As noted in comments, the final Saab 9-5 has rolled off the assembly line in Trollhattan and my guess is that like the final Saab 9000 hat rolled off the line many years ago, this one was made exactly to specifications requested by Peter Backstrom, director of the Saab Museum.
The car, which incidentally is the 483,593th Saab 9-5 since June 1997, is a Snow Silver model, with a 2.3t BioPower engine with 210 horsepower under the hood. It's pretty much fully loaded, too, with similar spec to a Vector Sport Griffin Edition.
By way of comparison, the Saab 9-5's predecessor, the Saab 9000, was made for a slightly longer period and hence around 22,000 more of the 9000 were made over its lifetime.
Here's Peter getting the keys to the car.....and look at all those happy Saab workers in the background :-)
And introducing himself in the most appropriate way :-) Gotta love those Saab hugs.
The stats and photos in this story have come from Teknikens Varld, and you can see a heap more photos of this car being produced there.
I get the impression that it takes about a month to pop one out, followed by two months of waiting.
http://www.teknikensvarld.se/_internal/cimg!0/3hbac0jb1d5fgaxbzd4jfxo5vphbhq5.jpg
I really do think that the MY06 "Dame Edna" is a seriously good looking car, the satin chrome grilles of the MY09 & MY10 car (Same as the Hirsch ones) finishing the look off. So much presence on the road when you see one coming towards you.
A truly great Saab that has stood the test of time so very well.
MY10 9-5 you have alot to live upto
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that a picture of a New Generation 9-5 "CONVERTIBLE" on this T-shirt?
Look at the wheels and nose of the car!
http://www.teknikensvarld.se/_internal/cimg!0/ci9duif3cstgf16w28223pzy4x62hdy.jpg
Does this mean that the new 9-5 Combi is closer to production than anticipated?
Hang in there...I'm sure your baby is on its way!
:-)
You are one truly impressive Aussie, mate.
I had 9-5 #204, and was forced to sell it when I moved to Germany. Still miss that car.
O O
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\___/
it was a new car worth buying.
Since then I've bought 6 of them -- all great cars and only 1 not around -- got backed over by a Garbage truck -- but it's Aero drivetrain still runs strong in a 2k wagon with 150k.
In typical Saab fashion, they just got better -- except for the interior. Great cars, and they will be around for a long time.
It deserves the "Swug" from Peter. And from many of us.
Just, y'know, let me borrow the keys to your NG9.5.
=)
Now Let's bring in the New 9-5, and speaking of Nice cars check out # 15 in this list of cars.
http://autos.sympatico.ca/photos-videos/2776/20-future-classics-for-less-than-20-000
Onward and upward with the new 9-5!
Griffin Up!
Actually started as a 1709cc in 1967, co-developed by Saab, Triumph and Ricardo. Triumph also used the 1854 for the Dolomite. The B20 didn't come until 1972 with the EMS.
Thyl..
Saab were very involved with development of the later ECOTEC L850 engine, to make it suitable for turbocharging. The 150 and 210 PS units were unique to Saab, but other versions were used in Vauxhalls (Astra, Vectra and VX220). Sadly, Saab were denied the technology to get more out of the engine such as Variable valve timing, that's why Cobalts could be specified with 240PS units....
Congratulations!
John.
It's a historical moment, the retirement of the 12-year long iconic era of THE 95.
Besides I know the new and great 9-5 is here, I'm still taking a moment and nod my head a bit ruefully, and say goodbye. I will miss her much.
An end of a legendary era but a new successor is here to stay and rock!