March - Classic Saabs Turn the Corner
Older Cars Editorial - March 2010
The recent sale of Saab Automobile AB to a consortium led by Spyker Cars NV was a palpable relief to classic car lovers around the world. Of all the manufacturers that could have failed during the credit crunch, Saab was possibly the one classic car enthusiasts feared losing the most – proved by the huge upsurge of Saab support across the Internet as the company’s fate hung in the balance.
Saab’s new owners are amply aware of the important role heritage will play in reviving the company’s fortunes. Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars and the driving force behind the buyout, has pledged to recapture Saab’s distinctive style, and appeal to traditional Saab owners as well as enticing new owners looking for stylish, well-engineered transport.
Though sales of new Saabs have slowed down in the last 18 months, interest in older examples has rocketed. The quirky design quality of the early cars, particularly the 99 and classic 900 models, has led to an emerging appreciation amongst both ‘weekend classic’ buyers and those looking for a reliable everyday car with real personality.
The hallmark of any strong classic car brand is a network of respected independent specialists. Classic Saabs enjoy one of the most extensive specialist networks in the UK, certainly comparable to marques such as Mercedes and Porsche.
One such specialist is Malbrad Saab in Huddersfield, which has been trading since the 1970s. Owner Steve Broadhead agrees that interest is on the up. “The classic 900 is a really well built car that is almost unbreakable when when properly maintained. Good cars sell for good money pretty quickly.”
“The problem now is spares,” he continues. “Scrappage has cost us some very solid cars. Many parts, such as offside front wings, are just about unavailable. The hope is that the new owners will make supporting classic owners a priority.”
Scrappage has indeed taken many Saabs out of the market, including some handsome classic 900 Convertibles, crushed in exchange for a £2,000 discount. Some of those scrapped were worth far more than this – their owners just never bothered to check.
Peter Rogers at Cromwell Saab in London has been a Saab independent for almost thirty years. Handling newer cars as well as classic models, Peter is quick to point out the value of classic convertibles when in the right condition. “We’ve got a 90/H Convertible in stock at the minute,” he tells me. “78,000 miles from new and just about perfect. I’ll be very surprised if it doesn’t sell for £7,000.”
If the future of Saab looks bright then, assuming the new owners invest into supporting the older cars as well as their interesting new ones, its past looks even brighter. No classic car fan would have it any other way.
