South West Saab go to Trollhättan 

It was only 2am when Mike Barnes picked me up from home on the morning of the 16^th July. We were heading for Trollhättan to join in the celebration festival along with thousands of other Saab Enthusiasts from around the world.

We arrived at Gothenburg City Airport just after 10.30 and picked up our rental car, it was a Ford Mondeo estate which was more than big enough for us two. We tried to get a Saab but there were none on the fleet at the time, although later we were to find a certain Mike Philpot had managed to get a 9-5 estate in white.

Our journey north was a very pleasant casual drive with more Saab sightings the nearer we got to Trollhättan. We saw our first New 9-5 about 5 miles outside the city.

First port of call would be the ANA spare parts buildings where the first face we saw was Swade from Tasmania. It was full of so many bargains from all Saab models, big boots and vans were the order of the day and we saw Neo’s loading lots of goodies into their distinctive liveried van. Saabs from all over Europe were there to see. We spent a fair time there and as we were flying only came away with a book and some badges.

Next stop was the museum. This turned out to be a great place for meeting people as one by one our friends from around the world would appear and say hello. Eric Carlsson was there enjoying himself and signing lots of books etc.

Our very own Graeme Lambert was there waiting for his new 9-5 to arrive in which we would get to test drive later in the day. Most of the Philpot’s, Etienne from Belgium, Jeff from France, Tim from Sweden to name but a few were there enjoying the Saab Festival. 

Next was a quick trip to ANA, the main Saab dealer in town to take a look at the new Saab’s in close up with the doors open, it was whilst we were there that Graeme turned up in an new 9-5 and offered us a test drive. I’ll confess to jumping in the drivers seat before the question was finished. And with my chauffeur’s hat on I headed into the country side. The 9-5 was far better than I had ever dreamed, a real pleasure to drive, smooth responsive and very comfortable.  

It was in deed Saab heaven with almost every model Saab there to look at. Later that night we had a great Pizza organised by a couple of locals then it was off to the Shania for drinks and chats. It turned out to be a great evening with people from all the countries you could think off, including Canada, USA, Australia, Russia, most of Europe and many more. Luckily for Mike and I everybody spoke English.  

The next day was a bit of a wet start which was ok with us as we had booked a trip around the factory but first we went to the museum again to meet up with some others who would be on our tour. 

When we arrived in the factories car park there was a model of Saab I had not seen before and that was the Saab 600, a model very unloved but still a Saab as it wore the badge. For me that now means there is only one model that I have not seen and that is the 9-2x.  

The tour was fantastic and although the factory was quiet and not working you were able to imagine the hustle and bustle of a working day. 

The rain had stopped when we got out so it was back to the museum to check out the cars on display, most being judged for the beauty competition taking place. The results would be announced at the big dinner party later that night. And what a great party it was, so much going on and such great food. A big thanks go to the organising team for a fantastic effort. We sat amongst French, Belgium’s, Swedes and the Danish, such a great international event.

After a few hours sleep we were up again and heading for the auto jumble which was taking place next to the museum  and there was an English family selling t-shirts and stickers, yes the Foxleys were there in their 99 Turbo. So many different items were on sale there. I had to think of the weight so I purchased only a few things then slipped them into Sharon’s car to be collected at the national. 

Just before 2pm Mike and I along with the Philpot’s took the cable car across the river to see the Falls being released, what a great sight it was, so much power and speed was imagined in the passing waters. If you are ever in Trollhättan this is one spectacular you must not miss. Another one is the locks which is a 20 minute walk from the cable car station, just take your time and you will be greeted with another bit of great engineering.

Well our time in Sweden was slowly coming to an end and we both said it was over far to quick. We said our goodbyes to everybody although many we said “see you at the national” and left Trollhättan until next time. But on the way home we did encounter another Saab that both Mike and I had not seen before, a Saab 91 on a stick. The Swedes love to put their old airplanes on display for all to see.

Robin and Mike, SouthWestSaab.

You will find lots of news at www.saabsunited.com
Also details of the weekends events can be found at http://www.saabfestival.se/english/programme.htm