In Taiwan’s thriving Saab community, stories of dedication and craftsmanship continue to surface. This time, it’s the (SAAB) tale of Mr. Chihjen Ko – a man whose passion for Scandinavian culture and design found its perfect expression in his fully restored 2006 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon. Guided by the technical excellence of SAC Taiwan, this project bridges Nordic philosophy and Asian precision, proving once again that Saab ownership is far more than transportation – it’s a lifestyle.
This is not merely a repaint or a repair. It’s a complete rebirth – mechanical, acoustic, and emotional. A tribute to the Saab philosophy of engineering with purpose, and proof that the brand’s spirit continues to live in those who refuse to let it fade.
A Danish connection and a Nordic state of mind
Before restoration, the car was a well-used but cherished companion. Its dark blue finish echoed the color of the northern sky, chosen to remind Mr. Ko of his time in Denmark, where he had lived and worked in biodiversity information management.
He admired the Scandinavian way of thinking – clean design, purpose over excess, function infused with feeling. That mindset guided his choice of car. Saab, with its driver-focused ergonomics, aviation-inspired dashboard, and understated strength, mirrored everything he valued.
When life in Taiwan’s eastern regions demanded a car, he didn’t hesitate: “There was never another choice,” he says. “It had to be a Saab.”
The teardown – every panel, every bolt
When the 9-5 arrived at SAC Taiwan, technicians knew this would be more than just a respray. Under the direction of Alec, head of the Tucheng workshop, the team stripped the car completely – every body panel, every wire harness, every interior surface was removed and catalogued.
Panels were sanded, dents repaired, rust treated, and the chassis refinished. Every mechanical system was inspected. The project took months, progressing with patience and precision that only true Saab specialists could deliver.
From sound to silence — iSound Deadening perfection
One of the most impressive phases of the restoration was acoustic reconstruction. SAC Taiwan performed a complete iSound Deadening process, treating the entire body shell – doors, floor, roof, firewall, and wheel arches.
The goal: eliminate unwanted vibration and create an interior that captures Saab’s trademark serenity. The result exceeded expectations. When driving the finished car, wind and road noise virtually disappear. What remains is the refined hum of the turbo and the soft thud of solid Swedish doors.
A new interior for a new beginning
Inside, SAC replaced the worn upholstery with custom white Aero leather seats, handcrafted to match the new exterior. The dashboard and trim were rejuvenated, while hidden layers of insulation created a calm, cocoon-like atmosphere.
Every switch, vent, and instrument was re-fitted or refurbished. The tactile experience – the feel of the steering wheel, the click of the ignition, the familiar Saab scent – all restored to their original character.
Driving it today feels like stepping into a new car built by Trollhättan engineers who refused to compromise.
Maptun Stage 5 – Scandinavian performance, refined
SAC didn’t stop with aesthetics. Under the hood, Mr. Ko’s 9-5 received Maptun Performance Stage 5 tuning, raising the output of the 2.3-liter turbo engine to 345 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque.
Turbo response was sharpened, gearbox ratios optimized, and the exhaust system tuned to release a deep, satisfying note – powerful but never harsh. The result? A car that accelerates like a modern sports sedan yet retains Saab’s composure and refinement.
The final result – Nordic soul, Taiwanese mastery
When the project was complete, the car looked and felt brand new. From the mirror-finish paintwork to the precision of every shut line, it represented the best of both worlds: Swedish engineering ideals executed with Taiwanese dedication.
SAC’s attention to detail extended beyond mechanicals – the car underwent a multi-stage detailing process, ensuring every surface gleamed.
Back on the road – the rebirth of a modern classic
Seeing the car outside the workshop, sunlight dancing on the white paint, it’s easy to forget it once wore a deep blue coat. Every element – the crisp body lines, the refreshed Aero wheels, the silent cabin – reflects a blend of Nordic restraint and Taiwanese precision.
On the open road, the 9-5 Aero feels alive again, smoother and quieter than ever. Mr. Ko says the transformation exceeded his expectations:
“It’s more than just restoration — it’s renewal. It feels like Saab is still alive.”
Keeping Saab’s spirit alive
SAC Taiwan continues to set the benchmark for Saab service and restoration across Asia. With ten dedicated service centers, Alec’s team ensures that every Saab owner, from Taipei to Kaohsiung, can still enjoy full technical support – even more than a decade after production ceased.
Mr. Ko’s 9-5 is now more than a car. It’s a rolling tribute to Scandinavian design philosophy, built and preserved with passion thousands of kilometers from Trollhättan.
And when the turbo spools and the car glides silently down a Taiwanese highway, one truth remains: Saab’s story isn’t over – it’s simply found a new chapter in the East.
Addendum: A Message from the Owner, Mr. Chihjen Ko
After our story was published, we received a warm message from Mr. Chihjen Ko, the proud owner of this beautifully restored Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon in Taiwan.
He kindly shared a few additional details that enrich the story behind this project:
“The car was bought used last year in fair condition — like all 19-year-old cars — but an Aero wagon was still a rare find in Taiwan, especially since the engine wasn’t tweaked or tuned. The dark blue was its factory color, but I’ve always wanted a white car, so that’s what it has become. The hint of Nordic sky is actually the blue-ish strip under the cargo bar.”
“I wanted to drive it without worrying about failing old parts, so I asked SAC Taiwan to essentially replace all worn-out, degraded parts. Therefore, a version closer to the original Chinese quote would be: ‘Thanks to SAC Taiwan, I can still become a faithful Saab owner in 2025.’”
“Finally, the gold rims were just leased from SAC while my intended 3-spoke ones were being tested.”
His words add even more authenticity to this restoration — not just a technical transformation, but a personal tribute to Saab’s lasting spirit and to SAC Taiwan’s craftsmanship that keeps it alive.
Another SAC Taiwan Rescue Worth Reading
In case you missed it, SAC’s latest challenge came from Guangfu in Hualien, where a flood-buried Saab 9-5 was recovered after the Mataian Creek dam collapse and brought back to life through a full teardown and rebuild.
You can read the full story of that extraordinary restoration here: Saab 9-5 Flood Restoration in Taiwan
Nice but curious how much this all cost. I was quoted $8,000 us dollars just to rebuild my 95 wagon’s motor, so I can’t imagine this was that cost effective vs a new car. Unfortunately I don’t see much benefit in dumping allot of money into a car that I can barely find parts for.
I can’t, either. But, SAC Taiwan has all the parts.
Just increadable work by Mr Chen and SACs team!