Founded in 1945, Saab Automobile became a worldwide automotive brand and lived a long and somewhat turbulent life, especially after 1989 when half the company was acquired by General Motors. Things changed even more when GM later bought out the balance and eventually sold it in 2010. Many Saab models have gained collector status in the decades that followed, including this one.
The Pick of the Day is a limited-production 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Turbo convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sedona, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)
This is a numbered “anniversary edition” that was marketed to commemorate 20 years since the introduction of the first Saab 900 convertible. All anniversary edition cars such as this were Electric Blue Metallic in color. According to the Saab Planet forums, there were only about 400 examples produced. The serial number of each vehicle was engraved on its driver side rear window – in this case, we are looking at #42. Special equipment for this limited-production model included a rear spoiler, double-spoke 17-inch wheels, a trunk lip spoiler, and color-keyed door handles.
The 9-3 originated as a compact executive car launched in 1998 on the GM2900 platform. A second generation debuted in 2003 and was available as a convertible, a four-door sedan, or a five-door station wagon. Power for this 2006 comes from a B284 turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 which has been tuned to 300 horsepower from the original 255, and an AISIN six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the pavement.
At 111,000 miles, the car has been driven some, but it has also received plenty of attention in recent years. The listing outlines service and maintenance history which includes replacement of the radiator, coils, spark plugs, tires, thermostat housing, purge valve, battery, and struts. The transmission has been serviced and the seller says that spare tire has never been used. “I have extensive receipts for all work performed on her. All genuine Saab parts used where possible,” the listing states.
Saab ceased operations in 2016, but there remains a strong enthusiast network of people keeping the passion alive. Maybe this convertible is your ticket to be part of the community.
The asking price is $10,500 for this rare 9-3 Aero.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com