Highlights
- Facelifted 2nd generation for 2008 model year
- Presents in good condition throughout
- ‘Lovingly used’ with reasonable mileage
- MoT to June 2024
- Just four keepers since new
The Appeal
Who doesn’t love a convertible – especially one as handsome as this ‘Nocturne Blue Metallic’ (Code 290) 9-3 Aero? True roofless aficionados know there are many reasons for having a convertible on your driveway but, bragging rights aside, most are sensory.
Exposed as you are to nature’s elements, there is the heightened sense of motion, the rush of passing scenery and the fragrance of fresh open air as dappled shade flickers over your Ray-Bans…pure bliss!
In KR08 UCF we have a good example of one of Saab’s finest creations as the 9-3 model began to mature. It presents in good, ‘lovingly used’ condition inside, outside and would be a welcome addition to any new home.
History and Paperwork
- Just four keepers since new
- Fully-stamped service history book
- V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
The data plate tells us that ‘UCF’ rolled off the Nyköping lines 100km south-west of Stockholm on the 18th of March 2008. A few weeks later, it arrived in the UK and made its way to the General Motors PDI depot in Worcester, prior to its first UK registration on Monday, 21st April, 2008.
In the intervening 14 years, the car has been enjoyed by just four keepers, the current of which acquired the car in May, 2019.
Accompanying the sale will be the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, an MoT to June 2024, the owner’s holdall containing the fully-stamped service record book including its most recent service in January, 2021 with the mileage recorded at 77,139.
The Interior
- Presents in very good condition throughout
- Tidy leather upholstery
- Entry and egress scuffs to driver’s seat
The interior of this Swedish gem presents in very good condition throughout, with just the one area of wear (but no tear) to the driver’s seat right-side squab and kidney bolster caused by entry and egress. Regular nourishment to the leather offered up by the next keeper would inhibit its deterioration in the coming years.
The interior furniture and door cards are swathed in light grey leather throughout (interior code TL52), with contrasting dark blue carpeting in the footwells and transmission tunnel. It remains a delightful place in which to spend some immersive, sun-drenched road time.
The vendor reports all the electrics to be in full working order and the cabriolet roof mechanism works like clockwork. At the photoshoot, the vendor reported that a previous keeper had attempted to recolour the folding roof, resulting in slight patchiness to its patina.
Like the cabin, the boot presents in a clean and tidy condition and houses the space-saving spare wheel and associated tools.
The Exterior
- Presented in its original ‘Nocturne Blue Metallic’ paint
- Paintwork in reasonably good order with minor blemishes
- Original 18-inch SAAB alloys
Wearing its original ‘Nocturne Blue Metallic’ paint colour (SAAB paint code 290), the exterior of this 9-3 Aero presents in reasonable condition for its age and mileage.
At the front, the headlight lenses are clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of UV-bleaching. The same may be said for the ‘ice-block’ rear light clusters received for the 9-3’s 2008 facelift. The brightwork and badging around the car is in good condition.
There are a few mostly minor ‘car-park’ blemishes to its exterior, with one non-invasive scrape to the left-side panel ahead of the rear wheel arch. All are pictured in the accompany gallery below. To be fair, any professional body shop worthy of the accolade would make short work of tidying up the exterior and likely not for silly money, either.
The smart and original 18-inch ‘High Split-Spoke’ alloy wheels would benefit from refurbishment, but are shod with a healthy set of Ovation VI 388 touring summer tyres.
The Mechanics
- Fully-stamped service record book to 77,139 miles
- Smooth turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine
- MoT to June 2024
At the photo location, the 2.8-litre V6 started first time and settled into an appreciative six-pot burble. The six-speed manual transmission connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with little drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The engine compartment is clean and tidy and the underside of the bonnet is in good condition. The vendor reports the car to be in healthy mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended.
Like the visible parts of this car, the underside and lower side sills present in very good order with little of the natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age and mileage.
Summary
Saab has an understandable cult following in the UK and the solid Swede 9-3 V6t Aero cabriolet is ageing gracefully. Turbocharged, ecologically responsible and interesting to look at and drive, the Saab 9-3 Aero was an instant success following its European launch and, as time marches on, sound examples are becoming increasingly hard to find.
Essentially, two options are open to this Saab’s next keeper…give this 9-3 V6t Aero some light internal and external TLC of the identified issues to further elevate its cosmetic standard, or simply leave it in its ‘lovingly used’ condition, keep the mechanicals running as smoothly as they currently do and continue to enjoy the road less travelled – and not just on Sundays.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
