Anniversary celebrations for Saab’s iconic convertible
2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of Saab’s iconic Convertible, which has played a leading role in growing and moulding the shape of the automotive landscape.
Three generations of Saab Convertible have hit the road in the last quarter of a century and almost 300,000 have been sold around the world, establishing the vehicle as a global icon for the brand. Offering a comfortable and enjoyable drive come rain or shine, hot or cold, the iconic soft-top car has accounted for as much as fifty percent of total sales in Europe.
Charles Toosey, Managing Director at Saab GB comments: “This year marks a momentous occasion for Saab, which we are delighted to be celebrating with our dealerships, staff and customers.
“At Saab, we are proud of our heritage and innovation, which has helped to shape the design, style and performance of the Convertible over the last 25 years, turning it into the exhilarating drive which it has become renowned for.”
Life on the Road: The journey of the Saab Convertible
The journey of the iconic car began in 1986 when a production run of just four hundred Saab 900 Convertibles came off the line for the US market.
The Saab 900 Convertible impressed the world with its good looks and bespoke design without compromising on style. Above all, it fulfilled Saab’s uncompromising requirements of good quality build and materials and the orders reflected this. By the time the 900 Convertible went on sale in Europe that year, demand exceeded production capacity.
Seven years later and a second generation came to the market. Autumn 1993 saw the all-new Saab 900 Convertible arrive under the banner: “We didn’t invent the Convertible, but we made a Saab of it.”
This second generation model and its Saab 9-3 evolution in 1998 became an icon, with more stylish design, a move to a hydraulically –powered soft top and increased storage capacity.
2003 brought a whole host of innovations to the Saab Convertible with the launch of the third and current generation, which features the fastest soft-top in operation in its segment, automatic climate control adjustment for a ‘top down’ heating mode and superior interior styling.
Always the innovator, the current Saab Convertible was the first soft-top car to achieve a maximum, five star EuroNCAP rating for its ‘DynaCage’ rollover protection, pop-up rear roll bars and integrated front seatbelts.
The Saab Convertible injected real-world credibility by changing perceptions and turning the car into a true four season, four-seater open top vehicle that works all year round.
21st Century Saab
Saab celebrated the first anniversary of its rebirth as an independent company in February 2011 by launching an exclusive Independence Edition of its 9-3 Convertible.
The 1.9-litre TTiD Independence Edition Convertible is based on the top-of the-range Aero specification with a 180hp engine, six-speed automatic transmission and unique Amber Orange metallic paint finish, a limited edition serial number etched into the rear side windows, distinctive interior trim and comprehensive equipment.
Just 366 examples have been produced; one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year. Only 80 of these vehicles have been produced for the UK and are on sale at dealerships now.
The Independence Edition is further distinguished by:
Five spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels with a satin chrome/black finish
Parchment sport leather seats and glove box with amber orange highlights
Carbon-fibre look leather finish for the instrument panel, handbrake, gearshift moulding and door handles
Driver ‘welcome’ message in instrument display, unique turbo boost gauge
Orange stitched sport leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping
As a fitting tribute to the vehicle’s anniversary, the latest Saab 9-3 Convertible is the result of 25 years’ experience in designing and engineering soft-top automobiles.
Charles concludes: “Now is a fantastic time to be a part of Saab as we celebrate 25 years of success for the Convertible and for the brand. With improving sales and exciting new products in the pipeline, Saab is looking to the future with confidence.”
To locate your nearest dealer and for more information about the Saab Convertible along with other vehicles in the Saab range, visit saab.co.uk.
