Saab launches Anniversary Edition models

Saab will celebrate its 60th anniversary by launching special editions of its 9-5 and 9-3 model lines, featuring unique exterior and interior detailing, worth up to £3,000, all at no extra cost to the customer. The Anniversary Editions will go on sale from January 2007.

Initially founded as a manufacturer of military aircraft, Saab surprised the automotive world in June 1947 when it revealed the prototype for its first production car, the Saab 92. With streamlined bodywork, unitary construction and front wheel drive, it owed little to the conventional design wisdoms of the time, establishing a tradition for innovative and independent thinking that has characterised the Saab brand ever since. In 2007, 60 years on from the unveiling of the timeless Saab 92, Saab’s clean bold lines testify to a Swedish design ethic which is as apparent today as it ever was.

Anniversary Editions of the Saab 9-3 range will all feature DVD Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth phone systems as standard (with a value of £2,580), whilst externally they are available with a choice of colours, including a unique optional Ice Blue Metallic paint finish, colour-keyed door handles and special Anniversary five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, all at no additional cost. Internally, features will include black sports seats with grey inserts, contrast stitching and the word ‘Saab’ embossed on the front seat facings.

The Saab 9-5 Anniversary Edition models will benefit from an equally attractive package. Externally, the cars will be offered with a choice of six metallic colours plus the unique optional Ice Blue metallic paint finish and special five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. Estate models also include optional roof rails finished in matt chrome.

Inside, all Anniversary Edition 9-5s will come with a DVD Satellite Navigation system, worth up to £2,200. The 9-5 Anniversary Edition trim includes black sports leather front seats with a Saab logo embossed on the upper backrest. All seats include contrasting inserts in grey leather, together with grey contrast stitching, which is also adopted for the door armrests. The Saab 9-5 Estate also features a chromed aircraft-shaped handle in the cargo floor and chromed air vent control knobs, similar to that on the 9-3.

The introduction of the 2007 Saab 60th Anniversary Edition models is the first step in a series of initiatives that Saab is planning in recognition of a rich heritage founded in aircraft design, Scandinavian culture and a tradition for independent, forward thinking.