Click here to watch the episode. The section of the show with Victor Muller starts at 38:40 and is in English.

It’s a very candid interview and well worth watching. Victor is asked about the current situation, what the difficulties are with selling Saab and the possibility of salary payments for Christmas. He also covers some of his business background and his relationship with Russian banker, Vladimir Antonov.

And if you enjoy excellent vocal performances, make sure you watch the last 4 minutes after the VM interview

Our Chairman and CEO, Victor Muller, will be appearing on Swedish television this evening, on an interview program called Skavlan.

The program – recorded yesterday – will air on SVT1 at 9pm and it should be available online after the broadcast via SVT Play. I was able to access SVT Play from Australia today, so other countries should hopefully be able to access it, too.

As Victor doesn’t speak Swedish, the interview will be in English.

A few of the Swedish newspapers had people in the audience and they have prepared news stories based on the interview already. If you don’t want to wait for the show, you can get their reports at DI.se, Ttela, Expressen (all in Swedish).

We’ll insert a link, or embed the show, when the online replay becomes available.

–

I’ve been writing that line for years and it’s as true today as it was years ago. If you’ve got a plain looking car, you’ll be amazed at how much better it could look with the right wheels.

Saab have provided a lot of different wheels on their options list over the years. I used to have an entry online with all of them showing, but I got an email from a European Saab fan earlier this week, stating that they couldn’t find it. I had a look around and I couldn’t find it either, so I figured it might be good to do it over again.

This collection only shows wheels from the original Saab 9-5 and 9-3 onwards (i.e around 1998 until now). I’ve tried to make sure the collection is complete, but I know there will be some missing.

If you want to see wheels from earlier Saabs, I’d recommend you check out Peacetek.net’s page on Saab wheels. There’s also my photos of Saab Wheels at Intsaab, from earlier this year (pictorial only, no info).

——

The following images are taken from the Saab Global Accessories page.

The image title contains the Saab part number for the wheel, where it is known to me. I don’t have the dealer codes that were used for the wheels (ALU #).

The common model (9-3 or 9-5) for which the wheel was used is shown in the photo.

Click images to enlarge.

——

The powers-that-be didn’t think that was possible with the 9-3, and yet Saab achieved this figure, first with the Sport Sedan and then with the SportCombi, in just a matter of months after being freed to pursue this goal. It’s a prime example of the engineering expertise that exists here at Saab Automobile.

Some of you, like me, may not come from a country where vehicle taxes are based on emissions and the significance of this might be lost on you. Others will understand a bit better right from the get-go.

In Sweden, a ‘green’ car is referred to as a miljöbil and this vehicle class attracts quite a few benefits. Firstly, a new car that is compliant with Euro5 and has CO2 emissions of max 120g/km attracts zero vehicle tax for its first five years. Company car drivers who choose a miljöbil for their company vehicle may also benefit from reduced fringe benefits tax rates compared to non-miljöbil choices (which would be a massive drawcard for Saab).

There are other benefits, too, which some will make use of more than others. In Stockholm, for example, miljöbil drivers pay no congestion charge and there are parking zones in many cities around Sweden that miljöbil drivers can use for free.

So, some significant benefits are there if you’re driving the right sort of car. It’s not just tax benefits and parking convenience, though.

A car has to fit in with your lifestyle. One of the biggest criticisms of a vehicle like the Nissan Leaf, for example, is range anxiety. That is, the car might be able to run on pennies per day, but if it can’t get you where you need to go (and back) without running out of battery power, then it’s not really suitable for anything other than a short commute.

Some of the cars you’ll see on the list below have wonderful emissions figures and prices, but do they allow the average family to live their normal lifestyle, to travel with comfort, performance, safety and adequate space – AND accrue the various benefits of a miljöbil?

To give us all a better picture of what Saab have been able to do, of what Saab can offer in this segment of the Swedish market (and some others that incentivise the same way), I thought I’d put together this table.

The following table shows the Saab 9-3 TTiD range as well as the current top 10 selling miljöbil offerings in the Swedish market.

——

So what’s the point?

The Saab 9-3 TTiD involves no sacrifices. Some cars on the table have equal (or better) cargo capacity, but the driving experience will be compromised due to much low power and torque.

Others lose out on the driving experience as well as the storage capability, relying on their small engine size and weight to get under the emissions limits.

Saab engineers re-worked the 9-3 TTiD SportCombi so that owners can have a complete vehicle experience – all the comfort, performance, safety and amenity that the car offers in its normal configuration – PLUS the benefits of a miljöbil.

Bottom line: You don’t have to drive an underpowered rollerskate to get the benefits of driving ‘green’.

–

To recap the competition so far:

Over the last 4 weeks, groups of drivers have been driving vehicles supplied by Saab of North Olmsted. 4 weeks, 4 groups. Their task, during their week with the vehicle, was to show it to as many people as possible, gathering fans, shares (and points) via QR codes, facebook, twitter or on the competition homepage.

The six top point-gatherers from each week are now at the semi-final stage and have less than 48 hours to gather as many points as possible.

Someone’s going to win a new Saab!!

The Snap up a Saab competition webpage now lists the finalists for each week. You can click on a finalist’s individual page, watch their video, check out their pictures and most importantly – cast your vote.

The 5 top semi-finalists will go into the final, where they’ll have a 1-in-5 chance of unlocking the doors to a new Saab, thereby giving them the win, and the Saab of their choice.

Make sure you head over to the competition page, support your favourite entrant and help them to spread the word about Saab – and win a new one of their own!!!

It’s still good advice and good reading, though, for those settling in to the northern winter. Make sure that both you and your Saab are ready to take on what Mother Nature throws at you. Your Saab is designed for these conditions and should handle them well, but you still need to pay attention to its condition and make your preparations.

—–

Winter Driving – an A to Z Guide from Saab

For drivers and their vehicles alike, winter is the most testing time of the year. Difficult driving conditions greatly increase the risk of an accident and even routine journeys can become hazardous experiences.

Scandinavian winters are among the most severe in Europe and place extreme demands on the abilities of cars and their drivers to perform reliably and safely at all times. Saab Automobile of Sweden is used to designing and building cars for such conditions and here Chief Test Engineer Torbjörn Christensson gives a seasonal A to Z guide of simple “do’s” and “don’ts” that will be useful to all car drivers.

——

A
Anti-freeze is the engine’s first line of defence against sub-zero conditions. But how often do you check it? For it to remain effective, the recommended strength must be at least 50%. Topping up your coolant with water only, for example, will gradually dilute the mixture. To be sure of maximum protection, do ensure the anti-freeze is checked each year, regardless of mileage, as part of the car’s service.

B
Black ice. Whilst ice and snow are obvious hazards, black ice is an almost invisible threat, especially during the onset of freezing temperatures. Beware when driving round sheltered bends or corners which are shaded from the sun, because this is where black ice is most likely to catch out the unsuspecting. A tell-tale clue you are on black ice is when all goes quiet in the car and you cannot hear any tyre noise. Do not brake or make any sudden steering inputs but do ease off the accelerator and proceed slowly and smoothly.

C
Car batteries are put to a severe test in winter due to the extra demands of running heating fans and lights. Most are now maintenance-free but do have the voltage checked, especially if the car is repeatedly used for short journeys. Consider charging the battery overnight or try to plan a longer run occasionally.

D
De-icing can be a chore. If you don’t park in a garage, do take time to cover the windscreen with a sheet of cardboard. You won’t have the chore of scraping ice off the next morning or coping with smears from de-icing fluid. But do spray the door locks, provided your car is not fitted with remote-controlled locking, and the rubber door seals for easier opening.

E
An Electronic Traction Control System is a valuable driving aid for coping with slippery conditions. If either or both driven wheels lose grip, the brakes are activated and, if necessary, engine power is reduced. However, do not stop driving sensibly, as conditions dictate, just because your car has TCS!

F
Freezing conditions can occur quite suddenly during cold spells, even during the course of a car journey. Most modern cars have an outside temperature display for the driver which acts as a good warning system. If you don’t have one, do make sure you are aware of changing conditions and a likely turn in the weather.

G
Grip is at a premium in winter conditions. Did you know, for example, that a tyre with the legal minimum 1.6mm tread depth displaces 85 per cent less water than a new tyre? So, to prevent the risk of aquaplaning, do beware of the danger of standing water, even if it’s not frozen. And do remember to use your brakes immediately after going through standing water to make sure they will operate effectively when needed.

H
Head restraints are an essential protection against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions, which can easily occur in slippery winter conditions. Do make sure yours is correctly adjusted, particularly if you share the driving seat with someone smaller. The restraint should be level with the back of the head. If it is too low, your head will pivot round it during an impact, putting even more strain on your neck.

I
In case of a breakdown, do make sure you carry a warning triangle to alert traffic that you are parked on the road, giving adequate warning, and put on your hazard indicators. On a motorway, for example, keep well away from the car while waiting for assistance. And if you are not already covered, do ensure you have access to emergency roadside assistance.

J
Jump leads are a common feature of winter motoring. They are certainly worth carrying, for your own use or to help someone else, but do you know how to connect them up correctly? Always start by first connecting both positive terminals and then connect the negative terminal of the live battery to the engine block, using the lifting eyebolt, for example, of the other car. Never connect to the negative terminal because of the risk of a spark igniting vapours near the battery.

K
Keep an even greater distance from the vehicle in front during icy conditions. Did you know, for example, that the stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 kph is more than twice as long in icy conditions?

L
Lights – front, rear and indicators – require special attention when it’s snowy and slushy. They quickly become caked in road grime, so do clean them after every journey, or even mid-journey in severe conditions, so that you can “see and be seen” at all times. The range of your car’s headlamps, for example, can be reduced by as much as 30 metres if road grime is allowed to accumulate on the lens. And don’t forget to keep a well-charged hand torch in your car in case of emergencies.

M
Manual transmission allows you to use a higher gear, second instead of first or even third instead of second, to minimise wheelspin when moving off or accelerating in snow and ice. But for those with automatics, do remember to use “winter mode” if available, which has much the same effect. A traction contol system (TCS), if fitted, will also prevent wheelspin.

N
Night driving is more common in winter due to the shorter days. Fog at night can be disorientating and snow hitting the windscreen is distracting. Do remember to keep your headlights on dipped beam to reduce rebound glare and dim down the instrument display. And do use foglights, but don’t forget to switch them off. In some countries it is an offence to leave them on when conditions are clear.

O
Oil in the engine can become extremely thick and heavy when your car is left overnight in very cold conditions. To protect the moving parts adequately, it must be able to quickly thin down during warm up so do not work the engine too hard when it’s cold. And where temperatures are consistently as low as -20°C, do consider using an engine oil with a lower viscosity, such as 5W/30 or 5W/40.

P
Paintwork has a tough job in winter resisting the corrosive effects of salt, as well as the ravages of snow and ice. So do hose down and clean the car frequently, always checking your brakes afterwards, and make sure the drain holes in the bodywork do not become blocked with grime or leaves. Whilst the underside of many new cars is undersealed, it is worth checking your car is adequately protected. You will be safeguarding its value as well as its looks.

Q
Quick warming up of the car is, of course, desirable when starting in cold conditions but do not be tempted to take a short cut by leaving your car stationary with the engine running. That may harm both the environment and the engine. If you don’t have air conditioning, do leave the side windows open slightly as this will speed up the de-misting process.

R
Rear vision should not be neglected when starting off in snow. Wait for the heated screen to take effect and do take care not to damage the elements if you use an ice scraper. If your car has a rear wiper, it can be used to clear away light snow but do first check that it is not frozen to the glass. The same goes for the front windscreen wipers, of course.

S
Skidding in snow or ice can easily occur, even at relatively low speeds. If it does happen, never brake. In the event of a front-wheel skid in a front-wheel drive car, dip the clutch to disengage the engine (select neutral in an automatic), and steer the front wheels in the direction you wish to go. For a rear wheel skid, steer into the skid, ie. in the direction the rear of the car is moving. ABS (anti-lock braking system), if fitted, will help prevent skidding under braking. The brake pedal vibrates 12 times per second when ABS is activated but be sure you keep it pressed down hard. Try it for experience under safe conditions.

T
Tyres are your car’s only point of contact with the road and in severe conditions do consider fitting winter tyres. Apart from providing more grip on icy roads, they also give a much better braking response. If you do use snow chains, only fit them to the driven wheels. And if you are stuck, try reducing your tyre pressures. This gives more grip by putting more tyre tread in contact with the ground. But do remember to immediately pump your tyres up again.

U
Use caution at all times. For example, on icy roads you should double your distance from the vehicle in front to allow an adequate braking zone. Do plan your journeys and do be prepared for emergencies, an incident that may be a minor inconvenience in summer can become a major drama in more difficult winter conditions.

V
Ventilation inside the car is an important safety consideration. We all like to be snug and warm when it’s cold outside but do beware of the danger of becoming drowsy. A key benefit of air conditioning is that it helps keep the interior fresh and the driver alert. If you don’t have it, don’t be tempted to get too warm. So do keep a window open and do take a break, especially on long journeys. And remember to take off that thick winter coat to minimise any slack in your seat belt.

W
Windscreen washers are vital for maintaining good vision in winter. Do make sure the washer bottle is always topped up because if you wipe the windscreen without any fluid, you risk making it opaque. Prevent the washer system freezing up in winter by using an anti-icing solution. But never add anti-freeze – it risks damaging the paintwork.

X
Xenon gas discharge headlamps are becoming more common in cars and are the next major breakthrough in lighting technology following the introduction of halogen lamps. Xenon lights have a longer range, ease eye-strain for the driver by giving a broader, much whiter beam and also reduce dazzle for on-coming traffic.

Y and Z
Year round reliability is, of course, best assured by having your car regularly serviced by an approved agent. As well as having important safety systems such as brakes, tyres, steering and lights properly maintained, do ask for advice about driving in Zero temperatures. Do consider using a wide range of winter accessories designed to make your life easier at the toughest time of the year.

• Product
• Plant
• People
• Brand, and
• Heritage

Yesterday we had a wonderful example of one of our people being rewarded for his efforts. Even in these difficult times – perhaps especially in these difficult times – Saab people shine through.

If you read a review of the Saab 9-4x, especially a review sourced from North America, you’ll likely read the reviewer say that the vehicle is a Saab version of the Cadillac SRX. Don’t believe it for a second. Both vehicles were developed with distinct identities and that whole project was led by a Saab guy – Peter Dörrich.

Yesterday, Peter received the Manager of the Year award. The award is voted for by members of Unionen, a national body.

Following is a translation of a Saab internal article about Peter and the award.

Peter is a wonderful guy whom I first met a year ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where his baby – the Saab 9-4x – finally made its production debut. There wasn’t a bigger smile in the room than the one on Peter’s face that day and I’m ecstatic to see his work as a leader at Saab recognised in this way.

——

A popular executive who sees the big picture: Peter Dörrich is Manager of the Year

- I want to know how my employees feel and how they are doing at home. The job and life at home are not two separate phenomena. They are different parts of a whole. If one does not work, the other will not work properly either.

This from Peter Dörrich, who today was named Manager of the Year, as nominated by Unionen colleagues in the Technical Development Center.

Right: Peter Dörrich and Unionen representative, Annette Hellgren

- Peter is a good manager who will see that staff grow in their roles. He encourages and pushes us and gives us belief in our decisions. He is a great sounding board when you need to discuss possible solutions and problems and always takes time to listen and guide people to a good solution, says Mona Säverhag, who has worked with Peter at different times – about three years combined.

She also highlights Peter’s extensive knowledge of both the vehicle development and production processes.

- He cares about the team, but he is still demands our best.

This includes interaction with other departments where he really stands up for actions that are in line with our focus, says Conny Almkvist, who thinks that Peter is the best manager he has had during his 25 years at Saab.

- He has been a solid leader for us in the difficult times we’ve had recently. He has kept us informed about what is happening, even if it is over a weekend or at night, and his empathy and compassion for how we feel is a strong motivator for us, it leads us to exert ourselves a little more, says Conny.

Peter’s projects

Dörrich is currently known as one of the faces behind the 9-4X and he has travelled to and worked in both the U.S. and Japan at different times.

It’s interesting to see how leadership differs between cultures, he says. In Sweden we are accustomed to taking responsibility at operational level, we delegate responsibility and therefore, leaders often focus on creating conditions and providing support. “Management by fear” is thankfully rare here, he says.

Over his years at Saab, he has worked with several managers, who all had their particular leadership styles. One that he particularly remembers is Ronny Jonsson.

- He saw my capabilities but also helped me to see what what was expected of me in my own role vis-à-vis others. He was straight and honest with me – in a good way – and that is something I still feel gratitude for.

What does he say himself, about his leadership? When he speaks about it, it is the concepts of respect, listening, communication and continuous improvement.

- Everyone deserves and should be treated with respect. As a manager you have to realize that it is important for an employee to feel welcome, so as to promote the idea of a management team and create a good atmosphere. I believe that one should be humble, open and honest about who you are and what you think. A manager should not think he is better than others in the room and there is no reason to sit on a high horse. To be yourself and invite other people to do the same is a win. The worst thing is simply not to be personal, he says.

Rather be a leader than a manager

- I see myself as a leader rather than as a manager, and as a leader I want to be clear and create the right conditions for my staff to do a good job. Maybe I am too explicit sometimes, when I paint a picture of what I want them to do, but I believe in the visualization. I am also convinced that it is important to have the right tools. We can not ask our employees to be able to outperform their competitors if they do not have as good or better tools to assist in completing the job. We have very capable people here at Saab – with the right tools, they can accomplish great things.

He is a keen follower of the lean concept and believes that Saab must work constantly to create conditions for continuous improvement. Spend some time with Peter and it is quite clear that he is a developer and not a manager.

Peter has another belief, too, and it’s about the importance of listening.

- I want to know how my employees feel and if they are OK outside the job. The job and life at home are not two separate phenomena. There is a whole. If one side does not work, the other side won’t work properly, either. This is how it is for me and it’s the same for everyone else. As a leader I want to create the conditions to get the big picture and help to make ends meet. I know from experience that the company ultimately benefits from it, too, says Peter.

Award ceremony in Stockholm

Anette Hellgren is the Unionen spokesperson for Saab, is almost as happy as Peter with regards to the award. She thinks it is wonderful that the award has gone to a Saab manager, and for several reasons:

- First of all, I see it as a sign of strength both to Peter and the organization. He has managed to be the manager we need in these difficult times. People often show their management skills best under tough circumstances, she says. It is also evidence that there are very competent staff at Saab.

- As long as I have known Peter, he has always been dedicated and believed in himself and his cause. During his career he has also developed other important leadership skills: listening, participation and empathy.

At three o’clock yesterday, Peter was at the Skills Fair in Stockholm to receive the award. Five hundred thousand members of the Union had the opportunity to nominate a good manager, regardless of location, sector and nationality, and the jury’s verdict is:

“Peter Dörrich is a worthy recepient of the Manager of the Year prize. He is hailed by his colleagues, employees and Union representatives with words like “safe, encouraging, empathetic, purposeful, informative.”

He cares about all the individuals in the group, supporting and pushing, he takes the time to listen and guide to good practice. In the turbulent situation that Saab has long been in, Peter Dörrich has been a safe and informative leader who has always been available and showed compassion.”

Facts:

Years at Saab

Peter Dörrich began on the line in 1979 and worked there a few years. He became a quality engineer in production in 1981 and then went on to purchasing, working with production techniques.

- It was a good education, he remembers, to work in production and to also be looking at the suppliers. If I am to work with development, it is good to have an understanding of how the various details develop, how they are manufactured and how they should be mounted in the car.

In the 90s he was commissioned to work on parts geometry at Saab. It was a job that took a long time, but which also resulted in the quality of the parts fit for Saab vehicles being so good that it was an area where Saab was a leader in the GM world.

Then he went to the United States for a period. Peter was responsible for when Saab had its first SUV experiments on an architecture that we had been allocated by GM.

- We saw from the beginning that it would be wrong but there was pressure placed on the brand. Eventually, we moved over to a different architecture, but then we stopped the project all together and we had to go home again, Peter remembers.

This was followed by a few years in Japan, where he worked as development manager for 9-2X.

- I was gone up to nine weeks at a time. It was a tough time and it was never easy to leave family, remembers Peter.

The highlight of his Saab career is definitely the 9-4X.

- I really longed for such a mission, to have that responsibility, to accomplish something tangible to be proud of. It has been a great time!

——

I want to start out my story with the following:

I have been thinking about the word passion. Automotive passion that is; how so many people do not go after their passion on a daily basis? I am not sure if there is someone out there who feels the same way I do when I look at my car every morning as I am about to leave for work. It makes me smile, it physically makes me happy every time I hit the gas pedal, every time I downshift and hear my exhaust note echo off other cars that I am passing. Do you feel the same way when you are driving your car? Does it make you smile? If you are a true car buff then it should do all of the above and more. You should feel the same exact way you felt when you got the car on Day 1 of your ownership. If you do not, then maybe your path should lead to another vehicle or maybe you are not a car buff and cannot share this experience.

So here is my story it’s a pretty simple one but it is my story to tell. In 2009 I had my Scion tC that I used as my track car as well as daily driver (This is pretty much impossible!). Over time the abuse and wear and tear of the track took its toll on my Scion and it was time for me to get rid of the car. My main issue was, I like to work on cars when I can and I always have a itch for modifying a car no matter how it looks the first day I get my hands on it.

So when it came time to look for a new car I decided I didn’t want to mod the car and said I will get a car that has very little aftermarket support. A good friend suggested a TurboX due to its rareness and its specs which met my requirements (Manual with AWD). So I began shopping around and in Feb 09 I finally settled on the TurboX on my birthday (Best gift ever). I thought to myself, this car is great it’s a Saab so no one will have aftermarket parts for it and it looks spectacular! This will be my daily driver even though I commute thru downtown DC on a daily basis, I’ll drive a real manual until my knee won’t take it.

Fast forward three months I am enjoying my car driving it to my hearts content and then a raccoon decides it wants to inspect my FMIC.

So while in the shop being repaired, I decided I wanted the parts to be that Satin Black color like the GTR, I thought that it looked great and that’s where it all began. After that I looked into some other parts such as brake lines and getting Bluetooth working on the car etc. During this time also got to know International Saab my local dealership (www.imsaab.com)who hooked me up with a Hirsch Dash before Hirsch was even available in the US!

So now we are at different trim paint, stainless steel brake lines, and a Hirsch Dash. So much for finding a car that didn’t have any parts I could modify! After that I thought I needed to tinker with the exhaust to make it a bit louder so I decided to have a 3″ turbo back made at my local tuning shop. The result did yield a significant gain and the sound of the exhaust was a bit loud but superb. This past winter after a heavy snowstorm in the D.C. area I decided I want a dedicated winter set of wheels (TurboX wheels) and a dedicated high performance summer set (Something lightweight, but still stylish and could take a beating on the streets of D.C. as well as the occasional Autocross) so I went with some Forgestar F14 wheels after seeing them around on the internet.

While waiting for my wheels to be made I had gotten rear ended and decided it was time for some more upgrades. Tried to go the Hirsch route but unfortunately they were not available in the states yet so I went the MapTun route. Contacted Fredrik and ordered my carbon fiber diffuser as well as the front splitter/grille combo to replace my torn off one from the winter snow storm. Coupled with the wheels, my StopTech brake setup (Slotted 345mm) and 255/35/19 BFGoodrich KDW2′s my car is now ready again to have some fun over the summer!

I also did forget to mention that while I was shopping around for my TurboX in early 2009 I had a few other choices as well:

• BMW M3 (E92)
• Audi RS4
• Mercedes C63 AMG

The issues with those were as listed below:

• I wanted a proper gearbox (quoting Mr. Clarkson); some of the cars didn’t have them available at the time (or in general in the Mercedes case).
• Did not want to take out 2 Jobs just to pay for the car.
• Decided I wanted more All Wheel Drive instead of RWD.
• Lastly, the most important factor: I have seen at least 5 of each car on a daily basis when you go to the posh parts of the D.C Area.

I love the Saab because it does represent individuality and stepping away from the norm. On a weekly basis I have about 5 people asking me about or just staring at my car to see if it’s still available for sale. I would love to say that I am a driving billboard because sooner or later the people who ask me about my car will work their way over to a dealership and go the Saab route.

This was my first Saab but certainly won’t be my last Saab (hopefully). Looking forward to meeting everyone in the community at one event or another!

–

My enduring thanks to Lance for his OK to re-publish this here at Inside Saab. Enjoy.

——

Old aeroplanes smell, every classic aviation enthusiast knows that. Sit in a Spitfire or a Messerchmitt 109 and the patina of leather, aluminium, bakelite plastic, oil, grease, and canvas, lends a tangible reek, an actual smell.

The same whiff pervades the interiors of Catalina flying boats, Lancasters, Douglas DC 3s and just about any old aeroplane. Even old, first generation jetliners have a smell – think Boeing 707 or Comet or Caravelle or VC10.

When it comes to cars however, the smell thing seems less defined.

Yes, classic 1930s race cars reek, so too do 1960s Alfas, Lancias and Morris Minors. But some cars have no smell at all – not even old ones; when did you last scratch and sniff a 1980s Honda or a plastic lined Ford hatchback – you didn’t because they don’t pong.

All of which begs the questions – why do old Saabs have that unique, special, Saab-only smell – and what is it? And is it something to do with aviation?

To answer the questions, I took my mind way back to days of yore, When Saabs were Saabs and Abba were gold.

My first car was bought in 1981 and was a 1968 early model steel bumpered, Saab 99 two door (well it would be for 1968). It had that lovely cockpit style fascia with a top roll coaming that arced back into the door side panels. The clock was off a 96 and there was chrome detailing on the seatbelt buckles and some very fungal vinyl in the cabin.

Above all, there was the smell: The car had this really strong pong – and it smelt just like my grandad’s Auster light aircraft – a sort of vintage eau d’ armpit mixed with stale canvas, cigar, oak, horsehair, alloy and an air of classic French polished woodwork.

The Saab smelled.

It was not an off putting odour, but it was a definite pong. My mate had a 96 V4 – a white one, and we both suddenly realised that both cars smelt the same.

We could not work it out so we just put up with it.

I sold the Saab for a fat profit and (somewhat idiotically) bought a Citroen GS. The Citroen was brilliantly designed, had a flat four engine, strong hull, and like all Robert Opren designs, caught the light beautifully. Needless to say it disintegrated in front of my eyes, but when it worked, it was truly a spaceship of a car.

Years later we had a dog poo brown 1976 Saab 99 and that also had a smell. And even more years after that I owned my classic 900 five door GLI in blue with blue trim. And you guessed it, that smelt too.

But along came a NG 9-3 and an early 9-5 – and the smell was gone.

I have always wanted to know why my Saabs smelt and what the smell was. On visits to Sweden, no one at Saab knew what the smell was, but they all knew that Saabs had a smell – “Oh yes, definitely Saabs smell,” they would say in lovely sing song Svenksa speak- but “No, we do not know what the smell is.”

Tak, mate!

So what was that smell?

The answer, I believe, partly lies in a mix of low tech glues that were used to stick trim in all cars and aircraft up until the late 1970s. From the 1920s to 1970s, seats and trim were put together in the same way- stuffed, padded, tied, strung, and stuck. And the interiors of cars and aircraft were made of alloy, tinplate and mild steel – even dashboards were metal – albeit covered in lovely rubbery vinyl (kinky stuff I know).

And then there were veneers of wood, of fake wood, and more spreads of the marmalade of glues that were car (and aircraft) interiors before slush moulded, toxic lumps of dashboards and trims, were bunged into post 1980 cars and began their leach of nasty chemcial compounds into your car and your body.

The glues used in old cars and old Saabs would have been animal based – and let us hope they were organically fed! – and interiors had bare metal, plastic vinyls, chrome, carpets and seats that may well have contained horsehair and fibre glass in a combined heady mix, topped off by the whiff of ancient Bakelite (younger readers will have to look Bakelite up…).

Even the last Saab to smell –the 900 Classic with its moulded trims, new dashboard and that headlining monster, combined some of the old world craft of interior trim artisanship.

Throw in the effects of damp and, the fact that even the late model 900 Classics had wooden panels in the back end of the cabin – plywood for something’s sake – and the smells created a list of ingredients just like a 1950s Saab! The plywood has got be the secret ingredient in the fragrance.

I reckon the mix of the above, all brought together as only the Swedes can, is the reason why Saabs smell.

Newer Saabs have none of this – it’s all moulded micro pores and polycarbonates – with no bare metal to stroke and nothing organic to smoke.. Which is why they do not smell like Saabs.

So there you have it, my theory on why old classic machines, and notably old classic Saabs, smell. It is a wonderful, nostalgic mix of animal, metal, mineral, all blended and smeared together to create an aura like no other.

All we need now is a Saab aftershave of the same smell – one that can be dripped from a dispenser into the air vents, and then we can all go back in time.

There is only one problem. Volvos from 1960 to 1970 and 1980, were built in the same country using the same techniques- but they did not smell!

Called to odure, as they say…

• Two years’ free servicing
• A free 16GB iPad (WiFi)

Saab GB’s Approved Used Saab program is available at dealerships all over Great Britain. The program is tailored to make sure you get the best used car experience possible. All vehicles are checked and guaranteed prior to being included in the Approved Used program.

• Saab multi-point check including vehicle mileage and history
• 12-month dealer guarantee, not just a warranty
• 12-month brake, battery and clutch cover on vehicles under 24 months
• MOT Test guarantee*
• 30-day exchange option
• 12 months’ Saab AA Assistance

Click through to check out Bay Horse Saab’s used vehicle inventory.

My personal favourite is the 2008 Aero 2.0T for just £10,000 – bargain! That car, the Saab Approved assurance, plus 2 years free service AND the 16GB iPad sounds like a pretty good package.

–