He rebuilt a burnt Saab 900 at 17 – and won big at SOC 42

A Saab story that begins with a fire

What you’re looking at is not just another restored Saab 900. This is a 1986 model that was engulfed in flames, left for dead in a parking lot, and then brought back to life by a 17-year-old American enthusiast Colin. It’s a story that captivated attendees at SOC 42 (Saab Owners Convention 2025) in Parsippany, New Jersey. But to understand why this car and its owner became the talk of the event, you have to rewind two years to when the journey began—and the odds stacked up against them.

In 2023, at just 15 years old, the teenager behind the YouTube channel Bumpy Road posted his first video about his scorched Saab. The car’s engine bay was charred, the paint blistered, and most would have written it off as unsalvageable. But this wasn’t just any teenager—this was a Saab owner with a mission.

Grinding, sanding, and school days

Fast-forward to the spring of 2025. The Saab, now stripped, welded, sanded, and primed, sat waiting for a new coat of life. The restoration took place at home, involving grits of 320 and 400 sandpaper to prepare the primer for maximum paint adhesion. And it wasn’t just about making the car shiny again – the crosshatch sanding technique ensured the finish could resist future rock chips and wear.

While most teens his age were gaming or scrolling TikTok, he was under the car, finishing homework one moment and wet-sanding with 800, 1000, 2000, and 3000 grit the next. This wasn’t about shortcuts. It was about dedication.

Paint, passion, and perfectionism

At the body shop, the car was treated to a Glasurit-made gray base coat, followed by 10 to 12 coats of Crystal Glamour clear coat. The windshield and rear hatch glass were removed, allowing paint coverage into the seals and edges – a detail that most professional restorers might overlook.

Returning after school to see the finished paint for the first time, he was speechless. His phone storage maxed out as he snapped photo after photo of a reflection-rich surface so clear it mirrored the world around it. Even the wheels told a story: custom three-spokes with dark gray centers and polished outer lips, a design experiment with his father that added visual depth while in motion.

See it all come to life: the full story in motion

If the photos stunned him, the video does justice to the countless hours of effort poured into this build. In his latest upload, titled “Painting My 1986 SAAB 900, SOC 2025 & More!”, the young enthusiast takes us behind the scenes of the final stages of the restoration, the emotional reveal, and the road trip to SOC 42.

Watch the full video below and follow every step of the journey:

Driving across states to make it to SOC 42

With the car ready, the next hurdle was the road itself. The family prepared for the long journey to Parsippany, New Jersey, from their home somewhere in the Midwest. It had been four months since he last drove the manual transmission 900, and there was understandable apprehension.

But once on the highway, it all came back. Gears shifted smoothly, brakes felt familiar, and the confidence returned. It was more than a drive; it was a rite of passage.

As the restored Saab sliced through the interstate, it wasn’t just transporting a driver – it was carrying a story of resilience, learning, and love for a marque that has always represented the underdog spirit.

Recognition among legends at SOC 42

At the convention, the car caught the attention of none other than Jacob Pressman, a known name in the Saab content community. Featured on his channel and praised publicly, the young restorer was now part of Saab folklore.

Attendees gathered around, curious not just about the car, but the story. “This one was completely rebuilt after a fire,” many whispered. Others knew the backstory from his channel. For those who didn’t, there was plenty of time over the weekend to get acquainted.

And then came the surprise: he won an award, recognizing not just the car, but the tenacity, craftsmanship, and spirit behind the build. That moment, standing before a crowd of Saab veterans and fellow owners, was a validation of every late night in the garage, every dollar saved, and every sanding session in the heat.

Saab community: from support to spotlight

Throughout his journey, the Saab community didn’t just watch from the sidelines. They encouraged, commented, advised, and applauded. The support system extended from YouTube subscribers to seasoned Saab mechanics who saw promise in the project.

This communal backbone is part of what makes the Saab scene so unique. The brand may be defunct, but the loyalty it inspired runs deep. Stories like this aren’t just anecdotes; they’re part of a living legacy.

As one SOC 42 attendee put it, “If you want to feel hopeful about the future of Saab, just take one look at this young man and his 900.”

Looking ahead: college, content, and continued driving

In his video, he shares plans for his senior year of high school, noting that college applications and workload may slow his content output. But the Saab isn’t going anywhere. It’s now a lifelong companion, a conversation starter, and maybe even a college essay topic.

With next year’s SOC event planned for Alabama, he’s already considering the trip, this time with less mileage and even more experience behind the wheel.

He admits that future uploads may be sporadic, but the channel Bumpy Road isn’t going dark. Like the car it’s named after, it’ll endure.

The road from ruin to recognition

This is more than just a Saab comeback story. It’s a testament to what patience, grit, and passion can accomplish, even in the hands of someone not yet old enough to vote. In many ways, it reflects Saab’s own trajectory: misunderstood, underestimated, but fiercely loved and ultimately unforgettable.

If you’re wondering where the Saab community is headed, look no further than a 17-year-old with a fire-damaged 900 and a YouTube channel. Because that’s where the next generation of enthusiasts is already paving the road forward.