There’s a guy up in Sydney, a Saab nut named Steve Emanuel. He used to run a workshop called Saab Serve and I think he even worked on my old silver 1985 Saab 900 Aero before I bought it. He got out of Saab Serve a few years ago and is now one of the Aussie parts gurus, running a business called Saab Salvage.
Steve recently used all of his Saab experience to put together a ripping Saab 900, which he drove with some success in the Kidney Kar Rally here in Australia.
Steve entered the rally with his co-driver, Paul Laing, and together they brought home three pieces of silverware for the trophy cabinet – Best Presented Car, Top Rookie and Second Outright amongst the entire field. Not bad for a first effort, eh?
Of course, the best success of all is raising money from the event, which is used to support Kidney Health Australia in running a group of camps for kids with kidney disease. A great cause!
A friend in Sydney, Wayne G, recently sent the following through about the event:
The Saab was built ground-up from a 1985 900 AERO turbo. over the last 7 months at Steve’s Saab Salvage business in Sydney. It ran 15psi turbo boost, modified gearbox ratios and shifter, and the Dunlop Direzza rally tyres on 15 inch rims were superb over very rough roads. Their only mechanical issue was a cracked gearbox bellhousing on the final day, as rocks pushed the sumpguard rearwards. The car now occupies pride of place in Steve’s office showroom, unwashed after the event, but looking brilliant.
As a result of this successful run, Steve and Paul have been invited to run in next year’s AMSAG Southern Cross Rally Series, which should be a whole lot of fun.
The car currently sits as a display vehicle in Steve’s Saab Salvage offices, unwashed and proud from the Kidney Kar event. Well done to the lads.
A comprehensive gallery is included below.
Click to enlarge.
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