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The Legacy of Mannes Bilservice: Keeping Saab Alive
In the small town of Sölvesborg, Sweden, a dedicated team at Mannes Bilservice is doing what many thought impossible—keeping the Saab spirit alive. Led by Philip Salonen, this specialized Saab service center has become a sanctuary for Saab enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it’s a classic 99 or the ultra-rare 9-5NG Sportwagon, Mannes Bilservice handles it all with unparalleled dedication.
Philip’s team doesn’t just repair Saabs; they rebuild, reimagine, and enhance them. From complete overhauls to implementing never-released factory tech, the team demonstrates the innovative essence that Saab embodied. This article delves into one of their most celebrated creations—Philip Salonen’s custom-built Saab 9-5NG Sportwagon, a car that has captured the hearts of the Saab community worldwide.
The Ultra-Rare Saab 9-5NG Sportwagon
The Saab 9-5NG Sportwagon is more than a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. Produced in just 33 prototypes before Saab’s untimely demise, fewer than 20 remain today. These cars were never intended for public use, and General Motors had initially ordered them scrapped to prevent the design from reaching the market.
Philip Salonen’s journey with his 9-5NG Sportwagon began in 2017. Purchased as a bare-bones 9-5ng Linear model with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, manual transmission, and right-hand drive configuration, it was far from the high-performance machine it would eventually become. But Philip and his team at Mannes Bilservice had a vision—to transform this rare prototype into a fully loaded, high-performance masterpiece.
From Prototype to Perfection
Turning a prototype into a daily driver was no small feat. The transformation began with converting the steering from right-hand to left-hand drive, an undertaking that required replacing the entire firewall—a task completed with surgical precision. Next came the heart transplant: the original engine was swapped for Saab’s most potent offering—a 2.8-liter V6 Turbo, paired with an XWD all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission. This upgrade brought the car’s performance to a staggering 330 horsepower, courtesy of Hirsch tuning.
But the team didn’t stop at the powertrain. The Sportwagon was outfitted with an active DriveSense suspension system, Brembo four-piston brakes, and Hirsch aerodynamic enhancements, including a body kit. Inside, the upgrades continued with ventilated leather sports seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and rear-seat entertainment screens. Every detail was carefully considered to create a car that not only honored Saab’s legacy but pushed its boundaries.
But the team didn’t stop at the powertrain. The Sportwagon was outfitted with an active DriveSense suspension system, Brembo four-piston brakes, and Hirsch aerodynamic enhancements, including a body kit. Inside, the upgrades continued with ventilated leather sports seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and rear-seat entertainment screens. Every detail was carefully considered to create a car that not only honored Saab’s legacy but pushed its boundaries.
Modification List:
- Engine: 1.6T 4-cylinder upgraded to 2.8T V6 Hirsch (330hp)
- Drivetrain: FWD converted to XWD (all-wheel drive)
- Steering: RHD converted to LHD
- Brakes: Standard to Brembo 4-piston
- Suspension: Standard to DriveSense adaptive chassis
- Bodywork: Aero Hirsch body kit
- Interior: Upgraded to ventilated leather seats with heating/cooling
- Infotainment: Rear-seat entertainment and 3-zone climate control
- Lighting: Adaptive AFL xenon headlights with US configuration
- Blind Spot Monitoring: SBZA system added (never entered production)
- Tailgate: Electric tailgate added
- Exhaust: Hirsch sports exhaust
The Challenges of Customization
The journey was not without its challenges. Early on, Philip and his team discovered that the donor car’s wiring harness was incompatible with the Sportwagon’s systems. “Nothing worked as it should,” Philip recalled, “and we had to fabricate a custom harness from scratch.” This painstaking process involved reprogramming and integrating features that were never meant to coexist.
Adding to the complexity was the rarity of parts. With only 33 units produced, sourcing replacement components for the Sportwagon was nearly impossible. Mannes Bilservice relied on their extensive network of Saab specialists and salvaged parts from donor vehicles to complete the project. Philip credits much of the project’s success to his colleague Oskar Persson, whose expertise in Saab electronics was invaluable.
Preserving a Masterpiece
Owning a 9-5NG Sportwagon is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. Philip is acutely aware of the rarity and significance of his car. “These are not cars you take to the supermarket,” he says. “You park carefully, back into spots, and always stay vigilant.” The car spends most of its time in a climate-controlled garage, only emerging for special occasions like the Saab Car Museum Festival.
Despite its limited outings, the Sportwagon has clocked over 1,000 miles this summer, including a 600-mile European road trip. For Philip, these journeys are a testament to the car’s reliability and a celebration of the hard work that went into its creation.
A Tribute to Saab’s Ingenuity
The Saab 9-5NG Sportwagon is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of what could have been. It embodies the innovative spirit of Saab, a brand that consistently pushed the envelope in design and engineering. Through their work, Mannes Bilservice ensures that this legacy lives on.
Philip Salonen’s Sportwagon is not just a personal achievement but a beacon for Saab enthusiasts everywhere. “We have a duty to preserve these cars,” he says, “not just as vehicles but as pieces of Swedish art.”
Connecting the Saab Community
Philip and his team actively engage with the global Saab community through events, social media, and their workshop. Mannes Bilservice has become a hub for enthusiasts seeking to restore, upgrade, or simply maintain their Saabs. Their commitment to the brand is evident in every project they undertake, from minor repairs to ground-up restorations like the 9-5NG Sportwagon.
For those eager to follow Philip’s journey, Mannes Bilservice shares updates on Instagram and Facebook. Their dedication inspires Saab lovers to continue celebrating the brand’s rich history and bright future.
