Saab saves 19 year old from High Speed Crash
Swerving to save a life, the car went on to save the driver as well.
Our latest episode sees us chat over video call with young 19 year old saab driver Henry, as he talks us through his love of saab, from owning one as his first car, to the recent 9-3 that laid down its own life to save him.
2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T (273hp) B235
Henry’s first car after passing his test was this beautiful 9-5 in glimmering Merlot red. Unfortunately being a high mileage example, whilst it was a joy to ride, Henry soon discovered a wealth of rust underneath that eventually spelt the end of this handsome classic.
2011 9-3 1.9TTiD Griffin SE (213hp)
Following the sad end of the 9-5, Henry opted for this stunning late model 93 Griffin spec, utilising the cash he’d saved up to do the rust repairs on the previous car. Sadly, the engine developed a knocking sound.
Not wanting this to spell the end for it, Henry picked up a secondary saab, this time an older model…
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero (280hp) stage 3
Keen to keep the Griffin going, to hopefully see another day, this gorgeous cerulean blue 9-3 entered Henry’s life. Again a high mileage example, but just as much fun to drive.
The Crash Last Week
Just this week, Henry was out driving the country roads of his local area, and on a wide, national speed limit road, he came face to face with a deer. Stepping into the road, Henry quickly reacted and swerved to avoid, with the front tyres gripping hard and fast. But the back wasn’t so strong, and whilst trying to recorrect and take control of the car, the vehicle went out control, leaving the road at high speed.
Landing in a field, and nearly crashing through a hedgerow, things could have ended way worse the damage to the car is major, with the front end mostly gone, and many underlying components destroyed. But the main cabin remains solid.
Looking at this photo you can see how Henry was able to walk away. A true mark of Saab’s design language, putting safety at the forefront of their work.
The car now resides with JamSaab near Bristol, and the aim is for it to be brought back to life. But the fact remains, even if this does spell the end for this car, it did its job to save Henry’s life. And if this is its final act, then it has earned its place in the scrapyard in the sky.
We wish Henry all the very best in his future with these cars, and for sparing a few moments to speak with us today for our show.
Thank you for tuning in and for supporting our channel. We serve to celebrate the love that owners have for the brand, and the incredible legacy of the cars they created.
Join us again soon for the next exciting instalment, this time delving into the world of ownership, and a buyers guide to these ageing cars. Are they worth the money, or are they just a money pit of woe?
We explore our own personal journey of ownership, and share with you some tips and advice on buying your first saab, including some of the potential risks and challenges you might face.