A quiet start in Seclin
It began modestly in 2017. A local member of the SaabSportClub forum had a simple idea—create a recurring, low-key gathering where nearby Saab owners could meet, talk, help each other, and exchange parts. The meeting spot: a parking lot in the town of Seclin, near Lille (France). The cadence: every first Friday of the month, 8 p.m. sharp.
At first, it was just 4–5 cars. But among those early attendees was Thomas Blum, a passionate Saab enthusiast and photographer who would become one of the meeting’s key figures—and its unofficial documentarian.
Thomas’s Saab journey began when a close friend sold him a 1998 OG 9-3 in black—a two-door version fitted with five-spoke rims and Viggen bumpers. That car remains a core part of his collection and still serves as a regular driver. By November 2019, he expanded the garage with a 1998 Saab 9-5, finished in blue with a beige leather interior. That 9-5 received a complete engine rebuild recently and has been driven over 3,000 km since the overhaul.
Then in late 2020, Thomas stumbled upon a rare find: a Cherry Red 1995 Saab 9000, featuring the sought-after B234 shortblock engine. Though high-mileage and showing signs of rust, its rare color and leather interior made it worth saving. The engine required serious attention—head gasket issues, oil leaks, and overall fatigue. But by June 2023, the rebuild was complete. The 9000 now runs flawlessly and has covered over 12,000 km since restoration.
These personal vehicles didn’t just mark milestones in Thomas’s ownership journey—they became recurring guests in his photographs, serving as visual threads throughout the evolving story of Seclin’s Saab community.
A growing community
Thomas joined in late 2017 with his first Saab, an OG 9-3 in classic black with Viggen bumpers. Over time, as he added a 1998 Saab 9-5 and a 1995 Saab 9000 to his fleet, his circle of friends grew too. More importantly, his camera lens began capturing the life of the event, one parking lot rendezvous at a time.
His photo documentation—available now on his website placeconducteur.fr and his instagram Garage Triennal – has become a visual archive of one of France’s longest-running monthly Saab traditions. From summer sunsets to winter nights, each image reflects the spirit of a resilient community.
From five cars to twenty
Though small in scale compared to annual Saab festivals, the Seclin meetings never aimed for spectacle. Their strength lies in consistency and familiarity. Rain or shine, spring or autumn, you can count on this gathering to happen—every first Friday, same place, same time.
Sometimes, especially in warmer months, the turnout reaches 20 Saabs. From Sonetts to 9-5 NGs, the diversity reflects the full span of Saab’s production history. It’s not uncommon to see a freshly rebuilt 9000 Turbo parked beside a 900 Convertible or a rare 9-4X.
After about an hour of car talk and hood-popping, the group heads off to a local restaurant—a tradition within the tradition.
A catalyst for friendships and knowledge
For Thomas, these gatherings changed everything.
“I didn’t know anyone the first time I went,” he recalls. “But meeting after meeting, I invited friends, met others, and today some of them are my closest friends.”
Technical knowledge, rare part trades, repair tips, and shared projects have all stemmed from these informal meetings. More than just car shows, they’re working support groups for keeping Saabs alive in a country where parts are scarce and mechanics unfamiliar.
Documenting the journey
The photos shared by Thomas are more than snapshots. They serve as a living timeline. His Cherry Red Saab 9000 with a rebuilt B234 engine has become a frequent guest in the frames, as have many others with stories of restoration, perseverance, and pride.
Highlights include:
- A green Saab Sonett parked between modern 9-3s
- A convoy of NG 9-5s shining under streetlamps
- Classic 900 Turbos next to modern convertibles
These are not concours cars. They are drivers’ Saabs, maintained with love, driven often, and celebrated regularly.
How to join the Seclin Saab meeting
If you happen to be in the north of France—or planning a Saab road trip—mark your calendar. The Seclin meet takes place:
- Every first Friday of the month
- 8 p.m.
- Car park near the shopping area in Seclin, near Lille
No registration. No fees. Just show up and say hi.
Final thoughts
In an era of fleeting trends and dying forums, the Seclin meet is a case study in sustainability. It didn’t go viral. It didn’t need sponsors. It just needed a few people who cared—and showed up. And thanks to people like Thomas Blum, we now have a record of what that consistency looks like: not flashy, not loud, but deeply meaningful.
It’s a Saab thing. And in Seclin, it’s still going strong.
Hello Thomas,
I am very glad to read about this regular event you and your Saab friends develops and maintains.
It’s a bit far for me to attend but if there will be an opportunity, i surely will.
Good luck to all he Saab drivers!