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A Saab given away, not forgotten
Back in the summer of 2015, Dutch automotive magazine AutoWeek partnered with BOVAG for a unique campaign: give away fully registered used cars—called “vakantiekarren” or “vacation cars”—to readers with the best travel plans. Among the vehicles was a bright red 2001 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible with a 2.0 Turbo engine and 185 hp. With its top-down appeal and premium options list, the car was sent on a road trip to Wales, living up to its promise as a perfect summer cruiser.
Then the trail went cold. Like so many once-loved convertibles, the Saab disappeared from the public eye, its fate uncertain.
Until now.
Ten years and 327,000 kilometers later
Fast-forward to August 2024. Peter Stienstra, a 54-year-old enthusiast from Hengelo, had been hunting for one specific car: a red Saab 9-3 Cabriolet. Tired of crawling under aging classic cars, he’d recently transitioned to more “modern” old-timers, including a 1999 blue 9-3 Cabrio with a non-turbo engine. It sparked an unexpected admiration for Saab—a brand he initially had no attachment to.
When a red 2001 turbo model popped up for sale in Haarlem with a staggering 327,000 km on the odometer, Peter didn’t hesitate. The asking price? €3,000. It wasn’t perfect, and Peter knew it. But the car’s full maintenance booklet, spoiler, and original styling cues sealed the deal.
A not-so-smooth homecoming
The drive home quickly revealed the car’s rough mechanical state. Still, Peter didn’t regret a thing. He turned to the same Saab specialist who had maintained his previous car. The verdict: the engine was caked in sludge from poor oil maintenance, the timing chain was rattling, and the gearbox bearings were shot.
Rather than panic or resell, Peter did what true Saab enthusiasts do—he invested. A fully rebuilt engine and gearbox were installed. To bring the car closer to his vision, he added a stainless-steel exhaust, larger wheels (replacing the factory 16-inchers), replaced suspension components, welded a rear spring seat, and sourced a used replacement soft-top roof.
Total investment after purchase: €5,800.
Rebuilding more than just a car
Peter’s commitment wasn’t just about fixing a convertible—it was about reviving a Saab with a hidden history. After the rebuild, he researched the car’s past and was stunned to discover it was the very AutoWeek giveaway car from 2015. The red drop-top he’d just rescued had once been in the national spotlight.
That twist in the story added emotional weight to the already intense restoration process. Peter had unknowingly given a second life to a car once celebrated by the Dutch press.
The numbers don’t lie—nor do the emotions
With a total of €8,800 invested, Peter had every reason to question whether the car would hold any value. But two weeks after finishing the core restoration, a professional valuation gave him reason to smile: €9,500 for insurance purposes.
Even more valuable, however, was the joy and pride of saving a Saab that had nearly been lost to neglect. In Peter’s words: “I know it’s not perfect yet—there are some paint issues and the windshield could use polishing—but this car is staying with me.”
What readers are saying
The reappearance of the red 9-3 prompted an outpouring of comments from the Saab and AutoWeek communities. Former Saab employee A. 9949489 recognized the license plate and revealed he had personally sold the car new in 2001. Another reader joked that the car made women scream and men drool. Several others praised Peter’s rational approach: maintenance costs should be measured against long-term enjoyment, not just the purchase price.
These are not just cars; they are personal investments in joy, identity, and nostalgia.
A Saab that still commands the road
Though far from showroom condition, this 9-3 SE Cabrio has earned its stripes. It’s a survivor that has passed through multiple hands, a promotional campaign, and a mechanical resurrection. It’s also a powerful reminder of what sets Saab apart: the loyal, often obsessive, commitment of its owners.
In an era of disposable design and leased boredom, this red Saab stands as a beacon of resilience.
Why this story matters
Too often, giveaway cars end up neglected, parted out, or scrapped. But this story proves that when a Saab falls into the hands of the right owner, its story never really ends. This isn’t about flipping a car for profit. This is about legacy, connection, and pride in keeping automotive history alive.
For readers who’ve followed Saab’s ups and downs, this is exactly the kind of chapter that reaffirms why we care.
Saab 9-3 SE Convertible: A closer look
For those unfamiliar with the specifications of this generation of 9-3:
- Engine: 2.0 Turbo 16v
- Power: 185 hp
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Convertible roof: Power-operated soft top
- Year: 2001
- Original market: The Netherlands
- Standout options: Leather seats, alloy wheels, factory spoiler
While some may focus on kilometers or flaws, the fact remains: well-maintained Saabs, even with high mileage, continue to offer unmatched personality and drivability.
Final thoughts
Peter’s red 9-3 isn’t just a car—it’s a tribute to perseverance. It began life as a showroom darling, became a giveaway icon, faded into obscurity, and re-emerged through the dedication of a passionate owner. And that, more than any horsepower spec, is what makes Saab stories timeless.
Read the original article on AutoWeek (Dutch)
