British motoring writer and YouTuber Ian Seabrook, known to thousands as HubNut, has announced one of the most unusual Saab-related events of the year: he is giving away his Saab 9-3 Convertible for FREE, live on air, during an upcoming roaming livestream somewhere in the English Midlands.
This isn’t a raffle. There are no tickets, no forms, and no random drawing. The rules are simple and completely real: Find Ian in person during the livestream, say the secret keyword, and the Saab is yours.
Because the winner must physically locate the car and its owner during the broadcast, the giveaway is restricted to people in the United Kingdom. Viewers from abroad can follow the adventure, but only those who can travel to the Midlands can actually win the car.
Below is a full breakdown for readers – who announced the giveaway, what’s being offered, what condition the car is in, and how the treasure-hunt mechanics will work.
Who Is Giving the Car Away: HubNut and Ian Seabrook
The announcement comes from the YouTube channel HubNut, the online home of long-time classic-car journalist Ian Seabrook.
Based in Wales, Ian has built a large following by documenting his collection of delightfully imperfect cars: a 1986 Citroën 2CV named Elly, a rotating cast of hydropneumatic Citroëns, and other eccentric machines. The Saab 9-3 Convertible – nicknamed the “Saab-marine” – joined the fleet as one of his more sensible cars, but that era is ending.
In his words:
“We’re giving away the Saab 93 Convertible this weekend. Full details in the video.”
The announcement came through his newest upload:
What Exactly Ian Announced: A Real-World Free Saab 9-3 Convertible
In the fleet-update video, Ian offers full transparency about the state of the car. Nothing is hidden, nothing glossed over.
Here are the confirmed details straight from the video:
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Model: Saab 9-3 Convertible (Generation 2)
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Engine: 1.8t petrol
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Trim: Linear (basic specification)
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Mileage: ~150,000 miles
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MOT: Valid until September
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Location: Wales now, Midlands during the livestream
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Cost to the winner: Zero
The plan is simple:
- HubNut will start a livestream somewhere in the Midlands.
- He will drop clues to his exact location.
- Viewers can watch and drive toward him.
- The first person who arrives and says the secret keyword wins the car.
The keyword will be revealed during the stream to prevent random passers-by from intercepting the car.
The Condition of the Car: Honest, Flawed, and Fully Explained
HubNut’s trademark is total openness. The Saab isn’t perfect – and that is part of its charm.
The roof leaks
Heavy UK rain has been entering the cabin. Attempts to treat the seals have not solved the issue. Ian’s advice:
“Bring your own towel.”
A headlamp recently failed
The video shows him trying to access the bulb, discovering broken plastic clips, missing rubber covers, and having to remove the battery just to reach the housing. The new bulb works, but the setup is a temporary fix.
The interior is damp
Because of ongoing leaks, the car has spent days with its roof open simply to dry out.
No air-conditioning or cruise control
As a Linear spec car, it is as basic as a 9-3 Convertible gets.
Possible suspension wear
Ian notes tired rear drop links and likely worn bushes.
Still mechanically alive
Despite its flaws, the 9-3 starts, runs, and even completes a full roof-folding cycle on camera. The MOT gives the future owner legal breathing room.
This is not a showpiece. It is a usable project, perfect for someone who enjoys reviving older Saabs or simply wants to taste convertible life without financial risk.
How the Treasure-Hunt Giveaway Will Work
This isn’t a marketing stunt or competition—it is a real live event with real-world rules:
1. The giveaway is UK-only
Because the winner must physically arrive at the livestream location, only viewers able to travel within the UK can realistically participate.
2. The livestream will start somewhere in the Midlands
Ian will not reveal the exact starting point ahead of time. The region will be announced closer to the weekend.
3. Clues will be given during the broadcast
Viewers will watch, follow hints, and attempt to interpret landmarks, surroundings, and movement.
4. A secret keyword will be revealed live
This ensures only participants watching the stream can claim the Saab.
5. First person to arrive wins the car
They will receive the keys, the V5C, and ownership on the spot.
Ian adds that the livestream will remain active as long as it takes for someone to find him.
Why This Matters for UK Saab Enthusiasts
Saab convertibles are becoming rarer on British roads, and most remaining examples belong to private owners or enthusiast circles. Seeing one change hands live on a treasure-hunt broadcast is not just unusual—it reflects how strongly these models continue to resonate with fans.
Even in budget form, the 9-3 Convertible remains:
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a charismatic everyday car,
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a fun summer project,
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and a reminder of Saab’s Swedish engineering quirks.
For many readers, the appeal is simple: this is an authentic enthusiast’s Saab, filmed, documented, and offered without a catch.
Preparing for the Livestream: What Viewers Should Know
If you plan to join the hunt, keep these practical points in mind:
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Follow HubNut on YouTube, Facebook, and Bluesky for timing updates.
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Have fuel, insurance, and flexibility—locations may shift.
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Expect the car to need work immediately.
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Bring a towel. No, seriously.
