SAAB News

From the Heart of Dubai: A Unique Roland Garros-Inspired Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible for Sale

A Journey of Passion and Precision in Customizing a Unique Saab Convertible

A beautifully customized green Saab 9-3 Convertible, meticulously upgraded by Dušan Marjanović in Dubai, showcasing unique design elements and Hirsch Performance alloy wheels.

In the bustling metropolis of Dubai, where luxury cars are a common sight, one particular vehicle has captured the attention of car enthusiasts and social media alike. Dušan Marjanović, a well-known tennis coach and owner of a prestigious tennis academy in Dubai, is selling his meticulously customized Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible for a mere 8,000 euros. This price might seem modest considering the car’s extensive upgrades and personalized touches, which could fetch at least 15,000 euros in the European market.

The Man Behind the Machine

Dušan Marjanović is not just any car owner; he is a passionate Saab enthusiast who has invested significant time, effort, and money into transforming his beloved Saab 9-3 Convertible. Previously, he owned a Saab 9-3 V6 Aero, which he sold two years ago.

Continue reading after the ad

His love for automobiles, especially Saabs, is evident in every detail of this stunning convertible. The unique green color of this Saab, inspired by the Peugeot 205 GTI Roland Garros edition, and the custom design elements such as the Griffin front bumper and Hirsch Performance three-spoke alloy wheels, all bear his signature touch.

A beautifully customized green Saab 9-3 Convertible, meticulously upgraded by Dušan in Dubai. This unique vehicle features a special Roland Garros green paint, inspired by the Peugeot 205 GTI Roland Garros edition, adding a touch of elegance and exclusivity.
A beautifully customized green Saab 9-3 Convertible, meticulously upgraded by Dušan in Dubai. This unique vehicle features a special Roland Garros green paint, inspired by the Peugeot 205 GTI Roland Garros edition, adding a touch of elegance and exclusivity.

A Labor of Love

Dušan’s Saab 9-3 started its life as a ‘Linear’ model but has since been upgraded to resemble a powerful ‘Aero’ variant. The transformation involved countless hours of research, online orders, and hands-on modifications. From the striking green paint job to the meticulously chosen parts, every aspect of this car reflects Dušan’s dedication and vision. Despite not planning to sell the car initially, Dušan is now compelled to part with it due to personal reasons.

The special Roland Garros green paint is perfectly complemented by the beige leather interior, featuring newly refurbished seats, creating an elegant and harmonious look.
The special Roland Garros green paint is perfectly complemented by the beige leather interior, featuring newly refurbished seats, creating an elegant and harmonious look.

A Detailed Look at the Upgrades

Dušan’s ad for the car provides a comprehensive overview of the modifications and enhancements made to this Saab 9-3 Convertible:

Continue reading after the ad
  • Model and Mileage: Originally a 2009 Linear model, this 2.0T convertible has clocked 211,000 km, with Dušan having bought it at 84,000 km.
  • Performance Enhancements: The car features a lowered suspension with new sets of both shocks and springs, Stage 1 tuning increasing the power to 225hp, and a custom exhaust system.
  • Cooling and Handling: A Hirsch intercooler, brand new radiator, and Do88 silicone hoses ensure optimal engine cooling, while the Maptun strut brace and sport suspension components enhance handling.
  • Aesthetic Upgrades: The car sports a Griffin front bumper, custom paint (BMW P7T), and 19-inch Hirsch three-spoke wheels with new tires.
  • Interior Refinements: Refurbished seats, a Kenwood stereo, leather door handles, and a Turbo X steering wheel add luxury to the interior.
The special Roland Garros green paint is perfectly complemented by the beige leather interior and beige soft top, creating an elegant and harmonious look. The beige top is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a practical choice for the sunny Dubai climate.
The special Roland Garros green paint is perfectly complemented by the beige leather interior and beige soft top, creating an elegant and harmonious look. The beige top is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a practical choice for the sunny Dubai climate.

The Challenges of Owning a Saab in Dubai

Owning a Saab in Dubai is not without its challenges. The rarity of the brand in the region means that finding parts and servicing the vehicle can be both difficult and expensive. Dušan often sources parts online and performs many of the repairs himself.

For instance, a radiator for the Saab 9-3 cost him 120 euros, but after including shipping and customs duties, the total came to nearly 300 euros. This example highlights the dedication and additional financial burden faced by Saab owners in regions where the brand is considered exotic.

green paint is perfectly complemented by the beige leather interior, featuring newly refurbished seats. The beige top provides a practical solution for the sunny Dubai climate, while the interior's luxurious details, including the Turbo X steering wheel and leather door handles, add a touch of sophistication and comfort.
green paint is perfectly complemented by the beige leather interior, featuring newly refurbished seats. The beige top provides a practical solution for the sunny Dubai climate, while the interior’s luxurious details, including the Turbo X steering wheel and leather door handles, add a touch of sophistication and comfort.

Future Plans and Hopes

Despite the decision to sell this custom Saab 9-3, Dušan’s passion for the brand remains undiminished. He plans to acquire another Saab for his residence in Dubai and hopes to find a good example to keep in Serbia for when he visits home. His dream is to enjoy a beautifully restored Saab whenever he is back in Serbia, and he is optimistic about finding a suitable vehicle that he can customize with the same care and attention as his current convertible.

Continue reading after the ad

The Sale Ad

Dušan’s advertisement for his Saab 9-3 Convertible reads:

Hi Saab people, I’m selling my car. 2.0t 2009 Linear originally, with loads of upgrades (basically Aero now). No accidents. I painted it for the kicks of it, and I think it looks amazing like this! 😃 211000km on the clock. I bought it at 84000km. Lowered suspension (new sets of both shocks and springs), Stage 1 tuning (225hp), custom exhaust, Hirsch intercooler, brand new radiator and Do88 silicone hoses, 3 spoke Hirsch 19 inch wheels, 4 new tires, new set of brake pads (all 4), strut brace, refurbished seats, Kenwood stereo, leather door handles inside. Turbo X steering wheel, refurbished (gear shift working properly) Unfortunately it has to go.

 This elegant look is enhanced by the Griffin front bumper and Hirsch Performance alloy wheels, making this Saab a unique blend of style and performance.
This elegant look is enhanced by the Griffin front bumper and Hirsch Performance alloy wheels, making this Saab a unique blend of style and performance.

Specifications and Upgrades List

  • Base Model: Saab 9-3 Linear Convertible
  • Engine: 2.0T
  • Mileage: 211,000 km
  • Paint: Custom BMW P7T
  • Wheels: 19″ Hirsch three-spoke (235/35/R19) with four new tires
  • Suspension: Lowered sport suspension (Bilstein sport shocks, Maptun sport springs)
  • Brakes: New set of brake pads
  • Exhaust: Custom-made exhaust
  • Air Filter: KN air filter
  • Intercooler: Hirsch (225hp)
  • Cooling: Do88 silicone coolant hose set
  • Handling: Maptun strut brace
  • Interior: Refurbished seats, Turbo X steering wheel, leather door handles, and gear stick cover
  • Exterior: Griffin front bumper (brand new)
  • Steering: Refurbished steering pump

This unique Saab 9-3 Convertible, with its impressive list of upgrades and custom features, is not just a car; it is a testament to Dušan Marjanović’s passion and dedication. For Saab enthusiasts and car lovers alike, this vehicle offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive art that has been lovingly crafted and maintained.

For more information and to view the car, visit the listing on Dubizzle.

Continue reading after the ad
Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

Leave a Reply