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A Nostalgic Reunion
Eduard Mesritz, now 65, recently reunited with a cherished part of his past: a red Saab from 2000. Twenty years ago, he sold the car immediately after his wife’s passing, finding it too emotionally difficult to keep.
Now, standing with his daughter Jocelyne, Eduard beams with pride beside the car at the Lions IJsselvallei Classics rally. Though the car has a few imperfections, like a faulty convertible roof and a wooden dashboard covered in vinyl, Eduard is determined to restore it to its former glory.
The Story Behind the Car
Eduard originally purchased the Saab new in 2000 from a garage in Lochem as a special gift for his wife. This car, although not quite a classic yet, holds immense sentimental value for him. It participated as one of the 89 vehicles in the rally, which included an impressive 32 Saabs in commemoration of the brand’s legacy. For Eduard, the car represents a deep connection to his late wife and their shared memories.
An Emotional Return
The decision to reclaim the car came serendipitously. While driving with Jocelyne, Eduard spotted a similar Saab convertible and expressed his admiration for it. This led him to contact the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) to track down the current owner. To his delight, the owners in Hardenberg were willing to sell it back. Eduard vividly recalls the emotional moment of seeing the car again, describing it as his “lieverdje” (darling).
A Journey of Memories
Participating in the rally, Eduard and Jocelyne drove 110 kilometers, reliving youthful memories from Deventer to Bathmen. The route passed through places significant to their family history, such as Laren, where Jocelyne went to a teen disco, and Diepenheim, where her sister was born. This journey was not just a drive but a sentimental voyage through time, reconnecting with cherished moments from their past.
Modern Touches for a Beloved Classic
Despite its age, Eduard has modernized the Saab with new navigation, a feature he believes his wife would have loved. This blend of old and new signifies Eduard’s effort to preserve the car’s legacy while making it more functional for current use. The Saab, amidst glistening classic cars, stands out not for its pristine condition but for the profound emotional story it carries.
Eduard’s red Saab is more than just a car; it’s a rolling tribute to his wife and the memories they shared. His story highlights the enduring bond between people and their cherished possessions, making this Saab a symbol of love, loss, and nostalgia.
This story was inspired by an article we found here, and you can also see the video of Eduard’s special car here. Special thanks to the Dutch Saab Club for bringing this heartwarming story to our attention.
Hallo Eduard. De Saabs uit Deventer kwamen via Saab Klunder. Wij kennen elkaar vd MEAO. Ook nog steeds fan van Saab. Veel modellen gehad… nu nog een 9-3 cabrio. Grt. Jos Veldhuis.