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by ValS

We are many, We are SAAB: Warsaw, Poland

January 16, 2012 in We are many, We are SAAB

And here we continue with the We are many, We are SAAB worldwide gatherings – this story we received from Poland, thanks Jeremi and Marcin.

  • A broader update will follow, but this is just for you to know that our “We are many, we are Saab” event in Warsaw, Poland, was an astounding success – and great fun!
    Despite a rapid breakdown in the weather – after many relatively warm weeks we got a sudden bout of cold wind and snow from Scandinavia :D – the attendance was beyond expectations. Over 200 cars and 300 people showed up at the parking of the Cargo Terminal of the Warsaw Airport (who generously allowed as to gather there). 
    Despite it being the start of the winter holiday season in Poland, Saab fans came from all over Poland, driving many hundred kilometres to congregate on this special occassion. We’ve had all kinds of Saabs, from the very newest 9-5s and ’11 9-3s, through YS3Fs, YS3Ds, a fair share of 9000, a swarm of 900, and no less than three 99s! The many two-strokes and 96 V4s Poland is known for in Saab circles had to stay in the garages unfortunately.
    The Saab spirit permeated the gathering, with us sharing coffee, cake and regional specialities, all the while getting photographed, filmed and talking to the media. I guess both them and we ourselves were surprised how MANY we are.
    I hope all the other events around the globe went just as well, and I hope we shall make the impact we hope for.

 

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by ValS

We are many, We are SAAB: TAIWAN. UPD!

January 15, 2012 in Events, We are many, We are SAAB

45 cars were present at the meeting in Northern Taiwan! By the way – it is amazing to see the weather in different parts of the planet ;)

Thanks Mars!

UPD! Alan sent us information about a rally in Central Taiwan

Excellent weather and gathering 25 Saab cars.
Another four cars even moved to the highest road of Taiwan, 3275m with 6 Celsius.  

You can upload and watch other pictures from this event here – saabsunited.com/taiwan

 

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by ValS

We are many, We are SAAB : FINLAND

January 15, 2012 in Events, We are many, We are SAAB

Here is the story about the gathering in Finland by Petteri!

  • Saab Club of Finland organized a WeAreSAAB meeting in Tampere.
    We had 120 cars and 250-300 participants, which was perhaps slightly less than expected, but that didn’t make it a lesser meeting in any way. The meeting was well organized and the rows of Saabs sure looked great on this bright winter day.The weather was rather chilly with -8C and a biting breeze. Luckily the club had organized a tent and a “soup cannon” so it was possible to spend some time shielded from the wind, eating some wonderful meat soup for lunch.

    We started at 11, had lunch, listened to some short speeches, took photos, talked a lot of Saab Talk, met many Saab friends and made new ones. Unlike some greater meetings, we didn’t hire a plane for photos but used a skylift instead. :) At 14 it was time to line up and make a short convoy before heading home.

    I can’t speak for all of us, but at least I had a great time and I could feel the Saab Spirit was there.

    Cheers, Petteri

 

More pictures here -saabsunited.com/finland

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by ValS

We are many, we are SAAB: Moscow Part 1

January 15, 2012 in Events, We are many, We are SAAB

Yesterday I attended the first part of the meeting in Moscow. More than 170 cars. Today one more meeting will take place at the Moscow State University but unfortunately I can not  attend it – so we wait for more pictures!

More pictures here http://www.saabsunited.com/russia

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by ValS

Cars getting ready for We are many, We are SAAB. Spain

January 11, 2012 in Events, Saabology

These nice pictures we got from Anatoly, a Russian guy who lives in Spain and attends all SAAB events organized by  Saab Club of Spain. Enjoy!

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by Rune

Six Gaps Cruise (New England) – BYOS

June 19, 2011 in Events

Jim C sends word that he is arranging a little climbing driving event starting/ending in Rochester, Vermont. The event will be similar to last year’s Mount Washington trek. As you can see mentioned below, there is a new and improved video posted of that event.

Jim C explains: Read the rest of this entry →

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by Swade

Awesome Saab club cars come out to play in Oz

February 10, 2011 in Saabology

I get a lot of photos come through my inbox from Saab events all around the world. Sitting here in Australia, it’s easy to look at these brilliant cars in faraway places and think that all the good stuff is closer to Sweden. We are, after all, about as far away from the Saaberland as you can get. Sometimes I neglect to remember that we’ve got some pretty special cars down here, too.

A handful of those cars, either standard or exotic, got together last weekend in Sydney for a meeting of the NSW Branch of the Saab Car Club of Australia.

It was a normal Saab Club affair (meet, greet, street and eat), but when I saw some of the photos yesterday, it made me want to jump in a DeLorean, crank it to 88 and re-live my weekend in another location.

Some pics of some of the attendees….. there were around 13 cars and 22 people there all together.

(I’m guessing here, but) I believe the 99 below belongs to Simon A, who has a 99T that’s just as extraordinary. He’s also the guy who sold me my 900 Aero a few years ago and I can personally attest to the amazing condition that he keeps his cars in.

This would have undoubtedly been the celebrity car of the event – an ultra rare Saab 900 Enduro. These were a limited edition of 12 put together by Saab Australia, featuring an outrageous body kit, water injection and some other go-faster stuff. There are believed to be just 5 of these remaining, making them rarer that the original Saab Sonett!

This one makes me sentimental because it’s actually my old Viggen. Now owned by Wayne G, in Sydney, and apparently running as smooth as silk (which is fantastic news considering the accident I had in it). Wayne – I want it back some day :-)

The 9000 Carlsson is another favourite of mine. Great to see this white one there.

As you could tell from my SOTW entry yesterday, I’ve got a massive softspot for the TurboX. My good mate Jose owns this Turbo X, one of the first few purchased in Australia.

One more shot of the Enduro….. I really want to do a proper feature entry on this car one day. I must get up to Sydders and meet the owner some time.

And yes, there were people there :-) …..and what a fine bunch they look like, too. Not a heavy looking right foot amongst the lot of them.

——

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by Swade

Friday Snippets – Fire edition

January 28, 2011 in Saabology

I was quite distressed last night to hear about a fire being deliberately lit in my favourite hotel – the Scandic Swania in Trollhattan.

Most people who have visited Trollhattan would be familiar with the Swania and I know a bunch of SU readers have stayed there over the years during Saab Festival and other events. It’s great views, wonderful rooms, exceptional staff (and great breakfasts!) make it a wonderful place to stay when you’re visiting the land of Saab.

Thankfully, no-one was hurt in the fire. I hope they catch the bastard that lit it and that the Scandic group can rebuild the damaged sections of the hotel soon.

——

Saab fans in south-east Pennsylvania should look in on the SE Penn Saab Club forum and check out the Independence Day drive they’re organising for February 20th.

The plan at the moment is for a light brunch around 10am and then a drive to the appropriately named Victory brewing company for a tour and a lunch.

They need to book the tour, so check in at the forum and show your interest.

——

Speaking of Saab gatherings, the Saab Swiss Fondue meeting was held last weekend in Switzerland. Around 60+ people and 30 Saabs were there for the weekend and it looks like there was a good time, and plenty of cheese, had by all.

They got some good media coverage, too. This is just one of many…..

The event was organised by Dimini.ch, who sell wonderful scale model Saabs (and a few others).

There are plenty of photos here and even some good video over at Saab Actu.

——

Hilton Holloway from Autocar has published a review of the baby of the Saab 9-5 range – the 1.6T petrol version.

It’s actually quite a positive read but the same problems with UK tests persist – a ride experience that’s less comfy than it should be. It seems 18 wheels with 45 profile tyres aren’t doing the trick and if some other setup is available, then UK journos should be getting that alternative.

HH quite likes the 1.6T engine in most instances and the overall finish of the car seems to have improved in his estimation.

——

All you advocates of a high powered Saab ought to get your thinking caps on in preparation for the weekend – the SU Hi-Po Challenge will be on.

–

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by Swade

Thursday Night Snippets – Gomez edition

January 20, 2011 in Saabology

Get myself arrested is one of my favourite tunes of all time and I’m pretty sure you’ll be singing it after watching this video from the Brussels Motor Show.

It’s not often that Victor Muller is upstaged in a video, but I think it’s fair to say it’s happened here. It’s in Dutch, but don’t let that stop you.

The video also features the wonderful Sofie from Saab, which is a surprise as she’s usually a behind-the-scenes type. Wonderful to see her out and about as she does so much hard work there in Belgium.

——

Speaking of VM, Saabworld has come across a great story about his little dinghy, which you can hire if you’ve got some spare change and want to drift around the Caribbean during the winter.

Click here for more pictures of The Highlander (there can be only one VM, right).

——

And whilst we’re covering VM and extravagant things, let’s move sideways to Spyker. It seems the rumours were true: they’re ditching the Audi powerplant for a 6.2litre LS9 engine out of the Corvette for the C8 Aileron Spyder.

Grunty, with craftsmanship.

——

Congratulations to Till72, another one of our regulars here at SU, who’ll be off to the Ice Hotel at Saab Germany’s invitation for the Saab Ice Experience.

Rumour has it that another occasional SU contributor might be heading up there, too.

Add those to Sappy who won a trip from SaabGB last week and it’s going to be a regular SU party up there!

——

It’s interesting that reader opinions seem to be divided over which engine should be the one to power the Saab 9-5 SportCombi in the US.

It’s a no-win situation for SCNA if you ask me.

——

Luke Lewis, the guy who organised the reportedly resplendent autumnal drive through Connecticut back in November is planning another one.

This time it’s a trek around Rhode Island, on Saturday, March 12th.

Interested parties should check out the Facebook page for the event.

——

A Saab Support Convoy memory from Denmark. January 2011.

Thanks to Hans T

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by Swade

Saab Swiss Fondue Meeting – January 22-23

January 13, 2011 in Saabology

For the Europeans with a penchant for Saabs ….. and cheese.

Dimini.ch, purveyors of fine Saab models (I’ve still got to order one of those new C900s) are putting together a gathering of a social nature for the Saab aficionado in Le Côty, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

They already have around 60 people attending from a number of countries in Europe. If you’d like to join them, the details are below and you can register online either here or here. There’s also a Facebook page for the event.

——

Saturday 22 January 2011 :

  • from 11h. lunch-aperitif
  • afternoon, activities according to the weather and to the snow
  • From 18 h. Aperitif followed by the meal cheese fondue Neuchâteloise, Restaurant La Vieille Fontaine, Le Côty, CH-2058 Le Pâquier

Sunday 23 January 2011:

  • from 10 h. Brunch at the restaurant La Vieille Fontaine

Costs : Saturday evening meal CHF. 35.–/€ 27.– , brunch CHF. 25.–/€ 19.–, night in dormitory CHF. 15.–/€ 12.–

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by Swade

Saab independence celebration – Dallas TX

January 13, 2011 in Saabology

There will be several groups re-living the Saab Support Convoys they held last year.

Some Saab nuts in Dallas will be gathering in a celebration of Saab’s independence.

Date: Saturday, January 22 from 01:00 PM to 4:30 PM

It’s time to gather and celebrate that SAAB lives on after just one year of a pending death sentence! This date was by far the most popular so I hope you can attend.

I thought we could meet for lunch and a mid-day margarita if you are so inclined at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop since they have good parking. (www.fuzzystacoshop.com)
From there it is a short drive over to White Rock Lake. There is a great spot for a photo overlooking dwntwn Dallas at the old Dreyfuss Club spot located at E Lawther Dr Dallas, TX, 75394 (East side of White Rock Lake).

Access from Lake Highlands from N Buckner Blvd

Take Tiffany Way Left from Lake Highlands down toward lakeside trail. Keep right to Dreyfus Club spot on top of the hill.

The goal of this meet is to celebrate all things SAAB and be thankful for the future. Unless it is just pouring rain please try to make it out! Please call or email with any questions!

Thanks – Daniel

If anyone in the area is interested in attending and hasn’t got the contact information, please let me know and I’ll connect you with Daniel.

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by Swade

Saab Turbo X Euromeeting 2011

January 7, 2011 in Saabology

Do you have a Saab Turbo X?

Are you one of the unfortunate Sith Lords who bought the wrong car, something other than a Turbo X?

Do you not have a Saab Turbo X but lust after Saab’s modern Black Turbo?

Do you just enjoy the thought of a bunch of Saab Turbo X’s gathering in the same place?

Some Turbo X owners in France are hosting the first ever Saab Turbo X Euromeeting in May. You don’t have to own a Turbo X to go along, though obviously that’s the focus of the gathering.

They have a website (in French) and a Facebook page alrady set up for the event and invite anyone interested in the Turbo X to check out the event and come along.

The following information was sent along by Leigh M, one of the organisers.

——

THE PROGRAM:

SATURDAY 21st of May 2011 from 11am to 6pm :

-> Meeting nearby to the Lac du Der, which is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, offering numerous activities for children, adults, individuals & families. A private meeting area will be reserved close to the lake (50m) and close to the local lake harbour.

-> Picnic nearby to the lake (each one is invited to bring all his picnic necessary and some specialties to share with other participants)

-> Optional afternoon activities :

  • A huge choice of individual and/or family activities are possible (6 sand beaches, tree climbing resort, miniature golf, ride on the lake, etc …)
  • A 2 hours roadbook will also be available for all who whish to discover the Champagne country side and numerous points of interest.
  • Full details on the exceptional site of the Lac du Der and the many activities available here: http://www.lacduder.com/

Read the rest of this entry →

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by Swade

Saab Club Taiwan end of year celebration

January 7, 2011 in Saabology

One of the great things about the Saab Support Convoys back in January last year (was it really one year ago????) was the fact that you got to see people supporting Saab in countries that you may never have thought had a significant Saab following.

The amount of support coming out of Asia was a real eye-opener for me and one of the great expressions of support came from Taiwan, where they assembled a massive 180 vehicles for a heartwarming Saab Support Convoy.

The Saab Club of Taiwan had a gathering on December 31st to see in the new year, with a still-impressive 40 vehicles and around 60 people attending.

Happy New Year to you Saabnuts in Taiwan, and thanks for the photos and video! I hope you all have a wonderful 2011.

——

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4ZEZaSQ97Q

–

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by Swade

Monday Night Snippets

November 15, 2010 in Saabology

BIG thanks to Jeff P for the LA Auto Show banner featuring at the top of the website all this week!

Outstanding stuff. I know a few people have commented on it already, so Jeff – it’s put smiles on people’s faces already……. job done!

——

This might be the final entry on SU before I hit LA, so there’s a bit of stuff to cover.

——

People and cars.

That’s what this stuff is all about. People and cars.

——

One of Finland’s former parliamentarians, Riitta Uosukainen, is doing some free promotional work for Saab after she and her husband had a collision with a moose on the weekend:

“We were driving with my husband at 17.00 (this time of the year it’s really dark outside in Finland at five O’clock), when suddenly a giant moose jumped out from the dark straight on to our car.”

The impact was so severe that Mrs. Uosukainen thanks the rugged build of the car, and thanks to that nothing bad happened to the people inside it:
“The car was totaled. If it hadn’t been a Saab we both (She and Her husband) would of been dead.”

Then she thanks all the officials who arrived to the scene and gives compliments to the Police, ambulance staff, tow-car company and the hospital. Everything worked flawlessly. “I think it’s good for everybody to know”.

The she gives a warning to all drivers out there: “It’s unbelievable how this situation could surprise us all. The way it came (the moose, translators clarification), there are no words to describe it. It’s such a noise that it felt as if it fell from the sky.”

Thanks to Pekko for the translation.

Assuming they’ll order a new 9-5 to replace the one the moose just totalled, perhaps VM could deliver it personally to keep the story rolling?

——

I had a great catch-up dinner with a couple of Sydney Saab friends this evening. OK, Richo’s moved over to the dark side, but I still sense good in him, as does Princess Lea [sic]. Brendan B was there with his Viggen convertible, too.

The other members of the Sydney Saab clan that I usually catch up with were probably sick of seeing each other’s faces as they had what looks like a great meet-and-drive event on the weekend.

I had to put two shots of the Viggen in there – because it used to be mine! It’s now owned by a guy named Wayne G, who tells me it’s purring like a cat.

Great job, NSW Saab nuts!

——

The Guardian had a short review of the Saab 9-5 over the weekend.

No urgency. Not much of huge interest there.

——

It’s interesting that Volvo’s new Chinese owners want to move into places Volvo hadn’t planned on going….

…. and then their main product development guy leaves.

Saab might be struggling onwards, but I still think we got the better deal.

——

LA – here we come!

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by Swade

Saab Homecoming at Reinertsen Motors (NJ)

November 12, 2010 in Saabology

Reinertsen Motors are one of a number of dealerships that I only ever hear good things about, so when I got an email about this (I’m on their regular mailing list) I emailed Keith Coultrap at Reinertsen to find out some more.

Saab Homecoming Event

Where: Reinertsen Motors – Denville, NJ
When: November 20, 2010, 10am-4pm
Why:

  1. Show off your Saab
  2. See the RMI Saab Heritage Collection
  3. Test-drive the All-New 9-5 Sedan, both the Aero & Turbo4 will be available.

Test-Drive an All-New 9-5 Sedan to receive a $25 voucher to use on your next visit to the Reinertsen Motors Service or Parts Department.

Bagels & Mimosas will be served from 10am to noon…Skol!

Whilst a number of dealers have already had launch events for the Saab 9-5, Reinertsen decided to wait until the 4-cylinder range was available for people to see and test drive. This is a lunch event, another great opportunity for Saab people to get together, catch up, enjoy their vehicles and support a local, standalone dealer.

Reinertsen are hoping for a good fleet of Saab cars to turn up, show off – and for people to check out the new 2011 Saab 9-5, of course.

As mentioned in the promo, they’ll also have a few of their own vintage Saabs available for inspection (not for sale, though!). These include a 1972 96 V4, a 1980 99 EMS and the classic 1990 900 SPG. Hopefully there will be a few old Saab racers on site as well.

If you’re in the area, mark the 20th November on your calendar and get along to Reinertsen.

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