The article published in the South American online car magazine “Vade Retro“, tells the story of how the author acquired a Saab 900SE Coupe, a car of a very rare brand in that part of the world. The article is titled “Mi clásico: Saamba de uma nota só” provides a personal account of the author’s (Alejandro Tasso) experience of buying and owning the rare Saab car, including the challenges they faced during the process. “Vaderetro” does not have a physical headquarters, but its makers alternate between Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo and the collaborators live and share experiences around the world.
Table of Contents
The Beginning of the Argentine Saab story
The author begins the story by explaining how they received a phone call from a friend called Pelusa, who was looking to sell her Saab 900SE Coupe. The car had been in Pelusa’s possession since it was new, and had been well-loved by her husband, who had since passed away. The author and Pelusa arranged to meet at a petrol station to discuss the details of the sale.
Alejandro agreed to buy the car, with the condition that they would not convert it to run on GNC (compressed natural gas). However, the purchase was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, and the author was forced to tell Pelusa to sell the car to someone else. The car was eventually sold to a dealership as part of a trade-in deal for a Ford.
Finding the Car Again
Some time later, the author came across an ad for a Saab 900SE Coupe in a newspaper. The ad included a phone number, and the car was located in the Zona Norte of the AMBA (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area). The author was able to verify that the car was Pelusa’s by checking the VIN decoder that they had kept in the sun visor of their Peugeot 306. Alejandro arranged to meet the seller at a dealership to discuss the sale.
The author and the seller had a few disagreements about the car, but eventually reached an agreement. The author named the car “el perro verde” (the green dog), although their colleagues referred to it as “el auto para toda la vida” (the car for life).
Owning the Saab 900SE Coupe
The author owned the Saab 900SE Coupe for a number of years, during which time it shared duties with the Peugeot 306. The two cars even went on trips together, including to the Noroeste, San Juan, and Santa Catarina in Brazil.
Eventually, the Peugeot 306 was retired from active service, and the author switched to using a Trek Series 4 mountain bike for transportation. The Saab 900SE Coupe now waits patiently in the author’s garage for the end of the quarantine period.
This story highlights the importance of being patient and vigilant when searching for a particular car model. By keeping a printed VIN decoder handy and regularly checking classified ads, the author was able to find a rare and coveted car that met their exact specifications. Additionally, the author’s knowledge of Saab cars gave them an advantage when negotiating with the seller, who was unaware that the car had a manual transmission.
Finding the car of your dreams
For those searching for a specific car model, it is essential to do your research and stay informed. Keeping a VIN decoder on hand can be useful in identifying the exact make and model of a car, and regularly checking classified ads can increase your chances of finding the car you want. Additionally, having knowledge about the specific features and details of a car can be a valuable asset when negotiating with a seller.
The Alejandro’s experience in finding and purchasing their Saab 900SE Coupe serves as a reminder that persistence and knowledge can pay off in the search for the perfect car. Whether you are a car enthusiast or simply in need of a reliable vehicle, taking the time to do your research and stay informed can make all the difference in finding the car of your dreams.
This story is a great reminder of the joys of owning and driving a classic car. While modern vehicles are often more efficient and reliable, they lack the personality and character that classic cars possess. The Alejandro’s Saab 900SE Coupe has become more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a symbol of their passion for cars and the adventures they’ve had together.
If you’re a classic car enthusiast, vadeRetro invites you to share your own stories and collections. You can submit photos and information to their website or by contacting them directly. Whether you own a vintage sports car or a restored classic, sharing your passion with others is a great way to connect with fellow enthusiasts and keep the legacy of classic cars alive.
