Saab cars have a special place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts. These Swedish-made vehicles are known for their sleek design, advanced technology, and exceptional performance. But for some, the love for Saab goes beyond just appreciation for the car itself. It’s a deep passion that has been nurtured over the years. With roots in the aerospace industry, Saab cars offer a unique driving experience that combines ruggedness and style. The Saab 900, in particular, is a true classic and a beloved car among enthusiasts.
The Saab 900 was the last model developed by Saab on its own, and it was produced from 1979 to 1994. It was a game-changer in the automotive industry, with its curved front windshield, hood that opened like a clamshell, and doors that closed with a stylish click. The car’s design was not only unique but also recognizable and atypical, which is what made it so appealing to many car enthusiasts.
One such enthusiast is Christian André Strand, a photographer at the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, and the story of this great lover of Saab cars and especially the Saab 900 model is brought to us by the Norwegian Magazin “Motor” in a comprehensive article. He has always been drawn to the Saab 900, particularly because of its unique design elements and the feeling of being a pilot behind the wheel. He says, “I like that the design is atypical and recognizable. I lived in Paris for many years, and I often observed Saab cars that made me stop and photograph them. To top it all off, my neighbor had a green 900 with the same patina as the one I eventually bought.”
Strand’s love for Saab cars was further cemented when he lived in a neighborhood where a workshop full of classic cars, including the Saab 900, was located. The sight of these cars gave him a sense of peace in a world where new cars were becoming increasingly bland and uninteresting.
On his 30th birthday, a friend and his partner tried to raise money to surprise him with a Saab 900, but in the end, they gave him a camera instead. However, Strand’s desire for the car never wavered, and he eventually found one for sale in a local classified ad. The car had been previously attempted to be stolen and tampered with, but Strand saw the potential in it and bought it without hesitation.
Despite the car’s issues, Strand loves his Saab 900 and is proud to be a part of the community of enthusiasts who take care of these cars. He says, “The Saab 900 is an incredibly spacious and versatile car, and the well-known, enormous trunk is perfect for transporting everything from firewood to framed photographs.”
The only downside to owning a classic car like the Saab 900 is the ongoing rust issues, but Strand has found a solution in applying sheep fat as rust protection. He also briefly owned an electric car as a test, but he found that he missed his Saab and eventually sold the electric car. He believes that preserving these classic cars is environmentally friendly and a way to keep history alive.
In conclusion, the Saab 900 is a true classic car that represents the best of Swedish engineering and design. Its unique and recognizable design, combined with its ruggedness, make it a beloved car among enthusiasts. The Saab 900 is not just a car, but a symbol of a bygone era and a way to keep history alive. Despite its age and rust issues, owning a Saab 900 is a rewarding experience that brings joy and a sense of nostalgia to those who cherish it.
