P3 305 Marchapril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 1

P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 1

MARCH/APRIL 2011 ISSUE 2 £6.00

SAABDRIVERThe Magazine of the Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Limited

INSIDE GENEVA DEBUT FOR SPORTWAGON HOW GOOD IS THE NEW 9-5? MOTORSPORT Erik Carlsson attends XIV Rallye Monte Carlo Historique

www.saabclub.co.uk

INSIDE DEALERSHIPCARD PULLOUT & SPLAT P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 2 P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 3

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24 50 CONTENTS 6 STEERING WHEEL 34 RETURN TO SAAB 8 SAAB NEWS 36 NOTICEBOARD Geneva Debut for SportWagon 38 REGISTERS 12 IN THE NEWS Triple Whammy for Drivers 48 THE CHOCOLATE CONVOY TO HUY 14 ROBIN’S REVIEW 50 MOTORSPORT Erik Carlsson attends XIV Rallye Monte Carlo Historique 18 CAR CLINIC 52 SOC TRAVEL CLUB 19 POSTBAG 53 MOLLY’S LATEST ADVENTURES 20 NOTICEBOARD 54 A SWEDISH LOVE AFFAIR 22 WHAT’S ON 55 CLUBSHOP 24 AROUND THE UK 56 PRODUCT OFFER 30 HOW GOOD IS THE NEW 9-5? Win an Aqua Gleam de-ionising filter 32 IT REALLY WAS A WHITE CHRISTMAS! 58 CLASSIFIED 33 NEW SAAB ON THE BLOCK FRONT COVER: New Saab 9-4X © newspress

Please state your Membership Number on all correspondence

MARCH/APRIL 2011 3 P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 4

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

Distributors of

SAAB & VOLVO PARTS We stock a full range of Saab Components All major credit cards accepted Very competitive prices Next day delivery anywhere in the UK Trade and retail enquiries welcome Examples of some of our prices :- Part Part No Price ex. VAT To Fit Pollen Filter 97.7303C £17.00 9-5 Pollen Filter 97.2493 £8.50 900, 9-3 Front Discs 20.9320 £20.00 900, 9-3 Front Pads 40.2203 £25.00 900, 9-3 Air Filter 97.6030 £5.50 900, 9-3 Air Filter 97.2491 £6.00 9-5 Call our Parts Department now on 020 8985 2255 or visit our website at www.braydonmotors.co.uk

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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 Gorsey Field House, Birtle, Bury, BL9 6UD. Copy should be submitted either by e-mail or on Finance – Keith Copperwheat 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. For information, and ALL articles, Group possible. Photographs should be undamaged and [email protected] Organisers’ reports, Post Bag, Sport, etc. of a good quality and, if supplied digitally, be of a Motorsport Secretary – David Barrow (See above for address.) high resolution for print, either 300dpi or taken Phone: 0151 510 0681 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 Regional Groups’ Co-ordinator – Ellie Wilson CONTRIBUTORS Phone: 01527 403596 Register articles to respective Registrars. May/June 2011 ISSUE: 18th March 2011 43 Towbury Close, Oakenshaw South, Redditch, (See individual Register Pages.) July/August 2011 ISSUE: 20th May 2011 Worcestershire, B98 7YZ. [email protected] Saab Independent Dealer Liaison – John Ransley DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE SAAB ‘DRIVER’ Phone: 0161 338 2423 Anyone in the business of selling goods or services related to the motor industry can advertise in ‘Driver’. 133 Stocks Lane, If Members can recommend a service or would like to suggest a potential advertiser please contact our Sales Stalybridge Executive: Cheshire, SK15 2NU. [email protected] Kay Scott KJS Advertising Tel: 01943 461679 Press and Publicity, Saab GB and Dealer Liaison E-mail: [email protected] – Robin Morley Phone: 07515 112120 10 Arundel Road Yeovil, Somerset BA21 5JZ CLUB VALUATION SCHEME [email protected] The Club Valuation Scheme is continuing to provide a very important service to Club Members. However, I would like to Derek Best remind everyone that the purpose of the scheme is to provide The Valuation Service for any model of Saab which qualifies Phone: 01900 814317 for an ‘Agreed Value’ Insurance Policy. To obtain a Valuation please request a form, return this along with a series of good Longview, Central Road, quality photographs showing all aspects of the vehicle. The Valuation will be issued soon after receipt of the information, but Dearham, Maryport, please remember that if there is any doubt due to lack of information or poor quality photographs the Valuation may be Cumbria CA15 7ER. withheld. Finally, can I please emphasise that Valuations cannot be provided for cars less than ten years old, and are not [email protected] based on resale value. Ken Dover NON DIRECTORS Manor Heath, Manor Brow, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4AP International Liaison – Iain Hodcroft Phone: 07976 314012 330 Manchester Road, Saab ‘Driver’ is published bi-monthly by The Saab Owners Club of Great Britain Ltd Tyldesley, M29 8NN. [email protected] Designed and produced by Librarian/Historian – Keith Long MYPEC, The Old Pottery, Fulneck, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8NT Phone: 01226 385139 Tel: 0113 255 6866 E-mail: [email protected] www.mypec.co.uk 10 Byrne Close, Barugh Green, Barnsley, South Yorks S75 1NS. [email protected] Disclaimer 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 Shopkeeper – Sharon Foxley every care is taken, the Club, publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to material submitted. Phone: 01824 750 639 Whilst every care is taken to ensure contents are accurate, the Club, publisher and editor assume no responsibility for any Tyn-y-Celyn, Derwen, Corwen, effects arising from errors or omissions. Acceptance of material is not a guarantee of publication in any particular issue, since Denbighshire, LL21 9SF. 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

MARCH/APRIL 2011 5 P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 6

STEERINGWHEEL

The nights are rapidly becoming shorter and it’s time to think The website continues to be updated with content and you about holidays and participating in many of the interesting Club can do your part by updating your details, log on and check events taking place in 2011. your email and car details are correct so we can contact you We have just returned from the Stratford weekend organised with last minute events and any other news when it happens. by Hilary Philpott. It was a weekend to remember, well We would like to make faster progress with the website and organised and a superb hotel, Erik Carlsson attended the the Board wish to appoint a Webmaster, if you are interested Saturday evening dinner and captivated the audience of 60 and would like more details please contact me. people with his rally exploits. The local groups are important to the Club and some Also on the Saturday, I have to mention that Mike Philpott meetings are being arranged early this year so local and Club entertained us after dinner in his usual style with amusing issues can be discussed with some Board Members, we can stories from a well known Cornish comedian. then work out the best way to promote and support groups. This edition is full of interesting articles and I am pleased to A new director has been appointed to replace Robin see the return of Robin’s Review on page 14, there is an O’Connor with responsibility for improving communication with interesting article featuring Erik Carlsson who attended the X1V Saab specialists. He is John Ransley who has been a Member Rallye Monte Carlo in Reims on page 50 and also something since the early 70s, we wish him every success in this new role. different from our former shopkeeper, Molly, on page 53. I look forward to seeing you during 2011 and thank all the She mentions in her article, the Normanton Park Hotel by people that contribute to the smooth running of our Club and Rutland water and we thought it would be a good venue for a those who work hard organising events for our enjoyment. hotel weekend in October later this year. Cost will be £280, Richard Elliott dinner, bed and breakfast for two people on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th – more details in the next ‘Driver’. It’s also not too late to come to Sweden on April 14th, Dave, Robin and I have booked our flights along with other Members so if you can join us, contact Iain Hodcroft. I can’t mention all the events, but do consider attending the Lakeland Gathering 17th-19th June, the location is stunning and it would make a great weekend break.

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.

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SAABNEWS Geneva Debut for SPORTWAGON Saab Automobile takes the next step in the biggest new product offensive in its history when the much-awaited 9-5 SportWagon is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sleek and fun to drive, the SportWagon adds versatility to the widely acclaimed attributes of the 9-5 Saloon and will bring a distinctive, alternative choice to the premium large estate segment. It shares the saloon’s bold, AeroX-inspired looks and features an extended, falling roof-line which culminates in a steeply raked rear screen flanked by signature Saab ‘wraparound’ window glazing. The result is an imposing body with a low stance and a dynamic, visual appeal that concedes nothing to the requirements of load carrying.

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Smart cargo handling features include an adaptable multi- almost completely flat without having to reposition the seat fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under- squab or remove the head restraints. Careful attention to floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment. A soundproofing in the rear bodywork attenuates noise, vibration programmable, powered tailgate is also available. and resonance so that occupants enjoy a level of interior Backed by the same all-turbo petrol and diesel powertrain refinement similar to that of the saloon. line-up as the 9-5 Saloon, the SportWagon includes Saab’s With the seatbacks lowered, the cargo deck is almost two industry-leading XWD all-wheel-drive system and advanced metres long (1,962 mm) and offers an adaptable load capacity features such as: Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis control, of up to 1,600 litres (527 litres, rear seats up). The side walls are adaptive cruise control (late 2012), Bi-Xenon SmartBeam completely flat and upright, creating a clean, open space adaptive lighting, keyless entry and starting, tri-zone air without any hard-to-use corners or rear wheel-arch intrusions. conditioning and a Head-up Display which projects Compartments in the side walls offer convenient stowage for information, aircraft-style in the windshield. small items. Four tie-down loops and a 12-volt power outlet The order book for the SportWagon opens in spring, with first also come as standard. customer deliveries to follow from September. It will significantly An optional, U-shaped track around the outside of the floor broaden the appeal of the new 9-5 range in a segment where provides flexible space configuration. As in the 9-5 Saloon, it Saab, with its tradition for designing versatile vehicles, has carries an adaptable, telescopic dividing rail which allows the enjoyed estate sales volumes on a par with saloon levels. cargo deck to be split as required so that different sized items “The launch of the 9-5 SportWagon is a much-awaited next can be separated and kept in place. step in the roll-out of our new product offensive,” says Saab The floor, with a signature Saab aircraft-shaped handle, folds Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “It will take Saab back into back in steps to access underfloor storage, with a sub-floor the large estate segment where we have established a strong 65mm below the main floor height – ideal for the separate presence in many key markets with our previous offering.” stowage of flat or small items. A pull-out support arm can be slotted in place to keep the Sporty character folded floor in a fixed position. This provides further support for Designed in parallel with the saloon, the 9-5 items stored in the underfloor recess, as a flexible alternative to SportWagon shares the same bold frontal using the entire cargo deck. styling and adds a swept, ‘wraparound’ rear The underside of the floor has two fittings for flat stowage of window graphic. This echoes the 9-5’s the U-rail divider. They also carry hooks that can be used to signature frontal theme and organise bags, for example. A waterproof plastic liner, available gives the SportWagon as an option, can be dropped into the recess to provide a its own distinctive separate wet storage area for sports equipment, outdoor identity. The clothing or muddy boots. dramatic, sweeping roof-line is Smart tailgate extended by a deep For additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a rear spoiler remotely-controlled, electric power operation. It can be fully integrated into the opened and closed via a rotary knob in the driver’s door or a top of the tailgate. button on the car’s key fob. A touch pad on the outside of the Ultra-slim roof rails tailgate, above the number plate, also triggers powered opening that blend into the and closing. car’s svelte silhouette A programmable mode can be used to raise the tailgate to a are fitted as standard. lower position if there is restricted clearance overhead, such as Signature Saab themes, inside a garage. The opening height is pre-set via the rotary such as the strong C-pillar knob, which can also disable the powered function. with its hockey-stick extension For ease of loading, the tailgate opens down to bumper of the belt-line, are combined with a level with a lift-over height of only 648mm. The cargo deck prominent rear shoulder contour to give the floor is also flush with the tailgate opening to facilitate sliding SportWagon a muscular and dynamic stance. heavy loads inside. A down-lighter in the tailgate and small The tailgate is raked forward to underline the car’s dynamic sidewall lights provide excellent illumination of the load space character. It features a full-width ‘ice-block’ rear light bar which at night. wraps into light units at either side, continuing a new Saab A retracting cargo cover can also be slotted into lugs in the styling theme first seen on the 9-5 Saloon and 9-4X Crossover. sidewalls immediately behind the rear seats. It keeps items out of sight and includes a convenient one-touch action Dynamic and functional which allows the ends of the locating bar to slide up channels The deep cargo deck is fully carpeted and optimised for space on the inside of the D-pillars for convenient access to the and ease-of-use. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down cargo deck.

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SAABNEWS New Year Brings RENEWED CONFIDENCE

Saab Great Britain enters 2011 with sales momentum building in the UK following a steady improvement throughout last year, culminating in its best December sales performance since 2007. With improving sales and exciting new products in the pipeline for 2011, Saab GB looks to the future with renewed confidence.

2010 began with sales for the first quarter almost 60 per cent 9-4X Crossover and the new 9-5 SportWagon. down against the same period in 2009 as Saab Automobile “Sales momentum across our dealer network is building as resumed production following its purchase from General confidence in the brand returns,” says Saab Great Britain Motors by Spyker Cars NV of the Netherlands. UK sales then Managing Director Jonathan Nash. “Production was at a improved throughout the year, with the final quarter showing a standstill at the beginning of 2010 and did not resume until the 107 per cent increase. sale of Saab Automobile was completed at the end of February. This upturn resulted in a full year volume of 5,898 units, Since then we have seen a strong and steady improvement. down 21 per cent, but a significant improvement against the “The launch of our all-new 9-5 Saloon and improved 9-3

first quarter position. December sales of 750 units reflected a diesel models with class-leading low CO2 emissions of just market share of 0.61 per cent, three times higher than in 119g/km has given us considerable traction in the market place, December 2009. which has been reflected in our improving sales performance. Saab’s biggest-ever new product offensive began in the “With the arrival of the 9-4X, our first Crossover vehicle, and second half of last year with the launch of the new 9-5 mid-size the introduction of the much-awaited 9-5 SportWagon later this Saloon and will continue in 2011 with the introduction of the year, we look forward to 2011 with renewed confidence.”

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MARCH/APRIL 2011 11 P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 12

INTHENEWS

RAC joins the Fair Fuel UK GET A GRIP Campaign The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) Leading motoring organisation RAC has pledged its support to the Fair Fuel UK Campaign. With fuel prices at urges drivers to ensure their tyres are in record levels, the campaign is calling for the planned fuel good condition, rather than wait until duty rise in April to be scrapped and for the Government surface water, frost or snow turns the road to look at further ways to stabilise the price of fuel. RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: “This is the under their wheels into a skid pan. single biggest issue facing drivers today. Many ordinary As tyres have only the area of the sole of a shoe in touch with drivers and businesses are being crippled by the the road at any one time, it’s a safety ‘no-brainer’ to keep them relentless rise in fuel costs – rises that RAC has long in top condition, and extra care is needed at this time of the called for action on and that action must start with the year when sudden heavy showers can profoundly affect tyre scrapping of April’s planned fuel duty rise. The ninth tax performance. More roads will also be worn out due to cut- rise to affect the price of fuel in a little over two years. backs on resurfacing, and this combination with worn out tyres “RAC is pledging its support to the Fair Fuel UK is potentially lethal. campaign as it shares our objectives – to get a fair deal Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “Under-inflation for all drivers – and it shares our philosophy of lobbying causes excessive tyre-wear, with every ten per cent under the without the need for direct or disruptive action that recommended optimum decreasing tyre life by ten per cent. would penalise the very people we’re campaigning on “Vehicles of drivers found to be at fault in high-speed behalf of, Britain’s drivers.” accidents were found to be six times more likely to have worn RAC is calling on all drivers to show their support for tyres than those of the other drivers involved. Keeping your the campaign by signing the Fair Fuel UK petition that can tyres maintained is an important part of car-care, not only for be found on line at www.fairfueluk.com/ safety but also for fuel-economy; under-inflated tyres will The Fair Fuel UK campaign already has the backing of increase fuel consumption.” some influential bodies including: The Road Haulage Mr Rodger gives some simple tips on checking the condition Association and the Freight Transport Association, as well of your tyres: as motoring journalist Quentin Wilson who is also Check the general state of the tyre for cuts and bumps on the promoting the campaign. tyre wall and uneven wear. Peter Carroll from Fair Fuel UK said: “The backing and Check that your tyres are correctly inflated (ideally when support of the RAC is a truly massive boost to our they’re cold) – you can find the recommended pressure listed in campaign, we hope that all their members will sign up to the car’s handbook, or on the manufacturer’s plate, fitted in the website – www.fairfueluk.com – we need tens of many cars. thousands of people to sign the petition. This is hurting The legal minimum for tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, but for businesses and the public alike. The more signatures we optimum safety you are advised to start looking for replace- have, the greater the pressure on the Government to do ments if the depth is below 3mm. Tyres with less than 1mm of the right thing.” tread depth have one third the braking friction of one at the bare legal min of 1.6mm, and below 3mm the tyres skid resistance begins to decline rapidly. Just because tyres are legal, they still may not be at an optimum for braking safely in all conditions. When there is a 2mm film of water on the road, even 2mm of tread may give no better stopping friction than a bald tyre. Have a quick look over your car once a week to notice any changes, and get your tyres checked by an expert if you are unsure.

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Triple Whammy for DRIVERS The IAM is warning that serious deterioration in the condition of many UK roads, due to severe winter weather, could be even worse than last year as the country’s roads thaw out. The pothole-ridden state of the UK’s roads coincides with a double increase in the price of running a vehicle, with a 0.76p increase in fuel duty on 1 January and the VAT increase to 20 per cent on the 4 January. Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: “Drivers will resulting in rapid tyre wear and affecting the car’s handling be rightly incensed that cutbacks on essential road spending are • Potholes can be even more dangerous for cyclists and taking place while they are being forced to dig deeper to stay motorcyclists; give them plenty of room to steer past them. mobile. A car is not a luxury item and if running costs go up, the They are entitled to a wobble and would appreciate not household budget will have to be cut elsewhere to compensate.” having a motorist trying to overtake as they are taking The IAM wants some of the new duties and taxes to be avoiding action earmarked for road repairs and road safety measures. Every • Avoid suddenly pulling out to avoid a pothole – there might year the government raises more than £25billion in fuel tax and be a motorcyclist trying to get past you, or you could enter £13billion in VAT from road users. It makes long-term economic the path of an oncoming vehicle sense to keep investing in better roads now to save even higher • Potholes tend to reappear in the same place as previous bills in the future. repairs fail – remember where you’ve seen one and expect Mr Greig continued: “While cuts to the budget for road it to be there again repairs are frustrating, drivers must learn how to deal with the • Be extra vigilant on roads with lots of lorries and around state of the roads today, so bear in mind the following tips for bus stops. Extra pressure is put on the road surface safely navigating potholes and broken surfaces’: wherever heavy vehicles stop, start or turn. • Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front so that you can see the road surface before you drive or Mr Greig continued: “Anticipation, planning and good forward ride over it vision will help you spot that lethal pothole and help avoid • If you do hit a pothole, check your tyres once you’ve unwanted extra bills for new tyres and wheels. You can reduce stopped. Examine the inner as well as the outer tyre wall, your running costs right away by adopting advanced driving which may have been damaged techniques or taking an eco-driving course which have been • Get the wheel alignment (tracking) checked as well; an shown to deliver immediate savings of up to 30 per cent in impact with a pothole can easily disturb the adjustment, fuel consumption.”

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ROBIN’SREVIEW

Robin’s News something more than that of an engine supplier. I was talking to You should have been reading some of this content in the a contact at BMW who believes they may take an equity stake in January/February edition of ‘Driver’; my computer died recently Saab at some stage, apparently they are impressed with the so I sent it via my son’s laptop, although it shows as sent mail it Phoenix platform to be used on the next model 9-3. How have did not get to MYPEC or Dave Garnett – very strange. they come to that conclusion I asked, do they have a platform Some of you may be aware I decided to step down as a in Germany? Sensing he had said too much, his response was a Director of the Club. I had been considering this for some time. I not surprising, sorry but I cannot answer either of those joined the Board to take on the role of Dealer Liaison, the plan questions – hmmm. was to make contact with Saab Dealers and Specialists to BMW has claimed that the next 1 Series will be front-wheel encourage them to turn their customers into Club Members. It drive and hinted that the next 3 Series may be available in front became obvious that working full-time, having a busy family life and four-wheel drive variants. Could we see a BMW version of and many other interests made this task extremely difficult, it the 9-3? Victor Muller said: “Saab won’t only buy technology requires someone who is either retired or has a lot of spare time. from other manufacturers, but will sell its own Phoenix platform As it was my idea to write Robin’s Review, you will be pleased to other car companies”. to know I shall continue writing it for the foreseeable future. I intend to stick with its current format which most people seem Vladimir Antonov to enjoy; some Saab news, some Motor Industry and general According to Dagens Industri, the way is clear for Vladimir car items that I believe Club Members have so far found Antonov to become part of the ownership structure for Saab interesting, there will of course be the odd special feature item. Automobile. The Spyker purchase nearly fell over last year when GM acted Saab – BMW on (unproven) suspicions and Barred Antonov from being part Some time ago I asked where would Saab be in five years’ time, of the deal. As a result, Antonov stepped aside. It is believed by we still do not know for sure. Whilst Victor Muller and his team some observers that he may be acting as a financier to Victor are doing a fantastic job, the future is still very fragile. Muller’s Tenaci NV investment company that is now the Saab needs a partner to develop new models such as the majority shareholder. However, this has never been confirmed much-talked about 92, the deal with BMW may be the start of by Muller or Antonov.

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Subsequent investigations have cleared Antonov from any American cars were very popular in Sweden for many years, wrong doing and according to DI.se, he has now been given the possibly due to the number of Americans who lived there, formal green light to become part of Saab’s ownership structure. apparently quite a few settled there after WWII. A number of Antonov has said that he will update people after 26 January, bomber crews that had been shot up over Germany landed in which will be the first anniversary of Spyker signing the Sweden, it was a neutral country that would not hand British agreement to purchase Saab from GM. and American airmen over to the Germans, knowing this some air crews also deserted to Sweden. Swedish Car Manufacturers I was reading a copy of Practical Classics, where I discovered a Volvo Swedish car that I had never heard of – Daf Kalmar, also Why did Volvo buy DAF? Quite simply they needed a small car in affectionately known as a Tjorven – apparently it’s a Swedish its model range – DAF were struggling financially, so it was a TV character, it appears most when used by the Swedish very effective way to have at least two small cars in its range postal service and in general were right-hand drive. They were within months rather than spend several years and a lot more powered by a twin-cylinder DAF engine similar to the type money developing new models themselves. The DAF 55 quickly used in the 33 Daffodil. became the Volvo 66 and what would have been the DAF 77 This got me thinking how many other Swedish car companies became the Volvo 340, hence why most early 340s have the there were and how many are still in business? Wikipedia lists famous DAF Variomatic transmission. over 40 although around 30 closed down by the early 1930s – a Were you aware that Volvo actually built cars in the United few survived, Vabis became Scania and the founder of GEA, Kingdom? Early P1800 Coupés, as featured in the TV series Gustav Ericssons, went on to design some vehicles for Volvo. The Saint, were built at West Bromwich by Jensen. Of the current manufacturers if you discount Saab, Volvo After a short time Jensen suggested Volvo stopped this, as the and Koenigsegg that are well known, some build Lotus seven- body shells were produced locally by Pressed Steel, which were styled sports cars, a lot of which use Volvo components. Josse of such poor quality that production then moved to Sweden. Car builds a Volvo-based car that looks a bit like a 1950’s Jensen built a number of cars for other manufacturers, these American Nash Healey and a couple actually build American- included Austin Healeys, the Austin Champ 4x4 and the Alpine style Hot Rods. based Sunbeam Tiger.

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ROBIN’SREVIEW

Fiat 500 Twin Air Road Tested I am sure you have seen television adverts for the new Fiat 500 I drove a new car recently, the Hyundai IX20, it’s a brand new Twin Air, it’s a very clever little engine, the Twin Air bit is to do model claimed to be a mini MPV, engineered in Germany and with its valve train, Fiat claim it has a multi-air system that built in the Czech Republic, to replace the slow-selling Matrix. allows the inlet valves to be advanced, delayed or even opened It was very well equipped, spacious and comfortable for such twice within the same combustion cycle. a small car, performance from its 90bhp 1.4 Diesel was They claim it has the lowest CO 0.95g/km of any petrol surprisingly good and the handling was neat and tidy. It should engine currently being produced, it currently produces 85bhp, return over 60mpg with servicing every 20,000 miles – take this although there may be a 105bhp version at a later date, it into account then add the Hyundai five years’ unlimited mileage pushes the little 500 to a top speed of 108mph with 0-60 in warranty, five years’ free RAC, free annual health checks and under 11 seconds, not bad for a twin cylinder 875cc engine. only £30 per year road fund. If, like my wife you drive over I believe a British company came up with something similar 20,000 miles per year, it makes for a sensible purchase. many years ago – CCM motorcycles developed what founder Alan Clews dubbed a five-stroke, in addition to the regular Helle Nice four-stroke cycle it incorporated what was described as a One of my other interests concerns a French lady racing driver, supercharging stroke. who until recently seemed completely forgotten. She was born in 1900, just south of Paris, her name was originally Mariette How much? Helena Delangle. How quick can a car’s value rise or fall? What you are about to As an exotic dancer, she achieved sufficient fame to become read is absolutely true. A car that is described as a modern the girlfriend of some of Europe’s most wealthy and powerful classic a little over 20 years old, in excellent condition with very men, including Philippe de Rothschild and Count Bruno de low miles was traded in for a new car via a new-car agent, it was Harcout. Her love of fast cars and athletic skill landed her a then sold to a trader for £250. A couple of weeks later it was drive with Ettore Bugatti. She also owned and drove Alfa sold to a classic car dealer for £850, a nice little earner. A few Romeo cars. days later it appeared in his advert for a little under £4000 – She had a near fatal accident whilst racing in Sao Paulo when that’s what I call a good profit. spectators accidentally pushed straw bales into the narrow

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eventually returned to France, she even returned to racing until WWII broke out. Helle tried to make a return to racing in 1949 but her racing days were over following an outburst before the start of the Monte Carlo Rally by the Monegasque driver, Louis Chiron, a driver with a large reputation and an ego to match. He claimed she had been a traitor and a Gestapo agent, despite exhaustive searches of French and German archives there has been no evidence to suggest the allegations were true, sadly she died in poverty in Nice in 1984. I have known about Helle for many years, but it is only recently that she is finally being given the honour she deserves – an American Sheryl Greene has formed the Helle Nice Foundation. A ceremony was held at her graveside in Sainte- Mesme, France on 4 September 2010, when a plaque was finally placed on her grave. There is an excellent book about her life – The Bugatti Queen by Miranda Seymour. track, she was flung out of the car at speed which ploughed What interest is this to Saab Club Members – you may ask? One into the packed spectators lining the trackside, killing six and of the Foundation’s aims is to have a sculpture garden to injuring over forty. commemorate pioneering lady drivers in motorsport. I am working Her life was probably saved by the man she landed on who with Sheryl to hopefully achieve this and would like Pat Moss died because of the impact. It was thought she had also died so Carlsson to be included. There is a growing amount of information her body was initially laid at the roadside with the dead. about Helle Nice and the Foundation on the internet. Doctors doubted she would survive such a massive accident, Robin O’Connor however, following several days in a coma, she did recover and [email protected] 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 includes 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

MARCH/APRIL 2011 17 P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:47 Page 18

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

Gearbox Gremlins that they have issued a notice to testing stations. As a I was reading my latest edition of ‘Driver’ when the dreaded consequence nearly all these models that we have recently dual mass flywheel raised its head again (Car Clinic Clutch taken for MOT have failed. noise). I own a 2006 9-3 SportWagon with the same diesel If you look with a torch at the body seam, which is visible to the engine (150). I have noticed a slight rattling noise emanating left and below the brake servo and have someone rock the steering from the gearbox when my car is idling cold as just recently it is left to right, on cars that need repair you will see the seam flex and my morning ritual to de-ice the car before I drive off. The noise partially open with the movement of the steering. Whilst I don’t vanishes when I dip the clutch in neutral and it doesn't do it think this defect is dangerous and many cars have probably been when the car is warm. There is no sign of a rattle when I select in this condition for a long time, it may now need repair to pass an gear and move off either. My car has got 64k on the clock now, MOT. If an MOT tester does not notice this defect the car will not so I would expect there to be wear in some form. I'm hoping it’s fail, however I would suggest it should be repaired. not a sign of trouble because I'm budgeting for a 72k service The fitting of a rack brace kit is also beneficial, in fact if it had and a cambelt change. I also understand that these cars need been fitted in production this fault may not have occurred. We the water pump changing as well when the cambelt is done. have found it fairly easy to repair although the job does take about Kevin Tizzard five hours, it involves removing the brake servo, interior trim and carpet from the driver’s footwell. It then needs to be welded top Some signs of noise ie rattling, is acceptable, you will know when it and bottom and possibly making up metal fillets in some cases to needs replacing as will be very noticeable. add strength. If it’s done correctly the problem should not reoccur. It is vital to change the water pump when the cambelt is replaced Some repair centres may say to owners that engine removal as a failure will break the cambelt and it’s likely to occur sometime is required to effect a satisfactory repair, however I suggest if after 100k if not before. that happens take the vehicle elsewhere for a second opinion, preferably someone who knows Saabs. This news will be disappointing to 900 and 9-3 owners and Coolant Warning it’s a pity that the design was not strong enough to stand the I have a 9-5 2.3 Aero Estate 2004 petrol. I had noticed over the test of time. Having said that, these models are now all last few months that the coolant level warning would come on approaching 10 years old and don’t suffer from the significant and I would top up with half a litre or so of coolant to bring it corrosion that eventually affects most classic 900 models. to the level. This would happen every three weeks or so. The Richard Elliott quantity of coolant needed was always small and the temperature gauge was constant with very slight fluctuations. A few weeks ago (when I wasn't driving) the coolant warning TECHNICAL TIP came on and the temperature read high. A litre of water was Contaminated Diesel needed to bring the level up to the mark, however the coolant I have recently come across recently two 9-3 1.9 diesels warning was still on and the temperature gauge fluctuated. The that were brought into me to investigate poor running. car was driven and eventually overheated and the cylinder head After doing the usual checks, in both cases the fuel was gasket was found to have blown. found to be contaminated with petrol. A reconditioned engine has been fitted. All hoses and These were not cases where the driver had mis-fueled. connections were examined when refitting and appeared OK. Keith and Sue Long filled a nearly empty 1.9 TiD in Coolant consumption seems to be returning to the old pattern Scotland and drove home without any problems other – a litre being needed every few days. I have noticed on than it was running not as smoothly as usual. When we occasions water dripping from the radiator left-hand (driver’s) checked the car and found no obvious faults we removed side of the radiator some minutes after parking. the filler cap and there was a noticeable smell of petrol. Any advice on what to check or replace would be welcome. I As the car was now only a quarter full we filled it with cannot understand what can have been happening when the diesel and all symptoms disappeared. car ran hot. The reason I draw your attention to this is that if a Donal Channer garage is asked to investigate a cost will be incurred, maybe considerable as they may spend a lot of time It does look like the radiator needs replacing, you could try some investigating. radiator sealant, use a liquid type which won’t clog the cooling I suspect this problem may be common, symptoms are system. very rough running, especially when the engine is cold with a This may resolve the problem, failing that, a replacement radiator knocking sound and missfire, the effects will be less or more may be the answer, however have it carefully checked first. noticeable depending on the amount of petrol in the fuel. If you suspect contaminated fuel when the tank is about half full refill with diesel before you take into a Dealer. Steering Rack Mounting Fatigue The knocking detonation and rough running is a big It appears that more and more MOT test stations are checking clue, most poor running faults on the 1.9 are caused by a the security of the panel which is spot welded to the bulkhead faulty EGR valve which can cause lack of performance and for signs of any separation. poor starting. VOSA are aware of this problem but as yet I am not aware

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POSTBAG

Winter Weekend – Thanks! Suspension Problems My wife and I would like to express our sincere thanks for a Having experienced a suspension collapse, o/s front, I thought lovely weekend at the Stratford Manor. It was indeed a pleasure 9-3 owners would like to be aware just for safety awareness. to meet and mingle in such pleasant and enjoyable company, The Saab is 2006 Reg, 27,000 miles. Having used the vehicle the made all the more so because they were without exception, all previous day, it was parked on the drive OK. The next morning Saab enthusiasts. driving off, it collapsed – this is not due to potholes, may have Those who could not attend for whatever reason missed a had a few small ones over the period, but not that many, could it thoroughly enjoyable event, highlighted by a personal and mean that the suspension needs to be stronger? enjoyable appearance by the one and only Mr Saab, Erik Carlsson. It may pay owners to have a suspension check – just think of Whilst it might be considered unfair to single out any the dilemma, should it occur on a motorway. individuals, we must thank in particular Mike and Hilary Local dealer, Quest Motors, recovered the vehicle within 30 Philpott. We have attended many functions in the past, all well minutes and advised me that two main springs would have to be organised and often by professionals. However, with my wife fitted with other bits and pieces but would keep the pricing to a being so disabled, many are marred in one way or another. In minimum £300 including recovery. contrast, the Winter Weekend organisation went like clockwork Has any Member had the same experience? – or a Saab? – and could not be faulted, except that perhaps it Cliff Forster was over too soon. However, it also highlighted all that I have been missing in Further to my previous e-mail. I have just had notification from past years! Looking forward to the next one. Quest Motors that they have requested a SER from Saab and Mark Roberts they have agreed to refund 100% for the two front springs.

SAAB Valley Automotive INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST (Formerly Valley Saab) NEW AND USED PARTS AVAILABLE 01737 553464 / 01737 372780 SERVICE AND REPAIR FACILITIES USED SAABS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES 38 Ormside Way, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2LW MAIL ORDER SERVICE (Holmethorpe Industrial Estate) 40 years as a main dealer now operating as a Saab Specialist VOLSAA • Service and MOT • New and Used car sales ENGINEERING • SOC Discounts • FREE courtesy car Tel: (01332) 291320 Fax: (01332) 380698 • Collection delivery • Main Dealer service 2-4 Fox Street, Derby DE1 2BW at specialist prices www.volsaaengineering.co.uk www.valleysaab.com

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

MARCH/APRIL 2011 19 P3 305 MarchApril 01-21:Layout 1 17/2/11 13:48 Page 20

NOTICEBOARD

CHARITY TRACK DAY at Castle Combe, Wiltshire Thursday, 17 March 2011 Saab drivers are invited to take part in this event which will raise funds for a local children’s school (SNAP Chippenham) and Combat Stress, the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society. Two events last year at this entertaining circuit each raised over £3000 plus Gift Aid. Noise limit 105dBs, 12 cars on track, 36 cars total. Elderly and interesting cars preferred, modern recycled kamikazes are discouraged. £180 all day or £100 half day. For more information contact [email protected] or 01288 381265 (SOC member and owner of several elderly Saabs)

Saab Owners Club of Great Britain SWEDEN VISIT 2011 About £25 per person per night in a • ‘Aeroseum’ – Säve flygplats (Air Thursday 14 April – camping cabin or ‘vandrarhem’ Museum – Gothenburg City Airport) Sunday 17 April (youth hostel): • Gothenburg Maritime Museum • STF Vandrarhem, Gula Villen • Volvo Cars Visitor Centre/Volvo Car Flights Museum (Torslanda, Gothenburg) Because of the amount of personal and Activities: could include: • Alvsborgs Castle confidential information involved it is • Saab Factory tour • Jönköping (Match Museum, not feasible for me to book flights. You Saab Car Museum visit Husqvarna) or Borås book your own flight, the best time to • ‘Innovatum’ Science Centre, (Fire Brigade Museums) book low cost airfares is one calendar Trollhättan month before departure. • Guided walking tour of the It’s now over to you – but please do not waterfall/lock area – visit to canal leave it to the last minute. I am placing a Internal Travel – Options museum, and ‘Olidan’ hydro electric deadline of 28 March 2011 on Members Four days’ car hire – around £120.00 generator – one of the oldest working expressing interest and needing (small economy car). Coach transfers – industrial buildings in Sweden consultation or help with bookings. estimate £20.00 per person. (Trollhättan) • The Royal Hunt Museum – Three nights’ accommodation Halleberg/Hunneberg ‘Elk Hills’ about £200 for twin/double room in a and ‘Elk Safari’ To register your interest or for more business hotel: • Evening visit to Go-Kart Centre; information, contact: • Scandic Swania, Trollhättan evening visit to a pancake house Iain Hodcroft, • Hotell Bele, Trollhättan • Shopping in Trollhättan, Vänersborg 330 Manchester Road, • Fist Hotel Kung Oscar, Trollhättan or Överby Tyldesley, Manchester, M29 8NN • Trollhättan Hotel, Trollhättan • World Heritage Site – Tanum (Rock Mobile: 07976 314012 • Quality Hotel, Vänersborg carvings etc) house of the sea (Lysekil) [email protected]

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INTERNATIONAL SAAB CLUB MEET Finland 2011 Saab Club of Finland celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2011 and invites Saab enthusiasts from all over the world to join the celebration on 5-7 August 2011. The main activities are centred at Hotel Ellivuori in Sastamala, a scenic part of county Hame. The Ellivuori has ample accommodation in the hotel and the adjacent camping area. Guest of honour will be Mr Simo R Lampinen, an internationally recognised 1960’s Finnish Rally Driver. Registration closing date is 16 May 2011. For more details go to – www.intsaab2011.fi

PEAKS & DALES Saturday 4 June 2011

PEAK DISTRICT Starting from Windy Harbour, Glossop at 8:45am on Saturday 4 June, we will be stopping for morning coffee at The Country Bookshop, Hassop, Bakewell. This cafe is housed in a former railway station that served the London-Midland Railway. The line opened in the 1860s and linked St Pancras and Manchester. It closed in 1968, and the line remained unused for twelve years before being taken over by the Peak National Park. The track has been converted into a walking route, known as the Monsal Trail.

Then, we will continue on to Masson Mills at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. These are the finest surviving and best preserved example of an Arkwright cotton mill built by Sir Richard Arkwright’s in 1783. The complex includes a working textile museum illustrating Arkwright’s legacy, shopping village, restaurant, conference centre and onsite parking.

For more information contact Richard Elliott Tel: 01457 852944

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WHAT’SON Group contact details can be found on page 24

MARCH APRIL MAY Sunday 29th South West Saab Tuesday 1st Tu e s d a y 5 t h Tu e s d a y 3 r d WVPS Dorset Tour – All day – www.southwestsaab.co.uk West Midlands and West Midlands and West Midlands and Warwickshire Saab Warwickshire Saab Warwickshire Saab Club night at the Stonebridge Date TBC Club night at the Stonebridge Club night at the Stonebridge Pub at the junction A45/A452 Pub at the junction A45/A452 3rd Antique Saab Convention Pub at the junction A45/A452 just 1 mile from Birmingham just 1 mile from Birmingham Kanczuga near Rzeszow, South just 1 mile from Birmingham airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. East Poland – Saab klub Poland. airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. For more info contact us at For more info contact us at Go to saab-gt.pl For more info contact us at [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Wednesday 6th Wednesday 4th JUNE Wednesday 2nd Cheshire and Staffordshire Cheshire and Staffordshire Meet the first Wednesday of Cheshire and Staffordshire Meet the first Wednesday of Wednesday 1st every month at The Red Bull, Meet the first Wednesday of every month at The Red Bull, Cheshire and Staffordshire Congleton Road, Church Lawton Meet the first Wednesday of every month at The Red Bull, Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. Congleton Road, Church Lawton Congleton Road, Church Lawton Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. every month at The Red Bull, Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. Congleton Road, Church Lawton South West Saab Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. Get together for a chat and a South West Saab Get together for a chat and a South West Saab drink at the Airfield Tavern, drink at the Airfield Tavern, South West Saab Get together for a chat and a Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later Get together for a chat and a drink at the Airfield Tavern, – www.southwestsaab.co.uk drink at the Airfield Tavern, Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later Thursday 7th Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later – www.southwestsaab.co.uk – www.southwestsaab.co.uk East Anglia Saab Thursday 5th The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, East Anglia Saab Thursday 3rd Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Thursday 2nd East Anglia Saab Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, East Anglia Saab Meeting and AGM at The – [email protected] Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, – [email protected] Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Sunday 10th Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel – [email protected] Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel South West Saab Saturday 7th-8th – [email protected] Treasure Hunt – 10.00am-2.00pm South West Saab – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Pre-Swedish Day Evening Meal Saturday 4th-5th PEAKS AND DALES Saturday 12th 6.00pm-11.00pm. Swedish Day Monday 11th UK 10.00pm-5.00pm – Details on Noticeboard page 21. Beds Herts and Bucks Lancashire Saab www.southwestsaab.co.uk For more information contact Meeting at the Green Man, The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Richard Elliott Tel: 01457 852944. Eversholt, we will be there from Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Sunday 8th 1.00pm. Contact: Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. SWEDISH DAY UK Tu e s d a y 7 t h [email protected] Contact Steve – steve.alty@ For more information see West Midlands and lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk Noticeboard on page 37 Warwickshire Saab Monday 14th or visit www.swedishday.co.uk Club night at the Stonebridge Thursday 14th-17th Lancashire Saab Pub at the junction A45/A452 INTERNATIONAL SAAB CLUB The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Monday 9th just 1 mile from Birmingham Swedish Visit. airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, See Noticeboard on page 20. Lancashire Saab Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, For more info contact us at [email protected] Contact Steve – steve.alty@ South West Saab Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk Fly/drive trip to Trollhättan, Saturday 11th Sweden – All Weekend – Contact Steve – steve.alty@ www.southwestsaab.co.uk lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk Beds Herts and Bucks Thursday 17th Meeting at the Green Man, Northants, South Leicester & Saturday 16th Saturday 14th Eversholt, we will be there from Rutland Saab 1.00pm. Contact: Beds Herts and Bucks Beds Herts and Bucks Club meeting at the Sondes Meeting at the Green Man, Meeting at the Green Man, [email protected] Arms, Rockingham, LE16 8TG Eversholt, we will be there from Eversholt, we will be there from from 7-30pm. Contact Steve on 1.00pm. Contact: 1.00pm. Contact: Monday 13th [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Lancashire Saab The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, CHARITY TRACK DAY Thursday 21st South Yorkshire Saab Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. Castle Combe, Wiltshire Northants, South Leicester & Visit to Eden Camp. Contact: Contact Steve – steve.alty@ For more information contact Rutland Saab [email protected] lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk [email protected] Club meeting at the Sondes Arms, Rockingham, LE16 8TG or call 01288 381265. from 7.30pm. Contact Steve on Thursday 19th Thursday 16th See Noticeboard on page 20. [email protected] Northants, South Leicester & Northants, South Leicester & Rutland Saab Rutland Saab Wednesday 30th Wednesday 27th Club meeting at the Sondes Club meeting at the Sondes South Yorkshire Saab South Yorkshire Saab Arms, Rockingham, LE16 8TG Arms, Rockingham, LE16 8TG Natter ‘n’ Noggin. Contact: Keith’s Film Show. Contact: from 7.30pm. Contact Steve on from 7.30pm. Contact Steve on [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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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 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 ‘WHAT’S ON’ ONLY in the May/June 2011 issue is 25th March 2011. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE

Friday 17th-19th Thursday 7th Saturday 13th Wednesday 5th THE 15TH LAKELAND East Anglia Saab Beds Herts and Bucks South West Saab GATHERING, CAMPING The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Meeting at the Green Man, Get together for a chat and a WEEKEND Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Eversholt, we will be there from drink at the Airfield Tavern, See Noticeboard on page 36. Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel 1.00pm. Contact: Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later – [email protected] [email protected] – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Sunday 26th Beds Herts and Bucks Saturday 9th South Yorkshire Saab Thursday 6th The Haynes Classic 100 Rally will Beds Herts and Bucks Bob’s BBQ. Contact: East Anglia Saab be held in the village of Haynes, Meeting at the Green Man, [email protected] The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Bedfordshire. It is a brilliant day Eversholt, we will be there from Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, of classic cars of all ages and 1.00pm. Contact: Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel types parading around the village [email protected] SEPTEMBER – [email protected] and congregating to be shown off in the village afterwards. I South Yorkshire Saab Thursday 1st Saturday 8th have reserved our participation July 2011 Weekend. Group visit to East Anglia Saab Beds Herts and Bucks at the event, however, there will the SOC National. Contact: The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Meeting at the Green Man, be a nominal entry fee (per car). [email protected] Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, To find out more visit Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel Eversholt, we will be there from www.thehaynesvillage100.org.uk Monday 11th – [email protected] 1.00pm. Contact: [email protected] Lancashire Saab South West Saab The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Sunday 4th Trip to Diggerland, Devon – All Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, South West Saab Monday 10th day – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. Visit the Thornfalcon Classic Car Lancashire Saab Contact Steve – steve.alty@ Meet Plans 11.00am onwards at The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Date TBC lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk Thornfalcon, Yeovil. Convoy from Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Southwest Saab The Airfield Tavern 10.00am – Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. Evening Glidering – TBC – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Contact Steve – steve.alty@ www.southwestsaab.co.uk AUGUST lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk Wednesday 7th Date TBC Tuesday 2nd-5th Cheshire and Staffordshire Wednesday 26th Southwest Saab Pre-International Meet the first Wednesday of South Yorkshire Saab Picnic at the Pumps – TBC – Saab Clubs’ Meeting Tour. every month at The Red Bull, Ruth’s Supper. Contact: www.southwestsaab.co.uk Start Helsinki area – link on Congleton Road, Church Lawton [email protected] www.intsaab2011.fi Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards.

JULY Wednesday 3rd South West Saab NOVEMBER Get together for a chat and a Cheshire and Staffordshire drink at the Airfield Tavern, Saturday 2nd Meet the first Wednesday of Wednesday 2nd Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later (June meeting) every month at The Red Bull, – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Cheshire and Staffordshire South Yorkshire Saab Congleton Road, Church Lawton Meet the first Wednesday of An Afternoon at Dunsville. Contact: Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. Monday 12th every month at The Red Bull, [email protected] Congleton Road, Church Lawton Lancashire Saab South West Saab Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. Sunday 3rd Get together for a chat and a The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, South West Saab drink at the Airfield Tavern, Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. South West Saab Taunton School Car Show – All Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later Get together for a chat and a day – www.southwestsaab.co.uk – www.southwestsaab.co.uk Contact Steve – steve.alty@ lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk drink at the Airfield Tavern, Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later Tu e s d a y 5 t h Thursday 4th Wednesday 14th – www.southwestsaab.co.uk West Midlands and East Anglia Saab Beds Herts and Bucks Warwickshire Saab The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Meeting at the Green Man, Saturday 12th Club night at the Stonebridge Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Eversholt, we will be there from Beds Herts and Bucks Pub at the junction A45/A452 Suffolk IP31 2NX. Contact Rachel 1.00pm. Contact: Meeting at the Green Man, just 1 mile from Birmingham – [email protected] [email protected] Eversholt, we will be there from airport. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. For more info contact us at Friday 5th-7th 1.00pm. Contact: Wednesday 28th [email protected] [email protected] International Saab Clubs South Yorkshire Saab Meeting, Finland. Big Birthday Bash. Contact: Monday 14th Wednesday 6th Based at Hotel Ellivuori near [email protected] Cheshire and Staffordshire Satsamala, West Finland – See Lancashire Saab Meet the first Wednesday of page 21 for more details. The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, every month at The Red Bull, www.intsaab2011.fi Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Congleton Road, Church Lawton OCTOBER Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. Monday 8th Contact Steve – steve.alty@ Lancashire Saab Wednesday 5th lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk South West Saab The Ring ‘O’ Bells Pub, Cheshire and Staffordshire Get together for a chat and a Ring ‘O’ Bells Lane, Lathom, Meet the first Wednesday of Wednesday 30th drink at the Airfield Tavern, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TE. every month at The Red Bull, South Yorkshire Saab Yeovil. 7.45pm-8.00pm until later Contact Steve – steve.alty@ Congleton Road, Church Lawton Natter ‘n’ Noggin. Contact: – www.southwestsaab.co.uk lancashiresaabownersclub.co.uk Cheshire. 7.30pm onwards. [email protected]

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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 SUSSEX SAAB NORTH WEST SAAB HERTFORDSHIRE & Toby Field Richard Elliott BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SAAB 78 Foxglove Road The Quorls Christian Sawers Eastbourne 9 Wheatcroft Tel: 01525 402749 East Sussex, BN23 8BX Hadfield E: bedsbuckshertssaab@ Tel: 01323 460 363 Glossop googlemail.com www.eastsussexsaab.co.uk SK13 2EN Tel: 01457 852 944 Welcome to this edition of ‘Driver’, this is really my first official www.saab-nw.co.uk write-up for 2011 as the previous edition was written way back CHESHIRE, NORTH EBOR SAAB SHROPSHIRE & Karl Moxon in November 2010. Before we really get going I must say a quick STAFFORDSHIRE SAAB 38 Queens Drive SOUTH WEST SAAB thank you to all who sent emails with best wishes for the New Chris Boffey Cottingham Alex or Robin 66 Brereton Drive East Yorkshire 10 Arundel Road Year and also Members who telephoned me – it is always good Yeovil, Somerset Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6HF HU16 4EL to talk! Also it’s good to write! That award goes to Dominique Tel: 01270 624659 E: [email protected] [email protected] E: [email protected] 01482 847120 Tel: 07963 066384 Cuingnet from France as his was the only bit of mail I had that www.2csaabbranch.org [email protected] Tel: 07515 112120 was not a demand for payment! FIFE AND TAYSIDE SAAB Well, as usual we will have to go back in time a little... all the CUMBRIA SAAB Liz Robertson SOUTH YORKSHIRE SAAB Robert Morley 9 Fernhill Gardens way back to late 2010. It all starts with the Lancashire Group, Keith Long 44 Brierydale Lane Windygates 10 Byrne Close who have been very busy over the last few of months of 2010 Stairburn Fife Barugh Green Workington and have sent me multiple articles, so without further ado, over KY8 5DZ Barnsley Cumbria Tel: 01333 351 364 South Yorkshire to you guys... oh and they have sent some great pictures! Enjoy! Tel: 01900 679 26 E: [email protected] S75 1NS Tel: 01226 385 139 Lancashire Saab Owners ‘Christmas Cheer’ DALE SAAB HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF Richard Unsworth WIGHT SAAB SURREY & WEST SUSSEX “Monday, 13 December – the date was set for our yearly 2 Quarry Lane Richard D Sprinks SAAB Tandem Christmas gathering, however, due to the current economic 2 Alverstone Cottage Michael Dey Huddersfield, HD5 0AP Alverstone Road 19 Hawthorn Road climate our usual venue closed down, leaving us only a week to Tel: 01484 350230 Whippingham Barnsbury Farm Estate organise another venue. Good old Julian Davis came to the 07786 861760 East Cowes Woking Isle of Wight Surrey, GU22 0BA rescue finding another suitable establishment nearby, namely PO32 6NN Tel: 07711 439 585 the Hesketh Arms, Rufford – only a few miles away from our DUMFRIES, GALLOWAY & Tel: 01983 880 084 E: [email protected] BORDERS SAAB E: [email protected] planned meeting. Gerald Chamberlain 113 Bergh Road THAMES VALLEY SAAB “On the lead-up to the meeting we had a frustrating time Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 7NB LANCASHIRE SAAB trying to contact everybody to firstly assure them the Christmas Tel: 01228 537 838 Steve Alty 2 A Queensway WESSEX SAAB meal was still going ahead and secondly that as a few people Ashton-on-Ribble Nigel Bailey DURHAM SAAB were planning to just turn up after the meal they might be left PRESTON, PR2 1SN 12 Oakdene Close Joan Wood Tel: 01772 769015 Wimborne in a darkened pub car park. Dunvegan www.lancashiresaabowners Dorset 58 Thorndale “It wasn’t until the day before that we knew that all parties club.co.uk Tel: 01202 886 888 Belmont, Durham, DH12AH E: [email protected] were correctly informed about our plans. Julian certainly came Tel: 0191 384 2461 up trumps with the Hesketh Arms. Firstly, because the manager NORTHHANTS, SOUTH LEICESTER & RUTLAND SAAB WEST MIDS & has a C900 Carlsson and a 9-3 Convertible and secondly, the EAST ANGLIA SAAB Steve Rustage WARWICKSHIRE SAAB Rachel Hillier Rich Bone large warm country pub certainly felt the part for a Christmas E: [email protected] Linnaeus 160 Ardath Road gathering. Monday evening came and everyone seemed to Norwich Road Birmingham B38 9PE Scole, DISS E: [email protected] arrive in plenty of time allowing for a couple of pre-meal Norfolk, IP21 4DY www.wmwsoc.co.uk Tel: 01379 740 158 Christmas drinks and banter. When we were all finally seated E: [email protected] ALL GROUP BOOKS ARE DUE BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and ready, the food started to appear. From the starters to the Please note the groups highlighted have returned their EAST MIDLANDS SAAB attendance registers. puddings the food was delicious, a real credit to the chef. Peter Briggs Groups Sub-Committee Local Liaison Officers “A BIG thank you to all who managed to arrive for the 16 Saville Street Blidworth Stephen Trigg, 18 Clevelands Avenue, Draycott, Derby, DE72 3NR Christmas meal and get-together, especially to those who Mansfield Tel: 01332 872302 travelled a fair distance to come and partake in the festivities. Notts NG21 0RP Regional Groups Co-ordinator: Ellie Wilson, 43 Towbury Close, www.eastmidlandssaab.co.uk Oakenshaw South, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7YZ You all made it a really nice evening with some great food and E: [email protected] Tel: 01527 403596 e-mail: [email protected] excellent company.

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“Also thanks to all who generously donated raffle prizes, 9-5 range allowing potential owners a nice sedate, unescorted, especially Sharon Foxley who donated one of her fleece seven-mile drive around the beautiful Cheshire countryside. masterpieces as a main prize and also, of course, a big thank “As you could imagine, a few of us revelled at the chance of you to all who bought raffle tickets. exercising a new car, feeling the firm suspension, steering and “It looks like we might be taking up the manager’s offer of all-round performance, providing that straight-out-of-the- having our monthly meetings at the ‘Hesketh Arms’ – unless factory feel! anybody has another friendly pub in mind? “As part of the Saab GB package we were also kindly given “It was funny to see at the end of the evening the wheeler- free access to Tatton Hall Mansion and Gardens. dealing going on in the car park, including our latest game of: “The previous day’s rainy weather held off, allowing us to ‘will a continuous length of a Saab 96 exhaust fit in a 9000?’ picnic at the rear of our cars, making for a very pleasant day sat “Roll on Chipping Steam Fair (details should be on in such beautiful surroundings. The combination of new meets www.saabclub.co.uk and also www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk).” old, really complemented each other well, we had as many Steve Alty people coming over to see our range of Saabs as went to see the new line-up, which hopefully made it an even more Thanks Steve that was great, but hold on, there is even more interesting day for the prospective buyers. from Steve, he must have got a new pen or laptop for “All this was only possible because Geoff Wood appreciates Christmas! We can’t seem to stop him writing! the fact that there should still really be a link between the new The next article is also from the Lancashire Group, this one models and their previous living history. follows a drive day of the new Saab 9-5 kindly supplied by a “After a test drive or two, everybody I spoke to was very Local Saab Dealer in Bolton, Wilson and Co, (no relation to impressed by the subtle interior styling; from the very me!), the story continues below. comfortable seating, very spacious cavernous interior to the magnificent heads-up ‘fighter pilot style’ display. This combined ‘New’ 9-5 Ride and Drive with the build quality and the smooth power delivery while “Due to the ongoing contact between the Lancashire Saab pushing through the gears was an experience to behold. Owners’ Club and our local Saab dealership, Wilson and Co, “I really hope this car and those that follow are a new turning Bolton, their very friendly Sales Manager, Geoff Wood invited us point for Saab allowing the quality, prestige and styling to make to a special Saab GB event held at Tatton Park, Cheshire. The a welcome return. event was a Saab GB organised affair with an open invite to local “The whole day turned out to be a pleasant and leisurely dealerships, allowing them to offer their customers the chance experience, allowing the adults to dream of their new cars to ‘ride and drive’ the new 9-5. We were asked to attend and while the children were kept occupied by all that Tatton Park provide examples of older Saabs, an offer we couldn’t refuse. had to offer. “The event details were sent out to all our Members and a “A really big thank you must go to Geoff and all from Wilson and notice posted on UKSaabs.co.uk to advertise the get-together. Co for allowing us to join them and be part of the day. Another “On the day we met up with Chris Boffey and we subsequently thing that made the day for me was the young boy who came drove in and through the park to be directed to park up along and after seeing the new cars, politely asked if he could sit opposite the new 9-5 line-up. We were all advised to book our in our cars! James, one day you’d make a great Saab driver.” time slot for an allocated test drive of one of the new 9-5s. We Steve Alty, Lancashire Saab were handed an exclusive Saab 9-5 presentation package and then escorted to the complimentary coffee and muffin marquee. Thanks Steve, if ever you are at a loose end and fancy taking on a “The day unfolded as a preview and test drive for the ‘new’ Saab permanent role writing articles for the ‘Driver’, please let me

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know, your piece was brilliant and the photos are fantastic. Please do also visit www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk for more information on events locally and also a lot more besides. Don’t forget, by the time you get this edition the now annual pilgrimage to the Chipping Steam Fair will be well under way, please do contact Steve Alty at www.lancashiresaabowners.co.uk or give him a call (details under Group contacts), if you would like to put your car on display or just turn up for a chat and mingle, it’s a great weekend. you will be just fine and of course if you need any help just ask. I Welcome aboard will see you guys at the Swedish Day, Sunday, 8 May and I hope Back to this year, and I am sure you will all join me in extending to see many of our Members there also for a meet and a chat. a warm welcome our new C900 Registrar, Alex Rankin, I have I would like to also welcome all our new Members and hope known Alex for a few years now, he was with Robin Morley and that you will stay with us for a long time to come. One new they were the founding Members of SouthWest Saab who have Member I had the pleasure of sending a brand new ‘spangley’ grown and grown in the two or so years they have been going. I Saabclub screen stickers to was Phill Ross, who is now the can stake my own Saab 900 on Alex delivering very interesting proud owner of a 9-3 Turbo. This was a wise choice! The car articles on the C900 for a long time to come, in fact, you might was purchased following an incident in the snow during even start ignoring my page and head straight to his section – December in his Nissan. Well Phill at least you are here now and not a wise move, as hopefully my page will remain as safe amongst friends and a fantastic Saab 9-3, I hope you make entertaining as possible! But seriously, good luck Alex, I know it to some of our events this year.

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December 2010 Well I hope that you suffered no accidents during the snow in December. I can honestly say I have never seen it so bad around Redditch. I parked up the 9-3 the weekend before Christmas and did not move or even try to start it again until well after the New Year. As expected, it started first time, I have received no tales of woe from our Members, so I will assume you too had a trouble-free winter period and ones looking forward to the summer. The picture you can see of the car under snow is my 9-3 waiting for the thaw to set in! SoonSaab, State of Nine, Maptun, Elkparts, Saab USA Parts, The Fudge A’fare and a couple of private donors. Saab Club Website Well, I was really impressed with the entrants, nearly 500 in all Following a lot of comments and suggestions from our SOC and although the competition was purely for fun, it showed just Members, we have slowly been updating and improving our how creative our Saab drivers are, no matter what part of the website. You will now find a very easy to view ‘What’s On’ page world they are in. I viewed the site many times and all were which includes events locally, nationally and internationally. worthy of winning, as each participant had their own view on Please do also have a look at the latest News section, where the Saab branding and the way they enjoy their model, be it a you will find a host of information on new products and special new 9-5 or an old Stroker! The one advert that stuck in my mind offers, which are available to SOC Members. One item I have though was: ‘Four seasons, Four wheels, Four elements, Four posted recently in the latest news is a tracker device to keep letters’ Saab’. your car safe which is priced at £100 – (DIY fitting) and the I think that statement said it all, it was coupled with a picture overall cost per year would be in the region of £12 to keep the of just four wheels, four seasons, four elements, and of course unit active – an absolute bargain, please visit the SOC website the four letters Saab and I think that just about summed up www.saabclub.co.uk – you will need to log in to the site to gain Saab, what it stands for and the reason why you would want to access to the Members-only section, all you need to do is enter buy one, two, OK well some of you have three! your membership number followed by your own unique Well after a long wait to see who won, the winners were duly password, which you create yourselves. Robin Morley has been announced on 22 December 2010 by Swade. working really hard to keep the site updated and you will find “In third place with 142 votes is – ‘Regular 9-5 getting you that as events for local Groups etc pass, the date will be down? You need ours’, which was sent in by Talladegan. This ad erased, thus showing only current or future events. We would seemed to speak to a lot of people tapping in to the shared welcome any photos or facts about events you will be having or theme of needing to escape the regular 9 to 5 routine and the attending for inclusion within the website. Saab 9-5 being the perfect alternative choice for doing so. “In second place with a very decent 254 votes is – ‘People (Unofficial) Saab Ad Competition – who test drive a Saab usually buy one’, which was one of a very www.saabsunited.com strong range of ads submitted by Jorrit. It’s a sentiment that During November 2010, Saabs United (that’s Swade from many Saab fans will resonate with, particularly if they’re Tasmania, a truly fantastic guy!) hosted a competition for currently driving something that isn’t a Saab. I imagine they’d readers to produce advertisements for Saab Automobile. see the 900 in that ad and think about the old days, right Of course, this competition was made all the more before calling their local dealer to see what’s in stock. interesting thanks to the support given by the sponsors – New “This is arguably the most ‘print-ready’ of the ads, gelling Salem Saab, International Saab, ATS, Transport Services, seamlessly with Saab’s brand language straight out of the box.

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“And on to the winner, in First place with a 25% slice of the pie he is either very keen or he was in the area buying yet another and 344 public votes (and the leader right from the beginning, to fantastic motor! I did, in fact, see the aforementioned new be honest) is – ‘Four seasons, Four wheels, Four elements, Four motor, but my camera is now destined for the bin as all the letters’, which was submitted by ViktorH – you can find the shots I took over the weekend failed and I have not got a single details on this website link – www.saabsunited.com/2010/12/ picture of anything – note to self – buy new camera soon. saab-unofficial-ad-competition-the-winners.html” As the main course had been served and the desserts were being placed, it was time for Hilary to start the raffle draw and I firstly want to thank Swade for thinking up the idea in the first you will never guess what happened, I actually won a prize. This place, hopefully the important people at Saab will take note. I was a first for me at one of these SOC events, because as you did a straw poll amongst some of our UK Members with regards may know from my previous ramblings they always fix it so that to the current 9-5 advert and it would seem that while it is very I never win, but not tonight. I guess with all the organising they clever, it seems to me to be only understood by the two people had to do it must have slipped their minds! in the world who understand binary code! (hope that’s not too Suffice to say, everybody has urged Hilary to organise the deep). If you do have access to the interweb thing, please do event again for 2012, she loves doing it really and I think she visit the link above to find out more. has already given in and will do it all over again. So here is a bit of advice, as soon as you see the advert for Winter Weekend Winter Weekend 2011 2012, get your name down. At the end of the meal, Richard Friday, 4 February 2011 and another first for me, the Annual Elliott presented Hilary with a small gift on behalf of all the SOC Winter Weekend, and as it was fairly local to me in Members, followed by a huge round of applause. Stratford-upon-Avon, I decided to take Mrs Ellie for a night out, I am led to believe there will also be another weekend event this was my first ever visit to a Winter Weekend, so, I attended designed in a similar way coming up later in the year, this will be in stealth mode with the intention that I could report to you all held in the Rutland area – I hope to see you there! what it was all about. Well, I am pleased to report that it was really good. I was initially concerned as I had sent in my Changes for 2011 reservation late then the ‘Driver’ magazine arrived just after I have been pestered for the last year or so to join online sites Christmas, with a great big banner across the front ‘Winter such as Facebook and others. While I am pleased to get these Weekend – Fully Booked’! But, my concerns were short lived as invitations (including from Saab Clubs around the world), my my booking had already gone through – phew! life is so boring you really would get no excitement from reading Anyway, Hilary Philpott with a little help from Mike did an about my day-to-day exploits, unless of course you want to talk absolutely sterling job organising this event and there was about the joys of radio transmission and the elements of MPLS nothing but praise for the organisation and the running of the circuits... didn’t think you would! I just about have a Flickr whole weekend. They even managed to pull off a major coup in account which has featured the same six pictures for more than getting the President of The Saab Owners Club GB, Mr Erik 12 months. I know, I lead a really boring life, but this year I will Carlsson to attend, which was a real privilege. After the meal, look closer into opening an account such as Facebook. Though Erik entertained us all with a very interesting after-dinner I must say, hats off to Christian Sawers from Beds, Herts and speech, which left us all in tears of laughter, again the Members Bucks Group, who is now happily a member of the who attended were from right across the country and I hope you www.facebook society, so do join him on the Facebook website all had a great time – I certainly did, though I have to wonder if to share your day-to-day exploits – as for me, I am far too lazy Nick Walker (TfatC) of UK Saabs, really does live in Aberdeen, as and boring – sorry!

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Board Meeting Update SOC Windscreen Stickers We had a meeting on 23 January 2011. The emphasis on the I have still got some screen stickers left and have got access to meeting was driving the Club forward and how else we can more. If you would like a couple of these great new stickers offer benefits to our Members. I think it is agreed that the please send me a stamped self-addressed envelope, they really content of the magazine is great but we would like to hear from do look fantastic in the rear window. Alternatively, if you are Members on things that would be of interest. A meeting of all going to attend an event please send me an e-mail or give me a the Group representatives will be held very soon. Alistair is just call and I will ensure that a supply will be available at the event. finalising the details and the dates will be forwarded on soon. There will be two meetings for Group representatives to Did You Know? attend, a northern based meet and a southern based meet. This is a new feature I will be adding to my section, I really need Obviously, we will try to make the locations as convenient as some input from our Members to populate this section no possible, please do try to attend. The Registrars from each matter how small, so come on get writing! Here goes: section will also be invited. I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to John SAAB, (Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bolag) so now you know! Ransley, who has just joined the Board. His job will be to In 1938 the Saab factory was built in Trollhättan Sweden. At the interact with local Saab specialists, with the view to getting time they were not a car manufacturer, in fact they had nothing some great deals for our Members in terms of servicing and to do with cars, but with World War II about to start the Royal discounts on any work required – welcome aboard! Swedish Air Force was in need of aircraft. On 1 September 1939 The International Saab festival is to be hosted by the SOC GB war broke out and Saab built bombers and fighters. Towards the in 2013 and plans are now well underway – more details for this end of the war in 1944 Saab started building passenger aircrafts, event will be published later this year. then later turned its designs to the Automobile, the Saab Membership figures are growing and the feedback we have passenger car was soon to be launched. The model number been getting on the ‘Driver’ is very positive and we intend to designated to this car was Project 92, the car we now grow on this, hence the meetings planned for March 2011. affectionately call UrSaab, which incidentally is very much still alive and living in Trollhättan at the Saab Museum. I, along with Group Books many of our Members have visited this hallowed place and paid It’s that time of year again, where I would like you to return all suitable homage to said vehicle, to whom we shall refer from now your completed books, the sooner the better please. Keith in on as ‘Mother Saab’, this story will continue in the next edition. Finance is already really busy and you know what these people in finance are like! I don’t want to give him any additional work And finally after the end of April, so please ensure I have your completed Well, as you know, all good things come to an end and this books by the end of March at the latest. sadly is the end of my report for another couple of months. But with the fine weather just around the corner, it’s time for all of Strange C900 you who have stored your prized possession for the winter to I was sent this picture of an elongated C900 by a fellow SOC get it out and for all of us who used ours throughout that Member – that’s it, just a picture, with no information about horrible road-salt time to get the pressure washers out and give the car or its history or anything? If however, anyone can shed them a good clean. I look forward to seeing you at an event some light on this I would be most pleased to hear anything during the course of the year and of course, if you get time to you might know about it and moving swiftly on here is a picture put pen to paper or mouse to mat, please do drop me a line, I kindly sent in by Chris Hamley of a very fine looking Sonnet. I am always looking for Members, input to this great magazine – do believe that I saw this fine looking example in Huy, Belgium. see you soon! Oh what a weekend that was! Ellie

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How Good is THE NEW 9-5? When writing the comparison between the Mercedes Benz C-Class and my aging 9-5 earlier this year, my mind did consider how a modern 9-5 interpretation would fair. Of course, this was academic at the time but since then we have enjoyed the release of the new 9-5, the last of the GM-designed big Saabs. (It hadn’t even hit the market when Saab was sold to Spyker Cars NV, the Dutch super-car manufacturer.) Earlier in the month, I borrowed one for a week and had the pleasurable opportunity to find out. I did initially accept the keys to this new 9-5 with some decade. The obvious comments have been levelled at it – trepidation though. I have owned and driven Saabs for over a shared platform, raiding the GM parts bin, Saab losing its decade now – and have absolutely loved them – but the new Saabness and so-on. I am pleased to have seen Saab’s stand at 9-5 has received mixed press. This hasn’t been helped by one the Paris Motor Show with the electric ePower 9-3. It showed of Saab’s colour choices in much of the promotional material: that Saab is already thinking of its future and not just in the somewhere between beige and brown. While first impressions midst of hand-over. In addition, Saab has just announced its count for a great deal, I was pleased to see this car sat in a 9-4X model. strong metallic ‘Granite Grey’ colour, the interior a familiar, The bigger Saabs have always been a little different from the sober black. in-house bred 900s and 9-3s. The 9000 was part of a joint Saab has endured a turbulent couple of years with project with Lancia, Fiat and Alfa Romeo; the previous uncertainty around its future, dealers closing and – until this generation of the 9-5 shared its underpinnings with the humble model – little significant change in the line-up for nearly a Cavalier. However, they came about though, I believe they have

30 SAABDRIVER P3 305 MarchApril 22-39:Layout 1 17/2/11 14:06 Page 31 SAAB DEALERSHIPS

BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE NEWBURY READING HARSTON NEWBURY SAAB READING SAAB CAMBRIDGE SAAB (sales) Faraday Road, Portman Road, 59 – 61 High Street, Harston, Newbury RG14 2AD Reading RG30 1EA Cambridge CB22 7PZ T: 01635 529 595 T: 0118 950 9000 T: 01223 873 660 W: newburysaab.co.uk W: readingsaab.co.uk W: cambridgesaab.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 15% on aftersales 15% on aftersales Discount negotiable

CAMBRIDGESHIRE DERBYSHIRE ESSEX TRUMPINGTON DERBY COLCHESTER CAMBRIDGE SAAB (service & parts) BEECHWOOD SAAB D SALMON CARS 158 Shelford Road, Trumpington, 8 Siddals Road, Sheepen Road, Cambridge CB2 9NE Derby DE7 6DG Colchester CO3 3LE T: 01223 873 499 T: 01332 381 900 T: 01206 715 200 W: cambridgesaab.co.uk W: beechwoodsaab.co.uk W: dsalmoncars.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP no yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS Discount negotiable Discount negotiable on sales & bodyshop Discount negotiable 15% on servicing & parts

ESSEX GREATER LONDON GREATER LONDON MALDON CENTRAL LONDON FINCHLEY QUEST MOTOR GROUP SAAB CITY BALLARDS SAAB Wyke Hill Business Park, 60 The Highway, Unit A, Coppetts Centre, Maldon CM9 6UZ London E1W 2BF North Circular Road, London N12 0AJ T: 01621 876 900 T: 0207 480 7540 T: 0208 211 9160 W: questsaab.com W: saabcity.co.uk W: ballardssaab.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 10% on parts, labour & service 20% on labour Discount negotiable 10% on parts – with exception of major units P3 305 MarchApril 22-39:Layout 1 17/2/11 14:06 Page 32

SAABDEALERSHIPS GREATER LONDON HAMPSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE FULHAM SOUTHAMPTON WATFORD SAAB FULHAM SOUTHAMPTON SAAB VIKING SAAB 101 Farm Lane, Second Avenue, Millbrook, 291-295 Lower High Street, Fulham SW6 1QJ Southampton SO15 0LP Watford WD17 2HZ T: 0207 610 2900 T: 023 8078 9363 T: 01923 200 500 W: saabcity.co.uk W: southamptonsaab.co.uk W: vikingsaab.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 20% on labour 15% on aftersales Discount negotiable 10% on parts – with exception of major units

KENT KENT KENT CHISLEHURST EDENBRIDGE CANTERBURY WHITMORES SAAB WHITMORES SAAB CANTERBURY SAAB Perry Street, Station Road, Westminster Road, Chislehurst BR7 6HB Edenbridge TN8 6HL Canterbury CT1 1YY T: 0208 302 0911 T: 01732 861 420 T: 01227 769 600 W: whitmoressaab.co.uk W: whitmoressaab.co.uk W: canterburysaab.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 10% on parts & labour 10% on parts & labour 15% on aftersales

LINCOLNSHIRE SCOTLAND (NORTH EAST) SCOTLAND (CENTRAL) GRIMSBY ABERDEEN EDINBURGH HUMBERSIDE SAAB ADRIAN SMITH SAAB WESTERN SAAB EDINBURGH 226 Victoria Street, Intown Road, Bridge of Don, 21-22 Balcarres Street, Grimsby DN31 1PH Aberdeen AB23 8EZ Edinburgh EH10 5JD T: 01472 348 572 T: 01224 826 000 T: 0131 447 5900 W: humbersidesaab.co.uk W: adrian-smith-saab.com W: westernsaab.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 10% on parts & labour 15% on aftersales Discount negotiable on sales, 10% on servicing & parts No discount available on bodyshop

SCOTLAND (CENTRAL) SCOTLAND (CENTRAL) SUFFOLK GLASGOW GLASGOW IPSWICH WESTERN SAAB GLASGOW SCHONEVILLE SAAB COX OF IPSWICH 100 West Street, 1 Kilbirnie Place, Tradeston Industrial Estate, 4 Goddard Road East, Glasgow G5 8AW Glasgow G5 8QR Ipswich IP1 5NY T: 0141 429 7222 T: 0141 429 5833 T: 01473 241 616 W: westernsaab.co.uk W: schonevillesaab.com W: coxofipswich.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes yes no yes yes no yes yes yes yes DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 10% on parts & labour 10% on parts & labour 10% on parts & labour 10% on parts & accessories (whether fitted by garage or not)

SURREY SUSSEX SUSSEX WEST HORSLEY CHICHESTER CRAWLEY BELL & COLVILL LEWIS SAAB TURNERS HILL GARAGE Epsom Road, West Horsley, Main Road, Bosham, Chichester, Turners Hill, Crawley, Nr. Leatherhead, KT24 6DG West Sussex, PO18 8PN West Sussex, RH10 4NP T: 01483 281 000 T: 01243 574 141 T: 01342 716 322 W: bellandcolvill.co.uk W: lewissaab.com W: turnershillsaab.com SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS Servicing – 10% on parts & labour Special Offers available to Saab Owners 10% on parts & labour Parts – 10% on parts & accessories Club members No discount available on sales or bodyshop WILTSHIRE YORKSHIRE YORKSHIRE SWINDON HULL LEEDS SKURRAYS SAAB HUMBERSIDE SAAB ROBERT BOWETT SAAB Langley Road, Hillmead, Priory Way, Low Road, Hunslet, West Swindon SN5 5QJ Hull HU4 7BD Leeds LS10 1RB T: 01793 883 600 T: 01482 351 129 T: 0113 277 6099 W: skurrays.co.uk W: humbersidesaab.co.uk W: robertbowettsaab.co.uk SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP SALES SERVICING PARTS BODYSHOP yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS DISCOUNT TO SOC MEMBERS 10% on parts & labour 10% on parts & labour 10% on parts & labour P3 305 MarchApril 22-39:Layout 1 17/2/11 14:07 Page 33

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

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

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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. MA11 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. MA11 Please quote Ref. No. MA11 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. MA11 Please quote Ref. No. MA11 P3 305 MarchApril 22-39:Layout 1 17/2/11 14:07 Page 31

always delivered more than the sum of their raw components; spent with my eyes tracking the traditional speedo, allowing can this also be true of the latest 9-5? full concentration on the road ahead. The electronic handbrake First built in 1997 for the 1998 model year, the last is also very effective, automatically releasing when pulling away. generation was a little long in the tooth before its retirement. Despite being 25hp short of my petrol 9-5, this diesel never This is emphasised by the striking difference in the new car’s felt lacking because of wide power band and ample torque. The ride and handling – hugely improved in all respects. The choice six speed manual ‘box is slick and the ratios generally well of tyres with a deep sidewall is a welcome one too, aiding the spaced, with just second being a little on the tall side for ability to absorb road surface imperfections. The car feels agile crawling in traffic. When trying to press on (I was a little late for and well controlled, belying its sheer size and weight. The diesel a meeting in Birmingham due to the sat nav’s ‘interesting’ engine is both frugal and strong, much of the power being route), the 9-5 maintained excellent manners, providing great delivered well below 2,000rpm. confidence in its abilities. The biggest disappointment for most Saab drivers is going to Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the new car is the be the comfort of the seats. Sadly, they are not as well shaped external styling. It has a floating roof, cab-forward design, as those in older 9-5s or 9-3s, lacking shoulder support and making it appear a little awkward from certain angles. The swage lumbar adjustment. Otherwise, the build quality is good and the line is also very subtle, so colour choice is important to highlight cabin is a very pleasant place to be. the quieter details. Saabs have always looked a little different While switchgear is generally good, both in operation and though, which in my book has added to their appeal. Certainly, clarity, there appears to be an element of randomness in button the shape has grown on me considerably in a very short time; positions in the central console. While this model has a digital after just a couple of days, I am becoming rather fond of it. radio, it defaults to FM at each start-up. The B-pillars are on the Finally, like Saabs of old, this 9-5 is capable of eating up the broad side meaning extra care is required exiting junctions, but miles in a relaxed and unflustered manner. Fundamentally, the I suspect this is more a sign of occupant protection legislation car holds great appeal and provides high levels of capability. It than just Saab-specific. My last gripe is at the sat nav which is also easily identifiable as a Saab – and that’s a good thing. uses only a four character postcode search and didn’t seem to Most important then is to build further confidence in the pick the most logical routes. brand; putting the 9-5 on fleet managers’ company car lists has A feature I didn’t expect to like is the head-up display – an to be Saab’s top priority – after sorting those seats. option on this new model. It is well executed and unobtrusive, Vital statistics: model: Saab 9-5 Vector SE 2.0 TID S4, power: showing speed and revs in green, hovering somewhere in mid- 160hp @ 4000rpm; torque, 258lb ft @ 1750rpm; 0-60mph: 8.8

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It really was A WHITE CHRISTMAS! We never thought we would own a 9-3 SportWagon, as we had more cars than you could shake a stick at, but a promotional letter from Steve, the Sales Manager at our local Saab dealer Astley’s in Yeovil, dropped onto the mat one morning.

As some of you know, Astley’s is the longest established Saab Overall, the 9-3 is a slightly larger car in all dimensions and dealer in England with a very friendly reputation and are always interior space, with only the boot being a little bit smaller in available for advice on both new and the older Saabs if needed. volume, measured with both parcel shelves in place, but still a They were offering an extremely good deal on any new Saab, very good size and far more user friendly. focusing mainly on the Turbo edition. We went home and discussed the pros and cons of changing The last time we had bought a new Saab was 14 years ago at our trusty 900 for a new 9-3. It depended on the part-exchange Astley’s, which we still owned and had got very attached to, allowance we were offered against the new car as to whether we during those years. We always said we would never sell it, but would be buying a new Saab or not. decided it wouldn’t hurt to take a look at a 9-3 SportWagon, to Now we all know that the NG 900s are getting on a bit and see what it had to offer. not worth very much these days. However, ours was truly like So the next Saturday morning we headed down to have a look. new without a mark and had only covered 39,000 miles, so it We could not have picked a worse day to test drive a potential was going to take a good offer to persuade us to trade it in. So new car, because the rain was coming down like stair rods! we were pleasantly surprised when Gerry Peck the Managing Anyway, off we went on the test drive and very quickly got Director at Astley’s made us an offer, which, to be honest, we accustomed to driving a 9-3, everything was where it should be would have been foolish to refuse. The deal was struck and we and the standard heated seats were fantastic! picked up our new car on the morning of Christmas Eve, truly The ride, handling and noise level were excellent, the diesel enjoying a ‘very’ white Christmas! engine giving effortless performance with a light, positive, Our thanks go to Gerry and all the staff at Astley’s for clutch/gear change, we just could not fault it. introducing us to what is indeed a very fine and capable car! The seat comfort was even better than in our 900 which we Alex and Isabel Rankin had always highly praised.

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NEW SAAB ON THE BLOCK For the last few weeks our family has been the proud owner of a new addition – a Saab 9-5 Anniversary Estate I remember when this special edition was first announced, and to go via Mike and Hilary Philpott’s to show her off. As you thought I’d like one of those one day, well three years later know Mike, at the time had a 9-5 Diesel but heavily Hirsched there is one outside my house. and it was great to see them side by side. I was on the Internet, searching for days, originally looking for Since she has been home she has been treated to a full a white one but found they are very rare. Then while on inside and out valet which was done by WaxWorks here in Yeovil. Autotrader, I found our new Saab being advertised by Stuart A check-over by Perry and Prouse in Exeter (while I was sorting Walker Saab Specialist. out the number plate transfer). A big thumbs up from Jerry at They are in the Barnsley area and specialise in used Saabs of Astley’s of Yeovil. A new Hirsch grill surround, which all models and ages. So, on a nice Thursday morning I took a complements the roof rails and a name, Kyla-Blu, which five and a half hour train trip to bring her to Somerset. ‘loosely’ translated means Ice Blue in Swedish. Oh and a test Stuart and Tom are Saab fans and if you ever fancy a newish drive to Huy in Belgium. I’m sure other things might get done Saab, don’t be afraid to give them a call. They are on but I think she looks so good out there, that not a lot else will 07831 494104 and 07927 702153 and I can say that any Saab change. The Aero is staying with us as she has been such a enquiries coming from the Club with the mention of my name great car, so now we are a 2 x 9-5 Estate family, both the same will get a favourable discount. but totally different. After a couple of hours chatting I headed home, but decided Robin, Kerry and Azabeth

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Return to SAAB Just over 12 months ago I bought my first Saab for 25 years. The last quarter century had been a rather disconcerting separation from the Saab marque that had been at the core of my motoring since 1969. That August, my Dad bought a new, Toreador Red (the only colour!) Saab 96 V4. The story of this and the evolution of Saab interest through some forty different cars in our family has been published in the ‘Driver’ in the distant past. Suffice to say that amongst this collection were an ex-works rally car, PUP96K, several Saab 99s and 900s. My last Saab had been a beautiful X Reg Saab 900 GLE Sedan.

Wind forward to 2009 and the pull of Saab returned! I am now Scandinavian driving conditions. the proud owner of ‘Old Nag’ Saab 900 Turbo, my first However, the last year has had its problems that I’ll share experience of the Turbo. At 79,000 miles and having had seat with readers. covers from new the interior at least, is in near showroom The car was reluctant to start in the first month, eventually condition. Outside there are the odd bits of rust, though refusing altogether. This turned out to be a burnt-out fuel pump nothing severe for a 1987 car. relay. Thank goodness for the internet! The local Saab dealer Driving this car is a real pleasure, it never fails to bring a had no idea where to find such a part and even questioned smile, particularly when pushing the accelerator pedal and whether it was worth trying to fix such an elderly car! seeing so many modern cars, BMWs included, fade into the So problem solved and starting has been instant ever since distance in the rear view mirror. Yes, compared to today’s cars (touch wood!). there are a few idiosyncrasies, the ‘bay’ window style Next, in March 2010 came a bigger problem that one way or windscreen takes a bit of getting used to, the heavy doors and another had the car off the road for most of the summer. The the huge and heavy tailgate. Also my car is an automatic and head gasket blew, presumably at the shock of the car being this isn’t always the perfect match for the engine torque curve, driven to its performance after a presumably sedate 3,500 miles a point that was made in road tests when this model was new, I per year, in its previous ownership. By the way, this car only had seem to recall. But these add to the character and certainly two owners before me, the second keeping the car for less than don’t detract from the driving experience. two years and the service record is complete and impeccable. My Saab was the one car in my street that was never stopped So, to change a head gasket on an eight-valve Turbo? A lot of by the deep and persistent snow and ice we experienced at the ancillary connections to be removed (very different from the end of 2010. A Scandinavian car so clearly designed for MGB I had for a while in the 1970s which blew its head gasket

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Fitting the ‘new’ manifold, it does have a hairline crack but so far this isn’t causing problems (touch wood again!), took me six hours! The engine mounting has to be released and the engine lifted plus the turbo oil feed connections and the difficult access to the bolts don’t help. Finally, I had a running car again with a few weeks of decent weather hopefully left to go. But, next problem, a metallic clatter on starting. Had I got the timing right? Were valves hitting pistons? Yes the noise was that bad! I took the risk of driving, foolish you may say, but the performance was there and the noise didn’t get worse or end in a bang. Eventually, and I mean eventually, I tracked down a local Saab expert, Robert, through the Saab forum who kindly came out and listened. He agreed I had the timing spot on and by removing plug leads got rid of the noise when No.4 cylinder was not sparking! The problem? My ignorance I’m afraid. There is a metal heat shield to protect spark plugs and leads from the heat of the exhaust manifold. This was corroded and I thought it would be OK to reuse. However, it forms an essential part of the exhaust manifold gasket arrangements. When I took this off a tiny crack was allowing exhaust gases at very close to combustion pressures and it was the force of this leak that was making the metallic clatter. so often, I rallied it, that from engine off to restart I could do A new heat shield and associated gaskets from Malbrad the job in 1.5 hours!). The biggest problem I had was with the delivered overnight, very impressive, followed by another six bolts holding the turbo to the exhaust manifold. Very difficult to hours saw a quiet turbo ready to be properly enjoyed once get at and corroded solid! more. Success! To cut a long story short eventually the cylinder head came And so, since September, I’ve been enjoying my Saab. There off, was carefully cleaned and a new gasket fitted. However, this is an ongoing list of jobs to keep it in the best possible exposed another problem that took a long time to resolve. I had condition: keeping the underside protected, dealing with the known there was a slight exhaust blow from the manifold but it odd rust spots, the radiator will need replacing and I don’t think was only when removed and turned over that I found a network the heater valve is behaving as it should. Most recently I’ve of cracks so extensive I’m surprised it remained in one piece! developed one dim headlamp, changing the bulb and checking This is where the longest delay came in. No point in putting a the fuses hasn’t solved the problem so I’m about to dive into cracked manifold back on but equally I didn’t want to leave the the wiring. Finally, when spring arrives, I intend changing the engine dismantled, so head back on and all components transmission fluid and cleaning the filter. reconnected except the big gap where the exhaust manifold So I’m back to being immersed in the joys of classic Saab should be. driving. The only problems being 25mpg and keeping within the Now I’m sure that many readers will be well aware that limited mileage of the classic agreed value insurance. I have a cracked exhaust manifolds are a known problem with the eight plan to find an equally good condition Saab 900i 16-valve two- valve turbos. The solution is welding but cast iron welding is a door or cabriolet to complement the ‘Old Nag’. Yes, I’ve very specialised skill. So I started the search for a replacement, returned to Saab and won’t be willingly leaving again! eventually tracking one down to John Harrison in Wales. Stephen Calvert

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NOTICEBOARD

THE 15TH LAKELAND GATHERING CAMPING WEEKEND 17-19 June 2011 This will be the fifteenth year that the Cumbria Group has VENUE hosted the Lakeland Gathering, so we thought we would We use the club pitch so there is plenty of room. Dogs are introduce a new activity: on the Saturday afternoon, there welcome. We will have the use of a clubhouse during the will be a Lakeland Passes drive with a stop for afternoon tea. evenings, and access to the shower and toilet facilities. There is no need to book in advance and at £7.50 per unit, The event will be at Cockermouth Rugby Club. Come and per night (£2.50 for day visitors) you would struggle to find enjoy all the attractions of the Lake District in the good better value. Day visitors are also very welcome. If you aren’t company of fellow Saab enthusiasts. We normally run a into camping there are numerous B&Bs and some relaxed and friendly weekend, where we provide some outstanding hotels in the area. entertainment and people chill out. DRAFT PROGRAMME

Friday 20.00hrs Social Gathering in the Club House We are hoping for a fine, sunny weekend (one can always hope). The location will be signed with directional Saab Saturday 13:00hrs Lakeland Passes Drive signs, from the Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre roundabout on the A66. 18.00hrs Barbeque should be ready so you can cook your own food. If you require any further information, please contact the Cumbria Group Secretary, Robert Morley, 01900 67926, or 20.00hrs Quiz and Charity Auction in the Club the Chair, Derek Best, 01900 814317 or by email: house (please bring all your loose [email protected] change) COCKERMOUTH RUGBY CLUB Sunday 10.00hrs Car beauty contest Grassmore Sports Centre, Strawberry How Lorton Road, Cockermouth 11.00hrs Coffee morning, raffle Cumbria, CA13 9XQ and prize giving Centre Phone No: 01900 824884 Ordnance Survey Grid Reference NY 132299

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DRIVING VOLUNTEERS WANTED IN KENT There are two community transport schemes in Kent covering Sevenoaks and surrounds (Sevenoaks Brighter Futures) and Tunbridge Wells and surrounds (Dial 2 Drive). Would any Members consider volunteering some time, from a couple of hours a month to a day a week, to help people unable to access public transport due to age, illness or Please check the website for all the latest disability to get to social and medical appointments, shops, day centres etc news. Etienne, from Belguim is planning to Volunteer drivers use their own cars, receive fuel organise a road tour for Saturday. expenses, training and find it a very rewarding way of helping others, whilst choosing their own hours to There will be a sit-down meal on Saturday volunteer. night at The Sparkford Inn. For more information contact: More news online as we get it. Sevenoaks Brighter Futures 01732 469000 e-mail: [email protected] or Tunbridge Wells Dial 2 Drive Tel: 01892 530330 e-mail: [email protected]

New SOC Group for the New SOC Group for the KENT AREA NORTH WALES AREA A few of us are looking into starting a meet I will be trying to establish a new Kent SOC meet in for fellow Saab enthusiasts. the New Year approx first Monday of the month If you are interested please e-mail on: starting in February. Probably near Ashford Kent. [email protected] For more information please e-mail me, Mr Alan Harris at or telephone Dave on [email protected] 01352 756445

New SOC Group for the SOUTH WEST SAAB BRISTOL & Invite you to our third Family Car Treasure BATH AREA Hunt on 10 April 2011. Starting at 11.00am A few of us are looking into starting a meet from the Air Field Tavern, Yeovil. About 30 for fellow Saab enthusiasts. miles, a casual two-three hours worth. If you are interested please e-mail on: Bring a picnic for the finish. [email protected] or telephone Mark on Please visit our website for more details 0117 909 1993 www.southwestsaab.co.uk

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V4REGISTER

Heather Hop Report getting painful by the time we left. The support guys working in It seems ages ago now, but we had around 18 cars turn up for the those conditions deserve a medal! Heather Hop event, mostly ‘modern’ Saabs but including five 96s: Next morning we headed up to the showground again to see how • Derek Best 68 96 long nose Two-Stroke. everyone had fared overnight, before popping across to Oliver’s • Tom Shrubb 67 96V4 Mount for the stages there. That was a great day, we spent the first • Mike Philpott 77 96L Souvenir couple of stages at the top of the hill towards the stage finish, then • J Craig 75 96V4 after a great Scarborough fish & chips lunch watched the afternoon’s • Graham Ingleson 73 96V4. stages further down the hill, close to the hairpin. That was entertaining! It was still very slippery, and for the final ‘Ollies’ Mount stage as the sun Feedback on the event was great, we had perfect weather, the had dropped it was getting even colder and more slippery when the fords were passable (despite some heavy rain in the few days slush froze. A lot of cars had real trouble on that hairpin. beforehand) and nobody got lost, not for long anyway! I really feel for Richard getting so close to a class victory and having to I’d like to thank everyone who came, particularly all my friends from retire, I am sure he must have been gutted, as would the support crew. Ebor Branch who supported the event again. I won’t have time to Well done to everyone, drivers, co-drivers, support crews, and all organise a 2011 run but I do hope to run another next year. Also a big the other people involved in organising such a big team for the thanks to Club member Steve Connolly of the Forest and Vale Hotel event. The amount of publicity for Saab and the Owners Club that it in Pickering for hosting the start of the event, it was much appreciated. generated was tremendous, with television reports, radio reports, Enjoy the photos, thanks to my dad and Fiona for these! and no end of magazine reports. It was a privilege to be able to watch you at work. RAC Rally You will all have seen the report from the RAC rally team in the last Follow-up on Mike Doughty clutch adjustment tips issue of ‘Driver’. I’d just like to add a few comments of my own, A couple of people have been in touch regarding this suggestion. Ian from a spectator’s perspective. Studley offered the following guidance: Obviously it was really great to see the cars out on the stages, “More than one Swedish parts manual show a piece of angle iron particularly given the weather! But let’s be honest, it would have with two holes in it. This is used to pack out the clutch plate. It is been incredibly rude of me not to go and support the guys when I easier to hold whilst inserting/removing than washers.” live only eight miles from the rally start. I arrived at Eden Camp on the Friday afternoon and enjoyed hearing And our resident transmission guru, Chris Partington offered the Erik Carlsson and Stuart Turner reminiscing about their experiences following build on Mike’s tips: and escapades. It was also great to see so many Club Members there “Noticed your comments about adding shims between the to support the team, from the Isle of Wight to darkest Nottingham and pressure plate and the flywheel. These spacers Mike refers to were deepest Staffordshire, they had come far and wide! introduced as a SAAB part when dealers experienced problems with Fiona and I also made it to Pickering Showground after work for clutch operation after a clutch had been replaced. the second of the opening stages up there. To put this into context, “It was found, in some cases, that the clutch pressure fingers between Malton and Pickering my car was reading -9 degrees C, would be depressed too far after the mounting bolts were torqued and it got even colder than that on the Moorland stages. Despite up then the slave cylinder had to be moved towards the clutch, in two pairs of socks inside my boots, I have to say my feet were some cases the thrust race would catch the pressure plate or the

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All correspondence to: ALISTAIR PHILPOTT Rivendell, Middle Street, Swinton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6SR Tel: +44 (0)1653 697561 E-mail: [email protected]

clutch would not disengage fully. The spacers brought the fingers back into the proper operating position (nearly always). To fit these spacers when the clutch fingers are in the correct operating position runs the risk of altering the clamping pressure of the clutch. “The problem was so acute that many dealers dreaded doing V4 clutches as they knew they may have to spend hours getting the clutch to work correctly. “Experience with the diaphragm clutch for the V4 is very good and gives a much smoother take-up and is capable of transmitting much more power than the OE clutch. The 96 specialists around now can supply the diaphragm clutch kit. However, the flywheel does require modification first so it’s not quite so straight forward. “The diaphragm alternative clutch for the Two-Stroke works well and is a straight swap. I am attaching copy of a SI (Service Information note) on clutch operation but not likely to help with clutch judder.” I’ve reproduced the text of this SI note from August 1968 here, New Registrations and have also added to the website (Members only, you have to log in to view). Name Car Registration Martin Simms & Sue Elford 95 V4 HVP 535L SAAB V4 Lubrication of clutch release fork shaft Martin and Sue have been in touch with a great story on their new acquisition, I’ll leave it to Martin to tell you how it came about: It has proved that the clutch release fork shaft, which is carried on a bearing in the clutch cover, shows a tendency “We have recently purchased a dry-stored V4 95 estate reg number HVP 535L. My partner Sue for labouring in its upper bearing or even getting stuck – due Elford joined the Club on the stand at the NEC classic in 2010. She was admiring Chris Boffeys mint to corrosion. The result may be a slipping/damaged clutch. 95 estate when a chap approached Chris proffering this one for spares. Sue shook on the deal there and then. However, bought blind she needs the usual work underneath so we are currently assessing costs on this now and hopefully she will be running by the season. All mechanicals are When working on the clutch or visiting a service garage, add fine if a little clogged! a few drops of oil. At every 6,000 miles (10,000km) service “Having trouble sourcing a clutch slave cylinder, (ours is seized beyond repair) and have tried inspection, lubricate the bearing with a few drops of oil. The Malbrad but Steve is still awaiting a new batch. Any other suggestions? I have attached a photo end surface of the shaft lies somewhat lower than the (above) should you wish to feature and then we will keep you posted on the restoration and updates.” surface of the clutch case, and in consequence the oil will remain in place until the bearing has been lubricated. As I have already told Martin, I know finding good slave cylinders can be a challenge so I’ve suggested that he put a wanted ad on the web forums – saab-v4.co.uk and uksaabs.co.uk are your best bet. It sounds like a great story and those of you who read my column regularly will Thanks to Ian and to Chris for their replies and valuable information. know I have a soft spot for 95s. There are so few left now, it’s great to hear of another being Cheers! restored. If only the rarity and practicality would translate into value, we might see a few more Al being saved from the crusher.

Sonett Snippetts There are currently two immaculate V4 engined Sonetts for sale in the South of England, both advertised on the carandclassic.co.uk site. One is a beautiful blue Sonett V4, the other a yellow Sonett III. The owner of the yellow car, Robin Eardley from the South West group, has been in touch with some information about it. Robin bought the car in 1992 but did little with it for a long time. The car was fully restored about five years ago, and modified to produce around 105bhp which combined with the 9:36 final drive makes it a very relaxed cruiser. As you will see in the photos, it is in utterly mint condition. It will obviously command an appropriately serious price tag. I have a list of the work done to the car and it is like reading off a list of the perfect mods to make to any V4-diaphragm clutch, S&R spec unleaded heads, Partington-built box with that tall FD, stiffened suspension uprights. This is a fabulous looking car that deserves to find a really enthusiastic owner. Good luck, Robin. Now, where did I put that lottery ticket??!!

MARCH/APRIL 2011 39 P3 305 MarchApril 40-60:Layout 1 17/2/11 15:52 Page 40

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

to be a common accessory when such things were an optional extra, but after extensive searching I found hardly any available now. Then I came across DS Demist. As the name suggests this business was started by a Citroën DS owner to supply dedicated replacement kits for these cars, which have a particularly curved rear window. It transpired that he had previously supplied kits for a couple of other makes and would be prepared to develop a kit for the 90. After sorting out the dimensions I got the first kit fitted to the 90 a few weeks before Christmas and not a moment too soon as it turned out! The instructions suggest you use the screen heater as much as possible immediately after installation to help the wires bond to the glass, but I hardly needed reminding in the extreme December weather when it really came into its ‘element’. It David Lee wrote to let me know his 99 had found a home with worked quickly and evenly giving a perfect view. another SOC Member: The kit comes with very detailed instructions and consists of new “Though it was still a sad day, of course, after 39 years and 11 element wires which fit over the top of the existing ones so the car still months of ownership, my 9000 assumes the honoured position in looks original, and new side ‘bus’ bars to connect them all together. (It the garage (above a new BMW 3-Series naturally).” doesn’t include the switch or wiring to it because these are already in place.) Fitting does take time and patience (it took me about 4.5 Thank you for letting me know David. You must have more hours). It isn’t difficult but you need to be careful and thorough, making experience of 99 ownership than almost anyone else! Glad to hear sure that the glass and contacts are scrupulously clean, that you align you still have a Saab to enjoy and that the 99 went to good home. the new elements carefully with the old and that you don’t damage the Looking back 40 years to 1971, that was the year Saab introduced elements. Two months later the effort has more than paid for itself in headlamp wash/wipers on all models in Sweden, and a bigger 1850cc safer driving. This was the one electrical item on my car which didn’t engine for the 99 alongside the original 1709cc unit, with fuel injection work and which was particularly inhibiting when reversing etc. If you’d on automatic models giving 95bhp. Bodyshells were painted using like a kit it costs £74.95 including UK postage and is available from electro-dipping to give better primer coverage of edges and cavities. www.ds-demist.com or phone David on 01621 891891. The kit should fit the 99 as well as the 90 (and probably the booted 900). Heated Rear Window Replacement Oh, I’ve just remembered one other thing that doesn’t work any Last time I mentioned that I was sourcing a replacement heated rear more – the heated driver’s seat. Any suggestions? window element for the 90. After-market heated rear window kits used Stuart

The kit In progress – only 9 rows to go! Finished

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

– RBH 452W Black, two-door, 99 Turbo 1980. Current mileage, 125,000. “She is a fine example and I am over the moon that I managed to find such an honest example on my first go. Just a couple of minor bits of bodywork tidying to make her a fine show example, mostly around one of the rear quarter vents and the leading edge of the bonnet. A few mechanical jobs ahead, but nothing serious, mostly noisy rear wheel bearings and a leak in the exhaust somewhere. No problems in all of the usual rot traps. “Supposed to be a fine-weather-only toy, I received an early Christmas present in the of the date that the car was purchased by its but I can’t stop driving it, avoiding the salted form of a new registration, that was a second owner, but I think it was around roads though. Fortunately, the car came with pleasant surprise I can tell you. 1998. It featured in Practical Classics a boot full of spare parts and a copy of the I’ve followed this car with interest for quite magazine (June 2000) and looked fabulous, relevant Practical Classics magazine. The car is a while now, because I think I may have the photo shoot having taken place in a mostly original even down to its original influenced its purchase and initial registration studio. Having sat locked in a garage for Dealer number plates and a period Blaupunkt onto the SOC Register. I’ve always been some years it was then sold to his business stereo with hidden MP3 conversion.” keen to spread the word when it comes to partner (another Saab nut). Unfortunately Saabs and I let my friend have a blast around the poor car still didn’t get the use that it It’s nice to see this car go to such a the lanes with our three-door Turbo. He craved and this is where its new owner deserving owner, and from first inclusion was sufficiently impressed and eventually Wayne Stallwood comes in: on the Register has only covered less than purchased RBH 452W, a very nice one- “Hi there, just to let you know I have just 4000 miles. owner Black two-door Turbo. I am not sure registered my car at the Saab Owners Club Chris

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All correspondence to: ALEX RANKIN 14 Southwoods, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2QG C900REGISTER E-mail: [email protected]

Hello, and welcome to the C900 Register. Christmas memories are him about the Black GT I had found, he then said, “well this looks like a fading fast and spring is well and truly on its way! very good deal”. I rushed myself to the bank and got there just before Those of us who have our C900 as occasional cars will be starting closing time. Then I called the owner again and made an appointment. to get them out of their winter hibernation and those who still use The first weekend of June, I drove with my dad and his Saab 9000 CSE them on a daily basis will hopefully be ‘singing their car’s praises’ (1996) to the German city of Hamburg, 850km from where I live. about how well they performed during the cold winter months. “When I arrived, I could not believe my dream car was just standing Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting some of our European there in the sun on the driveway of a nice villa. After talking to the Saab friends at Etienne Morsa’s European International Saab meeting owner and inspecting the car I went for a test drive, what a lot of in his home town of Huy in Belgium. We made some new C900 power! I was pushed back in those specially trimmed Zenga wool seats friends, including Bart Waegeman and Oliver Reitz. when I floored the car. The suspension is sporty, steering is like a go- Oliver’s first Saab was a White 900i that you see here. He enjoyed cart and the stereo is amazing. It has 24Mb Quartz speakers installed all owning and driving the car for more than 100,000 miles over seven over the car. I loved it and I wanted it even more. I paid the owner, trouble-free years. He speaks very highly of the many practical who was a bit sad to let his Black Saab 900 ‘Last Edition’ go. (It was features and found the power delivery and road holding excellent called GT in Belgium, France and Holland, Last Edition in Germany, and took great comfort from the feeling of safety and strength that Commemorative Edition in USA/CA and Ruby Red in England.) Then I driving a C900 brought, compared to many other makes of the day. followed my dad and his 9000, to the German autobahn. As the car got older he felt it time to upgrade to a more modern “What a joy to drive this amazingly fast machine. The car reached Saab as his daily driver but has fond memories of C900 ownership, the 240Km/h limits easily. Now every time I take the GT for a spin I and who knows, he may return to the fold in the future. clean the car and I make sure it stays in showroom condition. The first Whilst I was revelling in all things Saab during the day, I met Bart, a big Saab meeting I went to, was the International Saab Meeting in very enthusiastic younger Member of the C900 following and I was Holland, Doesburg (2009) (www.intsaab2009.com). There I won the very taken by his superb 900GT, the European edition of our UK beauty contest. The prize was a great acknowledgement for my hard Ruby. I asked if he would like to write and tell me about his car as I work keeping it clean and shiny. In January 2010, I was part of the felt it would be of great interest to fellow UK owners: organisation that created the Saab Support Convoy in the Netherlands Name: Bart Waegeman and Belgium (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd9BSjc4At0). Since then I Age: 25 years old am committing my spare time to Saab and everything that has to do Profession: Air Force Engineer (F-16 fighter jet) with it. In 2012 the International Saab Meeting will be located in Saabs: Scarab Green 900S – five-door Belgium at the beautiful town of Spa. I recently joined the organisation, Black 900 16S Aero GT and got the opportunity to create something very special and exclusive “My dad has a semi-professional garage as a Saab technician since for all the participants! See you all in August 2012!” 1985.That’s the year I was born, so I received the Saab gene instantly. We had and still have a couple of Saabs and I am adding my A big thank you to Bart and Oliver for telling us about their cars and I cars to the list. Here is my story about the Saab 900 Aero GT. for one will be at the Spa Meeting in 2012 to hopefully make more “It’s June 2008, I was looking for a Saab 900 Turbo 16S Aero (spg) new C900 and Saab friends. almost two months now. Suddenly I stumbled upon a Black 900 Aero Please get in touch with stories and ownership experiences of your GT on a German car site, It was love at first sight. The black colour, the C900 along with any relevant photos, remembering to state whether new 16” cross spoke rims, the new grey Aero trim. That’s what I or not you wish your numberplate to be deleted and have your wanted! I called the owner and asked about the car. As I expected, the moment in the C900 hall of fame! car is in mint condition. My dad came home from work and I informed Alex

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All correspondence to: JOHN CROOK 57 Brett Green, Upper Layham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5LX 9000REGISTER Telephone: 01473 827557 E-mail [email protected]

SAAB IN ITS ELEMENT

Woke up one morning, snow six inches (150mm) deep. No connector. I can understand this with the old low output dynamos but problem. Snow clearance tool consisting of stiff brush and ice scraper with 80amp alternators, why? Also, as a result of this ‘survey’ I have on a two-foot piece of wood – 99p in the local ironmongers, been discovered that the strips of metal that hold the skirts in place are in use for 10 years, absolutely great. Problem: this idiot kept it in the rusting so these will be replaced with stainless steel eventually. car – it is an age thing I am told. We both (the present Mrs Crook That’s all for now, happy Saabing and me) enjoy Saabs in their element. John Son Richard came up from Devonport to see us at Christmas and left his Aston Martin V8 Vantage for me to play with for a few days, then delivered it to a storage facility, because he will be away for a total of nine months. It is a very nice car designed by drivers for drivers and built by real engineers. What I discovered, is that, apart from 200bhp and 450bhp, Saab Scania cars have the same ambience, comfort and drivability as an Aston Martin. Is this why we like our Saab Scania Carlsson? At the time of writing the snow had been clear for about two weeks, but my system had decided to go down with a severe cold. It was so bad, that I could not see properly for three days, so that working outside has been a no-no for the past fortnight. As a result, the fitting of the tow hitch to the Carlsson has been put on hold. In doing a survey for the fitting of the tow socket for the caravan electrics I have discovered that the four-door saloon has its fog lights on each of the rear light clusters. The wiring and correct bulb is in place on the left-hand cluster, but it is not connected to the main rear light

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9-3SSREGISTER

Hello again everyone. Now that we are well into the New Year and I didn’t have to keep changing down a gear every time the car the weather is starting to pick up, I thought that I would reflect on dropped below 50mph. I could, of course, have bought an auto to driving a Saab in the harsh winter that affected most of us. The snow, get around that but I am not quite ready yet to let a microchip change ice and adverse weather conditions show a sharp contrast between my gears. Barry then came up with this alternative. He writes: driving an older Saab against driving a newer one in the way they “At about the time I bought my 9-3 (late April, 2005 and 50,000 handle the road conditions. My 9-3 Convertible remained mostly miles clocked last weekend), my son chose a 9-3 in Vector trim for unused during this time. With all the electronics and modern features his company car. He kept it for about 18 months and then he was fitted to it, it still struggled with the snow and ice. I turned, instead to sent to India for two years. By the time he returned, Saab was deep my old Classic 900 Turbo. No electronic gimmicks, no anti-wheel in the throes of uncertainty about their future. His heart wanted a spin tricks, just a Saab designed by Saab and not with... well GM. new 9-3, so we shared his test drive of the TTiD model. In adverse weather conditions the differences were clear. Where I Notwithstanding that it was very new, the engine pulled happily from would drive the 9-3 with the slightest brush of the throttle, holding about 15mph in sixth gear. Pick-up in lower gears was alarmingly my breath on needles and pins, the 900 in contrast was a different rapid too! But I recognise your point about having to drop down a story. I induced wheel spin just for the fun of it; such was the gear sometimes, especially on motorways. The 150bhp diesel can confidence and sure footed nature of the car in the snow. It was wallow a bit at 50mph, when a quick lane change is called for.” almost unstoppable. The reason? Well, apart from riding on rather Thanks for that Barry. Having driven the TTiD engine myself, I can thin, higher profile tyres, the engine sits not just over the front concur, it is a great engine. In fact, it is one of the engines on my wheels but almost in front of them, giving excellent traction. Also, shortlist for when I change my current 9-3 in a couple of years.” because it has a rather short wheel base, it cuts through snow like a ski and is deflected by only the worst of the ice and snow. It is also a Since we are talking about the TTiD engine, here is a very honest very heavy car. The downside, of course, is that you have to live with and interesting review of a 9-3 TTiD Aero sent in by its owner, Steve a rather harsh ride and that narrow cabin. But wait! Isn’t that what Shickell. I like this review because like me, Steve is a diehard Saab fan they call character? who although clearly enjoying his current car, longs for the day when Anyway, back to talking 9-3. I had an e-mail conversation with Barry Saab can return to its former glory. Steve writes: Neville last year regarding Hirsch upgrades. He said to me that he has “I have been a Saab Owner since 1991, when I bought my first never felt that his car, a 9-3 TID, required a performance upgrade. Saab, a 1989 9000S, so this is our sixteenth Saab, following the I would probably agree with him. The reason for upgrading my car, trade-in of a 2006 Aero Convertible, which was not practical for my however, was not to do with increasing outright power. It was to wife, (not enough room for her shopping sprees and the large doors increase torque so that the engine would be more flexible and so that were a problem for squeezing out of in tight parking spaces) and with

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All correspondence to: SIMON PARKER 2 Scholars Avenue, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6GP Telephone: 07960 598447 E-mail: [email protected]

it being an Auto, we were averaging 260 miles out of a full tank and engines for the Saab 9-3, as my first drive in a 9-3 2.2 TID was with the car tax shooting up to £400, it took the shine off the car, very disappointing with performance and refinement, as at the time hence the persuasion to make a sensible choice and switch to a I had been driving a VW Passat 130 TDi and my comment was if diesel manual saloon. only they could put that engine in the Saab, as it would have made “Having seen the brochure, with the sleek Black Aero, my heart a cracking car. So with that we had stuck to high performance Aero was set on owning such a vehicle, so off we went to our local petrol engines. However, when I saw the performance figures for Dealership ‘Chester Saab’. We traded in the Vert and ordered a new the 180 TTiD, I was convinced that this made perfect sense, as I one and patiently waited for its delivery, whilst nursing a few more truly believed I would get the best of both worlds, performance thousand miles out of the tyres on the Convertible. and economy. “The day we went to collect it, I was a little disappointed that the “We have owned the car for some two years or more, so I feel car was very dusty and not prepared as I would have expected, so qualified to give you a comprehensive write-up. However, I was this was a little frustrating, but nevertheless, I like keeping my cars thinking of doing a large write-up, but then thought the 5-Star rating clean, so off home to give it its first wash, which I proudly did, and with comments would be easier to digest. this gave it a sparkle. • Looks – love it! “My wife then suggested we pop into town to do a little shopping, • Comfort – lacks rear legroom space. (check the boot size) and off we went and whilst I drove over a • Reliability – alternator failed at 17,000 miles. speed bump in town the car lurched forward more than I was • Driving Experience – steering feels light at speed. expecting. I looked into the rear-view mirror and the car behind • Ownership – not really a true Saab, too much GM Influence. seemed quite close, but I couldn’t make out what had just happened, • Quality – blue smoke on start-up has not been resolved, cheap especially as I was still getting used to the car, so I turned left at the plastics in cabin let the car feel over priced, unrefined drive train. lights and the car behind zoomed off to the right, We parked up and • Performance – engine great. Gearbox very notchy in second I curiously had a look at the back of the car and sure enough, there gear, when cold, which shaves seconds off 0-60. Saab claims that was the first mark, the car had nudged us and left a five-inch scratch they are all the same and that there is nothing wrong with mine. on the bumper, all with nine miles on the clock... the air was blue, I • Economy – good, but not as good as claimed (too much could go on, but it’s not worth it. Unfortunately T-cut didn’t work, shopping in boot). but the mark is that light, that I have not had it repaired. Anyway, I • Maintenance Costs – with a little haggling at the main dealer, I was still proud as punch with the car and yes, the shopping bills have just mention the words ‘I can use an independent for much less’ gone up to compensate for the fuel saving and larger boot! and they instantly shave £100 off the bill. However, with 18” “I have been impressed with the development of the diesel rims, tyres are the main running cost as they are £225 each and

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9-3SSREGISTER

you are lucky to get 10,000 miles out of them, even with my wife driving 95% of the time, with a very light right foot! (So much for my theory for paying extra for top spec Michelins to get more miles.)

Suggested Improvements • Improve quality of plastic trim. • Lengthen body by 50mm to give more leg room in rear. Improve gear change or buy VW DSG boxes and fit them as standard. Reinforce door skins to protect from parking dents. (Metal is extremely thin.) Remove all references to GM. Improve quality of switches (stalks). Fit rear spoiler to Aero as standard. Eric Culbert’s 9-3 Convertible “Summary: I genuinely love Saab cars and would choose them over any other brand; however, I am extremely loyal and biased. If I were to be truly honest with myself and my wallet the value for money has to be seriously questioned, as the car is no way worth £28,000, as it faces very stiff competition. However, I did like what they did to the Aero Carlsson, by adding £12,000 of extras at no extra price, this is more like it, but please keep the chrome as the titanium paint looks awful and cheap – please include the TTiD! “I hope and pray, now that Saab is under new ownership, they can benchmark the competition and build the quality back into their cars. As I can only dream and wait to get the same feeling as a 21 year old, stepping into a 900 Turbo 16S for a test drive, as I did way back then and getting the aspirations to one day owning such a great quality car. “It’s certainly time for Saab to move away from the associations 9-3 Convertible belonging to John Hayes with GM and step up a gear, as in the past Saab was a truly quality brand, which I would stand behind and argue with anyone, I am not so sure today.” New Registrations Thanks Steve for the honest write-up and the great photos. I do understand where Steve is coming from when he says that the 9-3SS Name Membership No. Registration Model/Details is not a proper Saab but I am not sure that I would agree with him. John Hayes 019203D-9 S6 JAH Vector 1.9TiD Convertible Jet Black paint. There is a lot more to a Saab than just the sum of its parts, GM or 7,700miles. not. Perhaps this would be a good topic for next issue. If you have Year 2010. any thoughts on this subject, I would love to hear from you. Chassis YYS3FF71W5A6000233. Anyhow, I have always been a Saab petrol powered, 4-cylinder Hirsch engine upgrade Turbo kind of guy, so it will be interesting to see if I can actually be persuaded to turn diesel! At the rate that Victor Muller seems to be Steve Shickell 2997 B3 SMS Aero TTiD Saloon Black paint, black & cream interior. developing technology, it’s anyone’s guess. 18,000miles. I am always looking for ways to freshen up my car, to keep it Year 2008. looking interesting to me. So I have just purchased a new three-piece Chassis YS3FH46P091016259. Aero steering wheel. chrome grill. I have not fitted it yet, so I’m not sure if it’s a bad 18” alloys (ALU73). decision of not. I guess I can always put the original one back on if I Headed Seated, Bluetooth don’t like it. I will send in a photo once it’s fitted and you can make up your own minds. Eric Culbert 020821-9 C1 ECC Aero 2.0T Convertible. Another quick reminder that the Swedish Day will be held on Fusion blue paint. Year 2006. Sunday, 8 May 2011 at the Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. I will Chassis YS3FH75Y866002569. 41,917 miles. be attending and hope to see as many of you there as possible. Hirsch engine upgrade/252bhp. Finally, many thanks to those of you who have written in to me, Hirsch exhaust upgrade. please keep it coming. Until next issue – drive safely and happy Hirsch suspension upgrade. Hirsch 19” alloys. Saabing. Maptun brake upgrade. Simon JR performance air filter.

46 SAABDRIVER P3 305 MarchApril 40-60:Layout 1 17/2/11 15:53 Page 47

Reg MorriS GarageS We Need Your News! 30 Years, Experience as a Dealer now Don’t forget, Saab ‘Driver’ is your magazine and we INDEPENDENT SAAB SPECIALIST always welcome submissions from you, the Members. If you’ve got a report, a review, a technical article, We offer SAAB Dealer Experience at Specialist Prices a travel piece or perhaps just a brief letter, send them • New & Used Car Sales • New, Used & Budget Parts to us with any relevant photos at the highest • Service & MOT • 10% Discount for SOC members resolution your camera will allow. Tel: 01427 752332 The Editor, Dave Garnett, Gorsey Field House, Birtle, Bury BL9 6UD. www.regmorrisgarages.co.uk [email protected] 1 Doncaster Road, Westwoodside, Doncaster Motorvation SAAB 900, 9000, 9-3, 9-5 SPECIALISTS Established 1985 SERVICING: CAPEL GARAGE, Menu Prices (Free Courtesy Car) HALFMOON LANE, PARTS: TUDELEY, Genuine New or Used, Quality TONBRIDGE, Imported (Mail Order if required) Customer Cars for Sale (Listed free) KENT TN11 0PT A friendly service where ADVICE IS ALWAYS FREE! TEL: 01892 825208 FAX: 01892 822447 E-MAIL: [email protected] www.motorvationsaab.co.uk

Mark Arnold

Dealing in What really matters is SAABS attention to detail! • SAABS under 5 years old, for over 37 years £7k - £20k • Most with only one previous owner and full Franchised Dealer all vehicles personally selected & appraised service history • Every car carries my own Parts and Labour warranty Please visit my website @ • Part exchange considered www.markarnold.co.uk Tel: 01454 412073 for full details of current stock Mobile: 07836755499

Quality Used Car Sales in Yelverton, Devon – Chris Hamley Saab Specialist Ltd.

Used Vehicle Sales • Parts • MOT • Servicing • Alarms • Accessories • Part Exchange Warranty • Body Shop • Paint Shop • Authorised Map Tun Performance Dealer Member of the Good Garage Scheme

Tel: 01822 855001 Fax: 01822 855101 Mobile: 07778 959297 Opening Hours e-mail: [email protected] www.chrishamleysaabspecialist.co.uk Mon-Fri: 8am-5.30pm The Parade, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6DT Sat: 8am-1pm

MARCH/APRIL 2011 47 P3 305 MarchApril 40-60:Layout 1 17/2/11 15:53 Page 48

48 SAABDRIVER P3 305 MarchApril 40-60:Layout 1 17/2/11 15:53 Page 49

THE CHOCOLATE CONVOY TO HUY What a fantastic weekend we had. The planned convoy to the International event in Huy, Belgium was a brilliant event. Seven Saabs met at Folkestone for the 12.50 train to Calais. It was a nice colourful mix of cars.

Myself, Alex and Mike in my Ice Blue 9-5, Ellie in his Grey 900 Top marks go to Etienne and the owners of this great Irish Convertible, Les and Stephen in Les’s 9000 Anniversary. Chris pub/restaurant, it was fantastic. The food was top notch and and Lorraine Hamley in a 9-3 Viggen Convertible, Simon and the drink flowed all night. What a brilliant evening. After that, it Maria Allen in a Lime Green 9-3 Sport Convertible, Rob and was a careful walk along the river back to the hotel. Carol Gray in their Neuf Neuf Turbo and Pete Briggs and Nick Next morning we met up again for breakfast, then it was Keys in Pete’s Classic 900. David Ross was also there but had down to the car park to clean all the Saabs. A German Saab fan gone ahead in his 99. called Oliver was there watching the strange sight and taking When we arrived at the French/Belgium border there were a pictures. When all that was complete it was a mini convoy to few cars from Lille waiting for us. Then it was on to the next Huy Town Centre where we were to park with 263 other Saabs stopping place to meet up with the Paris Convoy. Over a dozen from eight different countries. Saabs welcomed us as we pulled into the car park. It must have The best bit was chatting to all the Saab fans and just walking been a great sight for Saab drivers as we left with over 40 Saabs around seeing the beautiful Saabs. Most of the Saab models in a line, all models and all colours. ever produced were in the market square. When we got to the beautiful town of Huy we were welcomed At 3.00pm the results were announced for the most favourite by the views of Saabs everywhere and from all countries. We Saab of the day and it went to Rob and Carol Gray, who saw David L and Steve drinking a beer in a local pub. Our first travelled from the UK in our convoy. real stop was at Etienne’s house where we were welcomed with A great weekend and biggest of ‘well dones’ are to go to a drink from Mr and Mrs Mosel and found more English, Etienne for organising this fantastic event. including Dave R and Ian H, Belgian and French Saab nuts You can find photos from the Huy get-together by following chatting to each other inside. the links on the South West Saab website, www.weewebs.co.uk, Quick dash to the hotel followed, with a freshen up and a just find the two places visited page. change of clothes, then on to O’Malley’s for the evening meal.

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MOTORSPORT Erik Carlsson attends XIV RALLYE MONTE CARLO HISTORIQUE Reims – 28 January 2011

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Rally legend Erik Carlsson supported the centenary celebrations of the Monte Carlo Rally by backing a team who competed in the XIVth Monte Carlo Historique rally in an exact replica of the car that took him to victory back in 1963.

The classic Saab 96 had been created by German Erik’s competition record: vintage car magazine ‘Oldtimer Markt’ and was driven 1955 1st Rikspokalen rally, Saab 92 by chief editor Peter Steinfurth and navigator Thorsten 1957 1st 1000 Lakes Rally, Saab 93 Loeber. They started at Reims on Friday, 28 January in a 1959 1st Midnattssols rally (Rally of Sweden), Saab 93 car that recreates the original in every detail, right down 1959 1st Rally of Germany, Saab 93 to the 283 entry number Erik used that year. He was on 1960 1st RAC Rally, Saab 96 hand to wave them off. 1960 2nd Acropolis Rally, Saab 96 The exploits of Erik, aka ‘On the Roof’, Carlsson 1961 1st RAC Rally, Saab 96 helped put Saab on the automotive map in the 1960s. 1961 4th Rally Monte Carlo, Saab 95 (station wagon) He is a double winner of the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 1961 1st Acropolis Rally, Saab 96 and 1963 and also took a hat-trick of RAC Rally 1962 1st RAC Rally, Saab 96 victories in 1960-1962. Now 82 years old, Erik was born 1962 1st Rally of Monte Carlo, Saab 96 in Trollhättan, Sweden, the home town of Saab, and 1962 2nd Rally of Geneva was a works driver for the company throughout his 1962 7th East African Safari Rally, Saab 96 career. Today, he is still employed as a roving 1963 1st Rally of Monte Carlo, Saab 96 ambassador for Saab. 1963 2nd Rally Liege-Sofia-Liege, Saab 96 Erik Carlsson was married to Pat Moss (1934-2008), 1964 1st San Remo Rally (Rallye dei Fiori), who was also a successful rally driver with several wins Saab 96 Sport in the Monte Carlo Rally ladies’ class, She was the 1964 2nd Rally Liege-Sofia-Liege, Saab 96 younger sister of racing driver Sir Stirling Moss. 1964 2nd East African Safari Rally, Saab 96 Erik’s ‘David and Goliath’ battles against larger, more 1965 2nd Rally Australia BP, Saab 96 Sport powerful cars are now legendary in the annals of 1965 2nd Acropolis Rally, Saab 96 Sport international rallying. With small two-stroke engines, 1967 1st Czech Rally, Saab 96 V4 748cc or 841cc, the first Saabs lacked power for 1969 3rd Baja 1000 Rally, Saab 96 V4 competition use and to overcome this disadvantage 1970 5th Baja 1000 Rally, Saab 96 V4 Erik developed a special driving technique. It was necessary to keep the engine revving at all times, so he Saab 96, 1963 Rallye Monte Carlo Specification used left-foot braking while keeping his right food hard Engine: 3 cylinder, two-stroke longitudinal on the accelerator pedal. This allowed him to make the Displacement: 841 cc most of his car’s light weight and manoeuvrability Power: 70hp (52 kW) @ 6000rpm while cornering. Front-wheel drive, 4-speed gearbox with freewheel Brakes: Discs at front Tyres: Dunlop SP 155x15

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SOC TRAVELCLUB What is your FAVOURITE HOLIDAY?

Be with the crowds? Lots of people Bit of an adventure? having lots of fun... Don’t mind roughing it a bit, want to see the real world...

Relax and be pampered? Perhaps one more Pina Colada before lunch... In the water? Private villa, private pool, relax enjoy the privacy...

Peace and quiet? Where the only sound is the occasional coconut dropping onto the sand... On the water? Watching the world go by Whatever you fancy for a holiday or short break, the Saab your portholes... Owners Travel Club can provide it for you – at a better price than you would normally get yourself. The Travel Club 0845 60 60 910 Phone this number to contact the SOC Travel Club Book all of these holidays and breaks and anything else with (local call) THE SOC TRAVEL CLUB, including air tickets; hotels, villas Office hours: 09.00 – 18.00 and 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.

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MOLLY’S LATEST AVENTURES To close my term as Shopkeeper, Richard and Keith came over and we enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Normanton Park Hotel on the shores of Rutland Water. There might be more to tell about this location at a later date.

During the lunch I showed Richard and Keith my first book – that I have not disappeared and to introduce another subject published recently. I hope this will be the first of several – these into the ‘Driver’ magazine. will be dedicated to photography, which has been a lifelong The first volume covers Derwent Water, Keswick and Carlisle. hobby of mine. The idea to produce a book came from Robert, In case anyone is interested in this it can be obtained from – who pointed out that it would be far easier and less expensive www.Lulu.com – priced around £10 plus postage. than printing photographs, fixing them into albums etc. Since After a recent visit to Whitby I have made a start on Volume 2 this was published I have been surprised at the interest and – although I think having loved the town so much, I might just have already sold several copies. My proposal is for a series of have to make another visit to check that I’ve got enough books around the UK. pictures to produce another edition in 2011. Richard suggested that I should write this article, to show you Molly

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A SWEDISH LOVE AFFAIR These pictures show how a solid Swedish car can be kept on the road for peanuts.

It all started with dad’s Two-Strokes – Scandinavian wife Freewheel is a device fitted to these cars to save fuel. The car wanted to be reminded of her homeland. Front-wheel drive – will coast along at tick-over and facilitates clutchless gear well you don’t push your wheelbarrow up a step, you pull it. I changes. became so familiar because we lived 100 yards from East It is possible to start from stationary with an inoperative Anglia’s main dealer – Buckingham and Stanley. “Jonathan, clutch. Engage first, turn the key, (this isn’t kind) resume revs another V4 for you. Someone’s eyesight failing, had a scare, or and with the freewheel: all forward gears can be engaged – use just a broken gearbox.” this procedure only as a last resort. I became expert at clutches, starter motor changes are My father drove some of the three-speed, Two-Strokes, he awkward, water pumps a nightmare. What do you do when all always said that the gate of the second and third being in the those needle roller bearings fall out whilst in the driveshaft same plane was great fun around town, a gentle flick from changing a gearbox in a Tesco car park? (Helping an unsatisfied second to third, third to second and so on. customer.) Finally, why couldn’t these cars fetch more money? It always Always tell the customer to engage reverse before removing annoyed me seeing Beetles going for far more money, when the ignition key, don’t assume that they should know. A broken key V4 was a better car. in that lock is incredibly difficult to fix. Jonathan Buchanan

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Sharon Foxley CLUBSHOP SOC CLUB SHOP c/o Motormugs Your suggestions are invited for items you would Tyn-y-Celyn, Derwin, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 9SF like to buy from your shop Tel: 01824 750 639 E-mail: [email protected]

I’ve included a couple of new products added to the Club Merchandise. These have been shown on the website for a while, but are presently not included in the online Shop. For those of you who may not have internet access I thought it was a good time to highlight their availability. £5.00 SOC Mug Code: 42 New SOC Polo Shirt £38.50 Embroidered with a Turbo Boost Saab Car Mats Gauge and Club Logo Code: 12 Available in sizes Small to XL. Also available in Ladies’ Fit Polos.

New Knitted Beanie Hats with Turn-up £17.00 Embroidered with either of the Saab Polo Shirt Logos shown, very handy for all the Sizes: s-m-l-xl bad weather we’ve been having. Code: 500 One Size. From £7.00 For further details please contact me at the Safety Vest email/phone number shown at the top of the Code: 875-877 page. Sharon £14.50 £4.00 Baseball Caps Code: Black 791 Car Sticker Navy 792 Code: 24

£12.00 £2.50 Saab Silk Tie NEW Design £2.50 Car Shaped Lapel Badges Code: 684 95 (blue, green, red, orange) Code: 120 Saab Pens 96 V4 (green, red, orange, white) Code: 130 Blue/Gold Pen 99 (blue, red, white, black) Code: 140 Code: 53 900 (white, green, red, silver) Code: 150

£1.00 Tax Disc Holder Code: 22

£3.00 Key Fobs Saab plain black enamel £2.50 on chrome, black leather Code: 206 Lapel Badges £18.00 SOC Code: 101 SOC Saab Polo Sweatshirt Saab Scania enamel Code: 102 Code: 201 Sizes: s-m-l-xl Code: 700

CHEQUES PAYABLE TO S A Foxley ___ Purchase online by secure catalogue at www.saabclub.co.uk

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PRODUCTOFFER Car Washing MADE EASY

The most common complaint amongst enthusiasts is the per million) and 0ppm to cater for hard and soft water areas, and watermarks left behind after washing their car – but it doesn’t light and dark coloured vehicles and the colour-change media have to be anymore! The Aqua Gleam de-ionising filter purifies inside lets you know when it’s time for a new filter. water thereby eliminating those elements which leave irritating white spots... and there’s no need to chamois off afterwards! More information on all our products including the Aqua Gleam All that’s left is a significantly enhanced streak-free shine. filters can be found at www.TheUltimateFinish.co.uk along with product tests and customer reviews. Orders can be placed securely, • Virtually pure de-ionised water online, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and we offer a FREE • Spot free finish Mainland UK delivery option for all orders over £29.95. Orders • No need to chamois dry placed before 6.00pm each weekday are shipped the same day. • Significantly enhanced shine • No watermarks or streaks If you require assistance our friendly and knowledgeable • Dilutes and disperses damaging road salts advisors are on hand Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm • Supplied with two quick connect hose-end fittings and Saturday, 9.00am to 1.00pm. Please call us on – 0845 • Available in 30 inch or 12 inch 838 1200 or our new mobile-friendly number 0333 800 8004. • Many other applications – bikes, boats, aircraft, horses! Alternatively you can email us at [email protected] – we’re happy to help. The Aqua Gleam is so easy to use; simply wash your vehicle in the normal way, rinse off the suds, then connect the filter to your hose and drench your vehicle with the de-ionised water. Walk away and leave it to air dry without leaving any white spot marks or streaks. Available in two levels of purification: 30ppm (parts

We have three Aqua Gleam de-ionising filters worth £54.95 each 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:

How many levels of purification is the Aqua Gleam filter available in?

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 April 2011. The winners will be the first three correct entries drawn at random.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Abbott Racing ...... 11 Cover Systems ...... 47 Peter Best Insurance ...... 11

APL Saab...... 43 Jetex ...... 59 RAC ...... 6

B & D Specialist Cars ...... 59 MapTun ...... 60 Reg Morris Garages ...... 47

Bourne Motors ...... 59 Mark Arnold ...... 47 Saabtec ...... 59

Braydon Motor Co ...... 4 Motorvation ...... 47 Stainless Steel ...... 17

Central Saab Specialist...... 19 Neo Bros ...... 7 Turners Hill Garage...... 59

Chris Hamley ...... 47 Orpington Saab...... 4 Valley Automotives ...... 19

Chris Knott ...... 2 Partsforsaabs.com ...... 11 Volsaa Engineering...... 19

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 – MAY/JUNE 2011 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. 25 March 2011 MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS MUST BE QUOTED ON ALL COMPLETED FORMS

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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.

96V4 1983 99 1993 900 Classic Aero BITS AND PIECES 1975 Silver Anniversary 96V4 Red with full set of Inca wheels (five). Convertible, manual, Le Mans Metallic Blue, Genuine Saab Roof Bars Two door. With a little work could be a grey leather upholstery, walnut dash. Only 300 made, individually numbered. Concours vehicle. Tested until July 2011. 280,000 miles, but runs perfectly. A/C, electric Plus load stops (4). Fit 900/9-3 (1994-2000) No number known higher than 146, so Ill health forces reluctant sale. windows and seats, Sony CD/radio with 10- Coupe – Part No: 400 100 400. Excellent believed only 150 sold. Passes MOT every Sensible offers please. stack autochanger. New rear brakes. Hood condition – £50. Tel: 01223 292093 time, taxed for summer running, but not Tel: 01302 770337 (South Yorkshire) Tonneau cover. Toad alarm. MOT to April. (Cambridge) concours. Priced to repay costs as I need £1250 ono. Tel: 0151 653 2559 (Wirral) the space. 82,000 miles. £1250 ono. Tel: 01295 780225 (Oxfordshire) 900S 2.3 Petrol MISC Ruby Red, M Reg, five door. Oil Leaking from Distributor Taxed and MOT. Radio/CD, electric windows, Oil seal replaced by SOC Member. central locking, alloys, roof spoiler. One For Saab 900 (1984-1003) BOSCH previous owner. Good condition. £750. Part No: 0237-501010 and 900 (1993-1998) Tel: 01530 242651 or 07989 062739 Part No: 0237-520054. Repairs from £30 (Leicester) including P&P. Tel: 01208 72429 900 XS 16 Valve or email: [email protected] 1992, two litre, Dark Green. MOT until (Bodmin, Cornwall) 900 24 June 2011. Service stamped history from 99 1993 900 Full Pressure Turbo delivery date. Tax to end of February 2011. 99 Turbo Convertible, very fast Blue with grey leather, Mileage: 073904 (taken 07/02/2011). Very good HOLIDAY LETS Black, 1980, two door. Good condition inside wood dash, electric seats and hood. Alarm condition. CD radio, alloys and tyres, good all and out, hardly used, garaged. One previous immobiliser. £5000 insurance agreed value round A/C fitted but never in operation. Holiday in Western Algarve owner. £2200 ono. Tel: 01530 242651 £4,950 ono. Tel: 01530 271024 £500 ono. Tel: 01590 682803 (Hants) Reduced 2011 prices for Saab Owners. or 07989 062739 (Leicester) (Derbyshire) Luxurious apartment, seaviews, outdoor pool. 900 Turbo, Auto Sleeps up to six. Three bedrooms, two ‘G’ Reg, Metallic Grey with red leather seats. bathrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, Bought as a project but due to other dishwasher, washing machine. Satellite TV. commitments no time. Car too valuable to Walking distance to beaches and town. Golf Display Advertising scrap, would anybody in your Club be courses at Palmares, Boa Vista and Parque de Anyone in the business of selling goods or services related to the motor car, interested? The car does drive but there is no Floresta within easy reach. as a general rule, can advertise in the ‘Driver’. MOT or Tax. Tel: 07887 616936 Tel: 01277 623846 If Members can recommend a service or would like to suggest someone to (Dunoon, Scotland) or email: [email protected] our Sales Executive we would be most grateful, the more revenue the Club can bring in, the more money we can spend on the Club. 1999 900i 16v, Classic Convertible Swaledale Cottage Two bed, refurbished apartment in Reeth, Your Sales Executive is Red, 125,000 miles, Full MOT, good condition. Reasonable offers. North Yorkshire. Sleeps five. Four star rated, Kay Scott Tel: 020 8458 5825 luxurious. Tel: 07976 312134. (London, NW) Discount for SOC Members. www.alpinecottagereeth.co.uk Tel: 01943 461679 e-mail: [email protected] [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

58 SAABDRIVER P3 305 MarchApril 40-60:Layout 1 17/2/11 15:54 Page 59

B. & D. SPECIALIST CARS BOURNE - MOTORS SAAB OUR SPECIALITY SAAB SPECIALISTS Established 1975 SERVICING: No work carried out without prior consent.Genuine parts used. 1-2 Cornfield Lane Local collection/delivery. Eastbourne Loan cars available on request. East Sussex PARTS Genuine SAAB parts stocked at all BN21 4NE SALES: times. We also stock a large Breaking 9000 and Classic 900 selection of used SAAB parts. Alternative brand pattern Courtesy cars available parts also available. • MOT Testing • Electronic Tuning • Tyres • Batteries • Wheel alignment & balancing • 01323 AIR-CON: Servicing & Repair Tel: 01303 264700 for appointment 727011 RANGE ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HYTHE www.bournemotorssussex.co.uk

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 MOB: 0780 1103426 FAX: 01457 852944 Turners Hill Garage Ltd e-mail: [email protected] Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex Website: http://www.saab.uk.com www.saabtec.co.uk Email: [email protected]

MARCH/APRIL 2011 59 P3 305MarchApril40-60:Layout117/2/1115:54Page60

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