I hope you’re all having a good, relaxing weekend.
We’ve actually had a really good week here, with two family members landing new jobs, one of them now at the very beginning of his career as an apprentice electrician. There’s an outside chance my wife might be getting her own solo art exhibition, too, a development with which she was quite chuffed.
I changed the oil and filters in the MX-5 today, which whilst being a small job, was very satisfying for a non-tech gimp like me. It really needed to be done, too.
And to top it all off, we now have a Swedish flag in our garden, a souvenir of our night out seeing a local production of Eurobeat – the musical on the weekend. It’s a parody of the Eurovision song contest and it was great!
Work tomorrow. Bleh.
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A little more informtion on that Uno 001 vehicle spotted at the Saab Days celebrations has come to hand.
I got an email from Johan, who was at Saab Days and shot a couple of photos of the car (above). He’s also found a little bit of information from Wikipedia.
UNO 001 was the name of the only produced car from the planned UNO project to create a sports car made in Linköping. The project started in the late 1980s with a budget of 3 million SEK and the backing of several strong financial backers. They managed to produce the UNO 001, but then something went wrong. In the 2000s it was for sale for 30000 SEK and it as of 2009 undergoing restoration.
The car is made steel tube frame with body parts of steel sheets. According to a 1980s commercial it could be assembled in in two hours. Much of the parts used come from Saab, including the engine mounted in a mid engine configuration.
Thanks to Johan and also to those in comments who recognised the car and posted some information about it.
I love custom project like this. Always fascinating stuff. I’d love to get a drive in this one – one day.
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The same Johan also shot me a link to his Myspace site.
Johan’s a designer by profession, though currently out of work due to the GFC. Hopefully he’ll be back on the wagon again soon, though, as he’s got some great skills there.
I really liked this one – the Koenigsegg speedboat.
I know Bard Eker’s got an interest in power boats. This seems like a natural extension of the Koenigsegg line of vehicles for the rich and infamous.
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And finally, a nice little anecdote from Ted Y that came in via email….
Steven,
I just had to share some good news. The fuel gauge on my 04 9-3 Arc just quit. I know, how can that be good news? Well, it gave me a reason to call my Classic Cadillac, Saab dealership in Mentor, Ohio. They were reported in the local paper to be shutting down (per GM orders I assume) as soon as their inventory runs down. Not sure if they were even still in business, I called and asked.
When I mentioned about them shutting down, he said “Oh, that’s just Cadillac were shutting down. We’re keeping Saab and staying in business.” Yahoo! Better yet though, I have the GM Major Guard Protection Plan on my Saab, and GM will foot the repair bill.
But it’s just great to hear that Caddy’s being shut down, and “the Saab” will live on!
Cheers,
Ted Y
If you’re confused by the reference to ‘The Saab’ then you need to click here.
Thanks for the story, Ted, and I hope that dealer gets rewarded tenfold.
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{ 12 comments }
Swade – Congrats to the wife! Hope she gets it!
Ted Y is not alone with his fuel gauge issue. Our dealership replaces probably three fuel tank sending units per month, on 9-3s as old as ’03 and as new as ’08, in the 2.0T and the 2.8t.
The part that replaces the bad one is the same exact part. This is also the case with 2.8t coolant bottles. When they are replaced (at least once a year per Aero), the new part is the exact same thing.
What I’m getting at is that even though there are common issues over a number of Saabs, the faulty part is not reengineered, it is instead used over and over again. I fear this is simply how it’s done at GM.
I hope the folks at K-Saab are willing to make running changes to remedy common problems, so that the long-term view of Saab is that of a reliable car on top of all the virtues we love so much.
Sorry for the long comment. Happy Sunday everybody!
Good artwork there Johan. Really nice.I hope you can reach your dreams after this silly credit/financial crunch is “over”.
Swade,
I dont understand.I did some image googling for Tasmania. How on earth can you find Trollhättan attractive (other than the factory =)) when you are living in the paradise! (atleast from what i could see from thoose pictures).
WooHoo TedY and Mentor, Ohio! I wonder how many Cadillac-Saab dealers will do the same and emerge as standalone Saab dealers in the U.S.? or at least no GM franchises…
best of luck Johan.
@Lundin: I think paradise is relative. Here I sit surrounded by gorgeous, lush scenery in the Berkshire Hills. The only thing I love about this house. But very sad that I shall no longer be able to live half-time in NYC again in about six weeks, because I shall miss the visual stimulation of most of the architecture. Actually incredibly depressed over the whole thing, but no choice. Signed the sales contract yesterday. Wish I could live in my Saab.
everyone have another relaxing week. I do not think we shall hear any news until the new GM Board finishes their multiple day meeting starting August 3.
Ted Y, the news about Classic SAAB is intriguing. Were their sales so bad that SAAB made better sense? I never thought they were doing that well. But I guess I’m wrong? I would like them to do well, but thought they were taking some time to learn the system. Hopefully, things go well for them. If not, maybe Leikin will buy them out.
Picture taken by Benny900 (from forum member of STCS) on the side mirror from todays Saab Meeting in Gefle,Sweden:
http://www.geting.se/viewimage.php?image=185106-DSC01543.JPG
thats what i call saab cruising:)
Well this past week has been a heckuva ride what with the new 9-5 making its surprise appearance. What do you think are the chances of K’egg securing Saab in the next week as has been rumoured?
Congratulations to Mrs Wade’s possible solo art exhibition. She must be bery talented to warrant such an honour.
Swade,congrats to your wife!
Andy, It surprised me too. I didn’t think Saab was doing well there. Maybe it’s their only option. I was told their orders related only to Cadillac, and Saab was not mentioned. And, being that they knew Saab needed dealers, they were staying with Saab, for now at least. I have no business sense though, and I don’t understand these things.
Hey, Lundin
How are you doing my friend. This financial “crisis” isn’t fun for anyone.
Hang in there!
The UNO 001 makes me think of an late 80′s/early 90′s Ferrari crossed with a second gen Toyota MR2. Looks like a cool car though.
None, thanks, i will.
Seen some Oasis-concerts lately, so life is good =)
Will talk to Saab in about 1 week. Let see whats happen.
The up-in-the-air deal is getting silly too.
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