junction 11, buyer to collect. June 2011, Tax December. One owner. Tel: 01784 465226 (Staines). Holiday in the Algarve Exceptional bodywork, original paint. Superb – one-owner. Five-door, manual, 9-3 Luxury apartment sleeps six. Sea views, pool. shape. 97,000 miles. Stainless exhaust, FSH Solid door bottoms, runs perfectly, entire Various Fully equipped kitchen, Satellite TV, two service history. £1150. from new in 1995. Le Mans Blue, walnut Front seat cover grey velour 4802930, new bathrooms. Walking distance to beaches and Tel: 01324 624574 (Falkirk). dash. £1450. Tel: 01277 623846 town. Three top golf courses nearby. or e-mail: [email protected] (Essex). and never fitted. Cabin air filter 12758727, new. Haynes for 9-5 1997-2004 4-cyl petrol. Tel: 01277 623846 or e-mail: Drive belt 6PK2625 new, bought in error, [email protected] (Essex). WANTED believed to fit 900 2.0 1993-1998 with a/c. Speedo Head for Classic 900S Offers please. Tel: 0131 312 7888 Swaledale cottage 1990, 16V Turbo. Mileage of around 95,000 (Edinburgh). Two bed, refurbished apartment in Reeth, miles would be ideal. Let me know your North Yorkshire. Sleeps five. Four star rated, price, will pay P&P. Tel: 01482 631192 luxurious. Tel: 07976 312134 Barry Townsend (East Yorkshire). www.alpinecottagereeth.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] FREE Internet Connection for Saab Club Members

 NO CONTRACT  NO SET-UP CHARGES  NO FIXED FEES  NO MONTHLY BILLS  NO HIDDEN COSTS  NO LOG-ON DELAYS  NO LIMITED HOURS  UP TO 5 E-MAILS WITH 5  PAY ONLY FOR THE MEGABYTES OF SPACE TIME ONLINE Log on to saabmail.co.uk or call 0845 145 2222 for FREE online connection services

62 SAABDRIVER P3 278 July/August 60-64:Layout 1 24/6/10 16:04 Page 63

OF Reg MorriS GarageS SAABStyle Ltd Est 1988 CARDIFF

30 Years, Experience as a Dealer now Tel: 029 2081 0818 / 029 2081 3491 Unit A 17, Garth Works, Taffswell, CARDIFF CF15 7YF INDEPENDENT SAAB SPECIALIST We have moved to a more central location – just off the A470/M4 We offer SAAB Dealer Experience at Specialist Prices • All Saabs Serviced and Repaired • New & Used Car Sales • New, Used & Budget Parts • • Service & MOT • 10% Discount for SOC members New and Guaranteed Used Parts • Gearbox and Engine Rebuilds • Phone for Quotes and Friendly Advice. Tel: 01427 752332 15 Years Time Served Qualified Saab Engineer www.regmorrisgarages.co.uk Visit SAABStyle at 1 Doncaster Road, Westwoodside, Doncaster www.saabstyle.co.uk Mark Arnold Motorvation Dealing in What really matters is SAAB 900, 9000, 9-3, 9-5 SPECIALISTS attention to detail! SAABS Established 1985 • SAABS under 5 years old, SERVICING: for over 37 years £7k - £20k CAPEL GARAGE, Menu Prices (Free Courtesy Car) HALFMOON LANE, • Most with only one previous PARTS: TUDELEY, owner and full Franchised Dealer Genuine New or Used, Quality all vehicles personally selected & appraised service history TONBRIDGE, Imported (Mail Order if required) • Every car carries my own Parts Customer Cars for Sale (Listed free) KENT TN11 0PT and Labour warranty A friendly service where ADVICE IS ALWAYS FREE! Please visit my website @ • Part exchange considered TEL: 01892 825208 FAX: 01892 822447 www.markarnold.co.uk Tel: 01454 412073 E-MAIL: [email protected] for full details of current stock Mobile: 07836755499 BOURNE MOTORS SAAB SPECIALISTS Established 1975 SERVICING: No work carried out without prior consent.Genuine parts used. 1-2 Cornfield Lane Local collection/delivery.   Loan cars available on request. The largest used Saab Centre specialist in Finance terms available subject to Eastbourne West London acceptance East Sussex PARTS Genuine SAAB parts stocked at all  Family business established here 25 years  Insurance-approved alarms and BN21 4NE SALES: times. We also stock a large  Saabs supplied with parts and labour immobilisers fitted selection of used SAAB parts. warranty available  Part exchanges welcomed Alternative brand pattern  Saabs found to suit you the customer  Open Mondays to Fridays 8am to 7pm parts also available. with our full workshop back-up or later by appointment Saturdays 9.30am to 3.30pm 01323 AIR-CON: Servicing & Repair 0208 579 2969 193-199 Northfield Ave, www.uses.co.uk 727011 Ealing, London, W13 9QU [email protected] www.bournemotorssussex.co.uk or fax 0208 840 0469 Saab’s Bought for cash £££

DO YOU OWN A SAAB OR RENAULT? CHRIS HAMLEY SAAB SPECIALIST 25 years’ experience of providing a first rate service at much lower rates than main dealers Servicing • MOTs • Exhausts • Brakes • Clutches • Saab & Renault Parts Specialists in all things Saab and Renault. Visit us for all your servicing and repairs. Tel 01822 855001 Fax 01822 855101 The Parade, Yelverton, Car Sales at web: www.chrishamleysaabspecialist.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2010 63 P3 278July/August60-64:Layout124/6/1016:04Page64

IF UNDELIVERED RETURN TO SENDER: Membership Team, Saab Owners Club GB Ltd, PO Box 1063, Swavesey, Cambridge CB4 5YR