I would like to introduce you blokes to my Vert, my wife calls GraySE", that's short for Grey SE. In the US, this car is on of about 456 (or somewhere thereabout). SAAB imported an equal amount of the Platana Grey 900 SE (as it was badged) and the Monte Carlo Yellow. To my understanding, each major US SAAB dealership in 1991 received 1 car of either color (not so sure but thats the word).
Long story short, this car would classify as rare as the UK Ruby, except, it didn't come with any extra ponies; just Tupperware, Metallic paint, and the early three spoke SPG wheels, on a Vert.
I purchased this car 2 year ago from a lady that had it sitting on her driveway for about 2 years. We are the 3rd owners of this car. The PO purchased in a divorce liquidation for $5,000 in 1995. Her son crossed the battery terminals in 2008 or so trying to install a new battery and caused and electrical cluster mess. After that, a rain soaked interior almost sent the car to the crusher.
I purchased the car from her in 02/2011for $400.
I was able to get the car up to snuff in a short time. Once running it still had that new SAAB feeling. Chassis was tight and it was clear the rubbers were all still in good nick. Boost was nice but I think it was stuck on base boost (never got a chance to diagnose the issue).
Then an unfortunate episode occurred. My wife was going to see her sister in the hospital and I had taken the coolant res cap off to add some coolant. I noticed the res would drop off too quickly for my liking and I was going to take a proactive measure and replace the head gasket, as there were no exterior leaks.
Well, she never made it home with the car, I had to go get them both. it appears the overheated cylinders cause some form of a detonation and BOOM, piston 3 had a curled crown.
I been running this thread in another forum but since posting here I appreciate the temperament and would like to share my experiences here as well.
I have already rebuilt the motor and tranny is in good nick.
I will pick the project up here as I begin to refit the motor and get all the aesthetics in order.
Basically I already cleaned all the grease and did all the boring stuff, now I will document the build here and get her back on the road.
My "Sunglasses Holder" thread should give an idea of where I am going with aesthetics but piccys will molest this thread so in due time members/visitors of this forum will see where i am.
I will post up piccys this weekend.
Here is the car before I pulled the motor
Cheers
Long story short, this car would classify as rare as the UK Ruby, except, it didn't come with any extra ponies; just Tupperware, Metallic paint, and the early three spoke SPG wheels, on a Vert.
I purchased this car 2 year ago from a lady that had it sitting on her driveway for about 2 years. We are the 3rd owners of this car. The PO purchased in a divorce liquidation for $5,000 in 1995. Her son crossed the battery terminals in 2008 or so trying to install a new battery and caused and electrical cluster mess. After that, a rain soaked interior almost sent the car to the crusher.
I purchased the car from her in 02/2011for $400.
I was able to get the car up to snuff in a short time. Once running it still had that new SAAB feeling. Chassis was tight and it was clear the rubbers were all still in good nick. Boost was nice but I think it was stuck on base boost (never got a chance to diagnose the issue).
Then an unfortunate episode occurred. My wife was going to see her sister in the hospital and I had taken the coolant res cap off to add some coolant. I noticed the res would drop off too quickly for my liking and I was going to take a proactive measure and replace the head gasket, as there were no exterior leaks.
Well, she never made it home with the car, I had to go get them both. it appears the overheated cylinders cause some form of a detonation and BOOM, piston 3 had a curled crown.
I been running this thread in another forum but since posting here I appreciate the temperament and would like to share my experiences here as well.
I have already rebuilt the motor and tranny is in good nick.
I will pick the project up here as I begin to refit the motor and get all the aesthetics in order.
Basically I already cleaned all the grease and did all the boring stuff, now I will document the build here and get her back on the road.
My "Sunglasses Holder" thread should give an idea of where I am going with aesthetics but piccys will molest this thread so in due time members/visitors of this forum will see where i am.
I will post up piccys this weekend.
Here is the car before I pulled the motor
Cheers