Last weekend we were blessed with some very nice weather here in the South West of England and Jerry from Astley Saab offered us the 9-3 Griffin Convertible that I chose for my “Pick of the Day”.
As they say it would be rude not to take up an offer like that so on the Saturday I collected the car and we went out for dinner with the family with the roof down.
The thing is, when you don’t own a convertible and you get one for a test drive, you tend to go everywhere with the air in your hair. Even in the darkness. Even to go to the shops. Even to the restaurant.
On Sunday we had quite a bit of free time to really enjoy The Griffin. So top down and strapped in we headed for the countryside. But first a quick blast on a duel carriage way to feel the handling at a bit of speed. A lot of you will already know it’s fantastic, very quick and smooth as you go through the gears.
This 9-3 is classed as the SE in the UK. Two models were available at the launch, the other being the Aero. But I’m pretty sure we can now call it a Griffin and the tags on the leather seats agree with me.
It has the 163bhp very smooth 2.0 litre engine connected to a six speed manual gearbox. Very nice heated leather seats comfort your ride.
Jerry, the main man at Astleys, also offers a warrantee for the lucky new owner.
More details can be found on the UK Auto Trader site, easy to find as it “was” the only one there.
Kerry and I totally enjoyed the chance to drive the Griffin and we drove it to a few nice places in order to photograph her. Sadly Azzy missed out as she was at Scout Camp all weekend.
Azzy, next time I will try and make sure you are home.
I have placed all the photos on my Flickr page for those interested.
Great pics and a wonderful experience Robin. Jerry is a very strong stalwart of Saab and has run an excellent Saab facility for many years with great customer service. I think this gesture simply goes to prove that. I wonder who will be the lucky new owner!
Oh that is a nice car… brings back a lot of nice memories from when I got to borrow a convertible like that from Saab! =)
There is something special about Saab convertibles! It is something with their character that most other convertibles lack. And this is one of quite few which were made by Saab in Sweden and not contract manufactured in Austria or Finland. 🙂
I’m pretty sure this one was hand finnished by the guys at ANA.
Absolutely! Particularly these more recent models which do have, as you say, a unique character that sets them apart from the crowd.
Indeed, something nice about a Saab convertible… or convertibles in general. Thanks for sharing.
My SE is the SportCombi (now Maptund) and I agree with you and the seat tags, we can call them Griffins. I`d like the Griffin badges fitted to the front wings to Swedish models, SAAB Parts UK say not available.
Don`t think that was very clear. I meant to say I`d like the badges on my car.
The Griffin badges can be bought from Speedparts here in Sweden:
http://shop.speedparts.se/en/prod/9-3-03/car-body-external/emblem/oe22135_12622135.html
I believe they ship to the UK, but otherwise I can help you arrange it if you send me a private message here on SU.
Thanks JH, I`ll check it out and get back to you.
Classic!
And someone is talking about Lexus! 🙂
+1 🙂
Quote:
“The thing is, when you don’t own a convertible and you get one for a test drive, you tend to go everywhere with the air in your hair. Even in the darkness. Even to go to the shops. Even to the restaurant.”
End of qoute
Sorry to correct you, but this is also true if you do own a convertible. 🙂
+900 from another drop head coupe driver/owner in US : )
Which is the temperature in South West of England, during the day and night,
beautiful car,
What a beauty.
You must have had a wonderful day.
Wished there was more LHD Griffin convertables arround.
Gorgeous car and great opportunity- glad the weather cooperated with your plans : )