Saab 9000 Talladega Returns: The Ultimate Tribute to an Endurance Icon

Saab Enthusiasm Born Early

For Mona Dissler, the passion for Saab was instilled from childhood. Growing up in a family that exclusively drove Saabs, Mona’s automotive identity was shaped early—there was no alternative marque. Though she briefly explored other cars, such as the Volkswagen Golf, nothing ever replaced Saab’s distinct charm. Her defining moment occurred in 1988 when she drove a Saab promotional vehicle during a cycling event in Umeå. It was a white Saab 9000 equipped with an airflow package and around 190 horsepower—a groundbreaking experience for the then 18-year-old. Despite an unfortunate accident during the event, the car left an indelible mark, igniting a lifelong ambition to own such a unique Saab.

The Legend of the Saab 9000 Talladega

The Saab 9000 Talladega is no ordinary variant; it’s a tribute to Saab’s incredible endurance record set at the Talladega Speedway in Alabama in 1986. Three stock 9000s, fresh off the production line, tackled a relentless 20-day marathon, averaging a remarkable 213 km/h over 100,000 kilometers. This historic feat set 19 international speed records, showcasing Saab’s extraordinary durability. To honor this achievement, Saab produced around 250 special-edition Talladegas, distinctive in their black paint, aerodynamic body kit, and red pinstriping—a nod to legendary Saab driver Erik Carlsson, affectionately known as “Carlsson på taket.”

A Journey to Find the Dream Car

Finding a genuine Talladega was nearly impossible, akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Leveraging her extensive network within the Saab community, Mona eventually located a suitable candidate in Skåne. Though initially met with skepticism—friends jokingly wished her luck—Mona’s persistence paid off when enthusiast Micke revealed his hidden treasure: a neglected but original Talladega stored in his garage for two years. Trusting her intuition and some basic assurances from Micke, Mona and Anders took a chance, flew to Skåne, and embarked on a long but successful road trip back to Umeå in their newfound prize.

An Authentic Restoration Odyssey

Restoring the Saab Talladega proved to be an immense challenge. Mona and Anders Dissler quickly discovered that sourcing authentic parts was daunting. Saab’s limited production and the discontinuation of original components required immense patience and extensive networking. Anders described the process as excruciatingly detailed, spanning eight years and hundreds of hours. Mona tirelessly scoured global forums and built connections worldwide, hunting rare components—from genuine turbochargers sourced from Neo Brothers in the UK to elusive original badges and trim elements.

Particularly troublesome were parts like the original AC compressor, turbo, and special decals, the latter of which proved deceptively challenging to apply due to the Saab’s distinct body curves. Eventually, they enlisted professional help to ensure perfect application, underscoring their commitment to authenticity. Their painstaking efforts resulted in achieving roughly 98% originality, with minor compromises involving small components like bolts and fittings.

Painstaking Attention to Detail

The distinctive Talladega model featured specific exterior enhancements—front spoilers, side skirts, flared arches, unique rear spoilers, reflective rear paneling, and special 16-inch cross-spoke wheels. Finding these components intact, especially the wheel center caps, required extraordinary luck and dedication. Mona successfully tracked down rare details like original exhaust tips and unique badging, elements crucial to preserving the Talladega’s authenticity. One remarkable find was the original windshield rubber trim—practically extinct on the market—which Mona fortuitously had in her personal inventory.

Interior details posed additional challenges. While the original 1988 model didn’t offer electrically adjustable seats, Mona sourced period-correct, fully equipped seats from a 1989 Talladega. The meticulous attention extended even to the gear knob—an elusive item initially replaced by a later model’s version, with the authentic replacement now secured for future fitting.

Addressing the Infamous Weaknesses

Like many high-performance models of its era, the Saab 9000 Talladega had its Achilles’ heel: the gearbox. Known within Saab circles for their fragility, these transmissions frequently required expert rebuilding. Mona and Anders relied on renowned gearbox specialist “Gearbox Jörgen,” whose craftsmanship ensured reliability matching the Talladega’s storied endurance. Indeed, during the original Talladega challenge in 1986, gearboxes notably endured, although water pumps and CV joints needed replacing under relentless conditions.

Garage Project Turned Lifelong Commitment

Restoring the Talladega required significant infrastructure upgrades, prompting the Disslers to build a dedicated double garage. This investment underscored their long-term commitment. The process fluctuated between enthusiasm and frustration, reflecting the highs and lows typical of intensive restorations. Despite these emotional rollercoasters, the Disslers persevered, driven by a clear vision: bringing their Talladega back to factory glory.

The Satisfaction of Restoration

After 8 painstaking years, Mona and Anders finally saw their Saab Talladega reborn, gleaming in flawless black paint with vibrant original red stripes—a proud testament to their shared dedication. Driving their restored Talladega evokes pure exhilaration, affirming every moment of struggle as worthwhile. While they maintain a collection of unique Saabs, including a distinctive convertible and a performance-enhanced coupé, nothing matches the joy and exclusivity of the Talladega.

The Future of Rare Saab Components

The Disslers highlight a crucial issue facing classic Saab owners—the scarcity of authentic parts. They advocate for the Saab community, specifically the Saab Car Museum and enthusiast clubs, to step up in manufacturing essential components. Mona emphasizes the importance of supporting initiatives to ensure these legendary cars continue to be enjoyed and showcased rather than abandoned due to part shortages.

Witness the Restoration Journey

To fully appreciate the scope of Mona and Anders Dissler’s remarkable restoration, watch their inspiring journey in the detailed video by @MotorblogofSweden here.

This heartfelt story exemplifies the powerful allure Saab continues to have, long after the brand’s departure from the automotive market. Through dedicated enthusiasts like Mona and Anders, Saab’s legendary spirit persists, proudly living on in beautifully restored machines like their incredible Saab 9000 Talladega.