Highlights

• A range topping Saab 9-5 Estate with official Hirsch upgrades to 300bhp
• A well cared for and well-maintained example in a popular colourway
• Complete with a good level of paperwork including Hirsch certificate
  
  

The Appeal

This example of the 9-5 Estate is the range topping Aero HOT (high output turbo) model. What’s more, it was supplied new with over £9,000 worth (in 2007) of Hirsch upgrades resulting in a 20% power uplift to 300 bhp. The car has been well cared for and maintained and presents in an excellent condition throughout. This car must represent the ultimate form of the respected 9-5 estate combining unbeatable practicality with eye-widening performance.

The History and Paperwork

• This 9-5 was registered new in July 2007
• It came new with Saab approved Hirsch upgrades to the tune of £9,300
• The car was acquired by its current owner in January 2010
• At that stage the car had covered around 24,000 miles
• Since then, our owner has covered around another 100,000 miles
• The Saab comes with a good level of provenance providing paperwork
• This includes the V5 in the name of the owner
• The original book pack is also on hand
• The service book documents a part service history
• It also shows a number of official corrosion inspections
• Numerous invoices are included detailing work undertaken
• These include a £2,000 invoice from 2020 covering rear arch remedial work
• The current MOT is present in hard copy
• This is valid until November 2023
• The all-important Hirsch certificate is also included
• This details work undertaken and the resultant 300bhp output
  
  

The Interior

• The 9-5 boasts a fine interior treatment in true Saab style
• Being a top of the range car, it is luxurious, sporting and well appointed
• Seats and associated trim are finished in Obsidian Black and Sand leather
• Contrasting stitching in a Parchment hue is also generously used
• The front seats look to be in a very good condition overall
• Only a very minor area of wear is visible on the driver’s seat
• Front seats are electrically adjustable and three stage heated
• The rear bench seat is equally well presented and features a fold down arm rest
• The dashboard is an object lesson in Saab aircraft inspired design
• A binnacle of clear white on black gauges predominates
• This includes a turbo boost gauge
• The Saab multifunction three spoke steering wheel is in a fine, original condition
• It includes signature, pronounced thumb grips and gear shift buttons
• The centre console houses audio controls and climate control functions
• The innovative Saab “night panel” function is present
• A Parrot hands-free system is fitted
• Peddles are finished with Hirsch inscribed, alloy covers
• Carpets, door cards and headlining all appear to be in an excellent condition
• The large and well-shaped luggage compartment is fully carpeted
• The sectioned, carpeted parcel shelf is present and correct
• Alloy luggage securing rails are fitted
• A space-saver spare wheel and associated tools are stowed under the floor
• A heavy-duty rubber boot liner is fitted
  
  

The Exterior

• Our example is presented in the popular Silver Metallic colourway
• The paintwork appears to be in an excellent original condition overall
• Our photographic package shows it to be deep and lustrous throughout
• Likewise, the bodywork looks devoid of dents or dings
• Panel gaps look “Saab appropriate” being tight and symmetrical
• Our example rolls on 18-inch Hirsch “Split” light alloy wheels
• These are finished in a dark anthracite metallic finish
• They are centred with orange Hirsch caps and are secured with locking nuts
• They do exhibit some kerb rash in places and could be improved with a refinishing
• Red, Saab inscribed callipers can be seen between the spokes
• The wheels are shod with a mixed set of 225/40 sports tyres
• Cabin glass and light lenses all appear to be in good original order
• The big, twin Hirsch tail pipes help give the car a purposeful look
  
  

The Mechanics

• The 9-5 Aero presented here has benefitted from a Hirsch performance upgrade
• Hirsch was a Saab approved performance tuner based in Switzerland
• Our car came with the upgrades fitted from new
• These include software calibration and revised intake system
• A special Hirsch exhaust system is fitted and a revised fuel pressure regulator
• These enhancements added around £9,300 to the cost of the car in 2007
• The power was then certified as up from 250bhp to 300bhp
• In addition to this the Aero version boasts performance brakes and sports chassis
• This example is fitted with the five speed “Sentronic” automatic gearbox
• Our car appears to have been well serviced and well maintained
• The under-bonnet presentation is excellent and in-keeping with this history
• The underside of the car appears to be in decent shape too
• No known mechanical issues have been reported by the owner
  
  

Summary