BORN FROM JETS

Minnesota SAAB Club Newsletter

November, 2007

Fire in Meyer!  Unfortunately, our friends down at Meyer Garage experienced a devastating fire late Monday afternoon.  Fortunately nobody was hurt, but most of the shop and back rooms were lost.  Also lost in the fire were a '69 96 deluxe, a vintage Jaguar, and Marty's 96 V4 Moonracer.  There is no official word yet on the cause, but a faulty compressor or fuse panel could be to blame.  There is talk about relocating nearby for awhile until everything can be rebuilt.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the Adams family.     

I would like to thank everyone who came out for the highway clean-up and breakfast the other Saturday.  It was a gorgeous day--perfect for tire kicking and helping out the environment!  It's too bad the next one isn't until April. . .  This month we will be swapping SAAB stories as usual, and will also have a presentation on tires, including new technology, new aspect ratios, etc.  There will also be information about a new type of synthetic oil, and a fun story about a wrench.  Read on to learn the latest in the SAAB world, including the great reviews in The Chicago Sun-Times and The Detroit News, learn about SAAB's mobility program, read the latest on our friend Peter Gilbert, now nearly anyone can attend the SAAB Aero Academy (for a price), check out several new cars for sale, and find out how Tim Winker and Marty Adams did at Elkhart Lake in the old 1950 SAAB 92!   

Historic SAAB Wins at Elkhart Lake Vintage Rally!

After a scramble to locate a last-minute replacement for the ailing Jon
Davis, Marty Adams filled in as driver. Marty is a Saab dealer in Iowa
(Meyer Garage and Iowa City Saab) and is quite familiar with Tom Donney's
SAAB 92.

I drove the car for a few laps at Road America. While the Corvettes and
Porsches were loafing around the track, it was all I could do to push the
25 HP SAAB 92 up the famous hills at RA. The speedometer read just over 100
on the downhill slope between turns 2 and 5. (Speedometer was in KPH, of
course.)

We had some trouble keeping up the speeds on the uphills and the twisties
in the Kettle Morain area, but managed a good enough score to win the
Vintage Trophy.

Will write more and post some photos later.

Thanks to Trio Motors in Flint, Michigan; Marty Adams for filling in on
short notice; and especially to Tom Donney for allowing us to flog the
oldest SAAB in America!

And thanks to the spirit of Larry Williams for riding with us all weekend
and urging us on.

Tim Winker, publisher

VintageRally.net
The Source for Vintage and Historic Rally Information

http://vintagerally.net
A rare 1950 SAAB 92 is set to compete in a renactment rally in Elkhart
Lake, Wisconsin, home of Road America Raceway. The driver/navigator team
is
nearly as historic as the car. Jon Davis of Houghton, Michigan, will be
behind the wheel, while Tim Winker of Twig, Minnesota, will try to keep
the
team on time. The 2007 Elkhart Lake Historic Rallye celebrates the 55th
anniversary of the SCCA sponsored Monte Carlo style rallies held in
conjunction with open road sports car races during 1951 and 1952. The
rally
will be held on October 5 and 6, 2007, and includes a tour of the
original
Elkhart Lake race course that used public roads.

1950 was the first year that SAAB produced cars, and this is the earliest

92 known in the U.S, the 218th of only 1246 Saabs to roll off the
production line in Trollhattan that year. SAAB did not begin importing
cars
to the U.S. until the introduction of the model 93 in 1956. This 92 was
imported to the U.S. by a private owner. When it was purchased by Saab
enthusiast Larry Williams of Waterloo, Iowa, it bore a small dash plaque
from the 1952 Elkhart Lake Rallye.

Williams found the rusty 92 at Trio Motors in Flint, Michigan, where it
had
been sitting for over 25 years. He acquired it in 1991 and dragged it
home.
He was able to get the car's 750cc, two-cylinder engine unstuck and even
running, then went on to hand fabricate many floor and body pieces that
had
rusted out. The car had been repainted grey at some time in its life, and

much of that was flaking off. Williams was able to get down to the
original
green paint on much of the car, but bare metal was sprayed with black
primer. That is how the body still appears today.

Once it was safe to drive on the street, he drove it to a Saab Owners
Convention in Wisconsin, a 500 mile round trip. In a true test of faith
in
the 92, Williams ran it around the autocross course at the convention.

After Williams passed away in 1998, the SAAB 92 went to Tom Donney,
another
Iowa Saab collector. He, too, has driven the 92 to Saab events, including

Saab Owners Conventions in Hilton Head, SC (1998) and Troy, Michigan
(2007). On a recent trip to Sweden, Donney acquired many parts to do a
restoration of the 92, and intends to bring the car closer to original
condition over the next few years.

= = = = =
JON DAVIS - Former SCCA ProRally Champion Jon Davis ran his first rally
in
1959 in a Triumph TR3. He later switched to the more robust SAABs and
took
many trophies in both two-stroke and V4 SAAB 96s. When SCCA instituted
the
ProRally Championship in the 1970s, Davis was one of the first to get
involved. He ran a very competitive Saab 99 for many years, but the car
suffered regular engine problems due to aftermarket parts. Davis was one
of
the first to compete in the Production Class, driving a Saab 99, and
captured the National Championship in 1980 and 1981, with Harry Ward as
his
co-driver.

TIM WINKER - Tim Winker's rally career began when he was a student at the

University of Minnesota in 1969. He competed locally for many years, and
occasionally ventured across the country for a National Rally. Over the
years he has also raced cars on the ice and road race courses, driven and

co-driven on stage rallies, and navigated on several prestigious
endurance
rallies such as One Lap of America, Alcan 5000 and Targa Newfoundland.
Winker was also part of a Saab factory organized team of journalists that

drove a Saab 900 to a world speed record at Talladega International
Speedway in 1996, and set the fastest lap during his stint at the wheel.
Tim Winker
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Vintage Ice And Gravel Rally Racing Association
[ V. I. A. G. R. R. A. ]

Detroit is warming up...
THE ANTI-CROSSOVER: Saab 9-3 SportCombi Provides Fun Car Ride, Truck Utility – The Detroit News
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/OPINION03/710310376/1149/AUTO03
By Scott Burgess
Oct. 31, 2007

I don't want to burst any marketer's bubble, but crossovers have been among us for years.
That overly touted carlike ride with the utility of an SUV started long before the arrival of CX-7s and RX 300s. Maybe the first ones weren't recognized because carmakers didn't include the letter X in the name. But they were there.
We had them as kids; our parents loaded us into those Ford LTD Country Squires (or equivalent Chevy behemoth) to take us to Grandma's or on some family vacation.
But in the '80s and '90s, wagons became passé. Americans wanted Explorers and TrailBlazers. But Europeans stuck with the wagon, shunning brawn for agility and forgoing ride elevation for better handling.
So when I got the chance to test the Swedish-built 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi, I jumped at it. I have always loved wagons and the SportCombi only furthered my devotion to a group of vehicles no one seems to want to drive.
Wagons have all the practicalities of crossovers without the marketing muscle. They're not part car and part truck, they're just long cars.
And, really, they're not even that long. The SportCombi stretches 183.2 inches; its sedan equivalent measures 182.5 inches.
But the differences are immeasurable. The 9-3 sedan has 15 cubic feet of truck space, whereas the SportCombi offers 29.7 cubic feet with the second row up. Drop it, and you have 72.3 cubic feet available.
Try loading a television into the sedan. Try squeezing it into the second-row seat or in the trunk. Neither proposition works well.
For people in the 21st century, wagons are the way to go.
And if you get the performance provided in the 9-3 Aero SportCombi, you'll never go back to the typical sedan. A fifth door will always offer more help in day-to-day living than a deck lid.
The 9-3 Aero SportCombi mixes sporty ride with pure utility. Really, there isn't much not to like, other than a starting price of $29,630 for turbocharged 2-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, that engine pushes 210 horses at a very low 2,500 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at the same revs.
My $37,960 test vehicle, however, came with the 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6, producing 255 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. The turbo provided that sneaky speed -- and fortunately, a speed alarm at 77 mph kept reminding me to slow down.
The car whizzed through corners, its 17-inch alloy wheels biting down and never letting go. Even with a wheelbase stretching over 105 inches, its body hardly rolled in fast turns.
I never felt in need of power on the highway or on city streets -- as my six-speed manual transmission seemed to have an excellent gear ratio for quick starts and steady cruising. Whenever I needed power to pass or merge onto the highway, I'd just stomp the pedal and whisk right past one of those big gravel trucks.
Of course, all of that turbocharged fun cost me at the pump, where I had to fill up with premium fuel. I averaged about 21 miles per gallon on the highway, despite an EPA rating of 24 mpg.
However, that did include some city driving, where the V-6 gets 16 mpg. The mileage may be one reason to consider the 2-liter powerplant. It has an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg in the city with a manual transmission.
The only complaint I found with the car's performance was the gear shifting.
It felt a little loose and there was some torque steer on quick acceleration. The throws were long, and it was easy to miss a gear down shifting, even after practicing for nearly a week.
But some of that comes from the fact you forget you're in a wagon -- you start to think it's a sports car.
The SportCombi's exterior is impressive. Designers took a lot of cues from the Aero X Concept car. From the windshield forward, the 9-3 is completely reworked -- adopting a much more European look. Its wide face, narrow headlamps and aggressive grille add to the wagon's appearance.
Its profile is distinctive, though a little boxy. It may be inspired by jets, but it looks more C-17 than F-18. The round wheel wells wrap around more than half of the tires, making the Saab look like a low rider. The higher back side increases the car's bulk.
Really enjoyed the interior of the SportCombi, with its plush leather seats and clean, elegant lines along the dash. The silver trim along the curvy dash and steering wheel brought pop to the instruments without being over the top. There's a Swedish practicality to the form and function in the SportCombi's cabin.
I had only a few complaints. The dash mounted pop-out cup holder was flimsy and couldn't handle a large Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup. I was left to hold it between my legs while shifting, almost causing a burning incident in a Meijer parking lot.
The seat bolsters could have provided more support, but that's a minor point, considering the beautiful black leather and overall comfort.
The SportCombi came loaded with lots of features. An optional moonroof, eight-way power seats, rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure monitor, steering wheel controls and lots of safety devices, including electronic stability and traction control, driver and passenger front and side airbags.
It's a car that pampers your senses with luxury appointments while also feeding your adrenalin with power and performance. That's certainly a winning Combi.
For someone looking for a car with European driving dynamics and Swedish sensibilities, the 2008 9-3 Aero SportCombi should be on the shopping list. It's fun, stylish and has all the practicality of a crossover.
It just performs better than most.

Courtesy of the million mile Saab man:
http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/autos/news/611341,CAR-News-longevity23.article
Cars That Just Won't Quit – Chicago Sun Times

What does it take to keep an old one going on and on?
BY BETH J. HARPAZ -- Associated Press, October 23, 2007

NEW YORK -- Maybe you or someone you know has an old junk heap of a car with 150,000 miles on it. Maybe you think that's a lot. It's not.

Meet Peter Gilbert, who drove a Saab more than a million miles through 17 Wisconsin winters. And Clifton Lambreth, a zone manager for 600 Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers around the South, where he's seen plenty of Ford pickup trucks with 800,000 miles. He calls them "road warriors." And Michael Dennison, whose Bavarian Professionals auto shop in Berkeley, Calif., routinely works on 20-year-old BMWs -- including a 1987 with 784,000 miles and a 1982 with 550,000 miles. "In our disposable culture, a car is one of the few products you own that rewards your attempts to keep it going," Dennison said. "There is a puritan satisfaction that comes with squeezing all the juice out of a car."

Michael Wright of Port Angeles, Wash., drove his Toyota SR5 pickup well past 300,000 miles before finally replacing it -- with a 1989 model of the same car that had "only 150,000 miles." "If it's got 150,000 miles or less on it, it's just getting broken in. There's still a lot of miles on it," Wright said. "It was in good shape. I feel like I'm driving a new car!" New compared to his old truck, that is -- which didn't have a radio or air conditioning or a working windshield washer.

What does it take to keep an old car running that long? Here are some tips from folks who know a thing or two about auto longevity. * You probably know that changing the oil every 3,000 miles or so is critical, but so are other small maintenance tasks. Don't forget to change the filters and rotate the tires, Lambreth said.

Dennison advised changing the automatic transmission fluid every 50,000 miles; changing the spark plugs every 60,000 miles; flushing the brake fluid every two years, and putting a new battery in preventively if the old one has lasted five years. Dennison said it's also important to keep cars from overheating. "If your car has a low coolant indicator and it comes on, wait half an hour to let the car cool off," Dennison said. "Check the level -- if it's low, get your car towed." He recommended getting the car towed if the temperature gauge goes beyond the two-thirds point, and draining and refilling the cooling system every two years to inhibit corrosion. * Keep your car clean, inside, outside and underneath. Wash and wax frequently. Hose out wheel wells to flush out dirt. Vacuum inside to remove grit that could corrode the upholstery and carpets. And garage the car or park in the shade when possible. Dennison said rust caused by rain, snow and salt on the roads "is not nearly the issue it once was" because of improvements in rustproofing. "The sun, however, is extremely hard on a car's paint and interior," he said.

Gilbert's million-mile car, a 1989 Saab 900 SPG, is now in the Wisconsin Automotive Museum. But he said washing it twice a week by hand was crucial to keeping it going. "Seventeen winters in Wisconsin is brutal," said Gilbert, who has become a celebrity among Saab devotees, making appearances at auto shows and Saab conventions. He got a brand-new Saab from the company free, and a video on YouTube shows the odometer turning from 999,999 back to zero. * If you're facing a large repair, do the math. What would the monthly payment for a new car be over several years compared with the cost of, say, replacing a transmission? If you think you can get a few more years out of the old car, it might be worth the investment, Wright said.

"I would look at a Kelley Blue Book guide," Lambreth said. "If a repair exceeds 120 percent of the value of the car, it's probably not worth it -- unless you really love the vehicle and you don't want to give it up." Dennison said "it is almost always much less expensive to maintain a car than to buy a new one -- unless very expensive items fail, such as the paint, the interior and the engine." Your old car also might save you money on insurance, because you probably won't bother with collision insurance. But before you decide that the old jalopy is perfect for the teenage driver in the family, remember that many older models don't have air bags, so there are safety considerations as well as financial ones.

* Don't worry about impressing your friends. Kristen Bergevin's 1990 Lexus has a few scratches, scrapes and tiny dents. "It has about 250,000 miles on it and still runs great," said Bergevin, who does public relations for the Phelps Group. "I live and work in L.A., where image is everything, but I love my 17-year-old Lexus."

If you need inspiration for keeping your workhorse going, consider Cuba, where tens of thousands of old American cars built in the 1950s and even earlier make up as many as a third of the vehicles on the island's streets. Shipped here before the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, the Chevys and Fords were later joined by Soviet vehicles such as boxy Lada sedans and military-style four-wheel-drives.

Many of the old American cars are on their second, third or even fourth engines, and have turned over their odometers numerous times -- that is, the ones with odometers that still work. They are lovingly maintained by their owners, and a majority are still working vehicles, collectively known as "maquinas" or machines. They serve as peso taxis for average Cubans who pile in and call out their stops along the way.

The median age of passenger cars on the road in the United States was 9.2 years in 2006, a record high, according to an annual survey by R.L. Polk & Co. "This is more evidence that vehicle engineering and durability continues to improve with each new model year," Dave Goebel, a consultant for Polk's Aftermarket Solutions, said in a statement.

"The quality of cars today is incredible," Lambreth agreed. "If you follow the manufacturers' maintenance, most of those cars will surprise and delight you." Or, as Dennison put it, "they don't make cars like they used to. They make them better."

http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/autos/news/553939,srch-auto-AV091307.article
New 9-3: A Great Saab Story – Chicago Sun-Times

By Al Vinikour, September 13, 2007

When I was in high school our guidance counselor predicted the farthest I’d ever go geographically was Chicago. He bragged that in his lifetime he had been to Angola, Brazil, Morocco and Lebanon. Years later I discovered these were all cities in Indiana … and he’d never even been to Chicago.

I thought of this recently as I sat down for dinner with some colleagues at the Swedish Embassy in Washington DC to hear about the new 2008 Saab 9-3 – Sweden’s newest export. Since first entering the North American market in 2003, Saab has sold more than 120,000 of them. From what I experienced driving the new version it’s not going to take any five years to surpass that number.

The 9-3 comes in three body styles – Sport Sedan, SportCombi (grow up…it’s a station wagon…and a good-looking one at that) and Convertible. The Sport Sedan and SportCombi are available with front-wheel-drive and for the first time, all-wheel-drive (AWD). The Convertible is only available in FWD. Saab’s AWD is actually an XWD (cross-wheel-drive) and features innovative developments in wheel slip management and, as an option, the use of an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential.

Saab’s XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. This fine balance of the drive torque between the front and rear axles raises the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered, allowing more driver involvement. For instance, during highway cruising, only 5 percent to 10 percent of engine torque is transmitted to the rear wheels. For less-than-ideal conditions let the Swede do the job.

If it’s Swedish it must be safe and Saab doesn’t disappoint. The safety structure is designed with front and rear crumple zones. Crash test configurations are based on real-life research. Roof rail air bags protect side and severe frontal impacts. Air bag/safety belt deployment is performed by sophisticated sensors.

The Saab 9-3 is equipped with many chassis control dynamics, steering and brake features that help drivers avoid crashes. Available are Electronic Stability Program, Mechanical Brake Assistance, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Cornering Brake Control. Optional cornering bi-xenon headlights provide better night vision and the steering-linked bulbs can swivel up to 15-degrees when going around a bend or corner at about nine mph. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard.

The styling of the 2008 9-3 is quintessential Saab. It has taken a lot of cues from the Aero X concept car, including the deep, prominent evolution of the grille that’s complemented by sweeping headlamp units that incorporate a thin “eyebrow” lighting zone. The grille’s central wing motif is retained as a reflection of Saab’s aircraft heritage. The “clamshell” hood has been retained. It closes across the top of the front fenders and the hood stamping incorporates a U-shaped styling line.

The doors and bumpers of the SportCombi and Sport Sedan are clean and clutter-free. The Convertible has color-keyed rub strips on the doors. The Convertible features a color-keyed tonneau cover that’s flush-fitting and when the top is up the car assumes the persona of a coupe.

It’s not that often that a three-member “family” has such distinct individuals. Externally they’re all different but under the hood beats the heart of a Saab. Actually three hearts if you want to get technical on me. First at bat is a take-no-prisoners 210 horsepower I-4. The turbocharged intercooled 2.0-liter engine puts out 221 pound-feet of torque. It’s the powerplant that’s standard on the 2.0T FWD.

The upscale offerings are two, 2.8-liter V-6s. The standard V-6 in the 9-3 Aero FWD puts out 255 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. The Aero XWD’s standard V-6 numbers are 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There’s nothing “neutral” about either engine … they’ve both declared war on highways.

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is standard. It’s noticeably smooth when shifting and very quiet during acceleration.

A five-speed automatic is exclusive to the 2.0T and a six-speed automatic is exclusive on the Aero. You aren’t going to go wrong with either choice. The 2.0T comes with 16-inch x 6.5-inch fourteen-spoke alloy wheels and the Aero comes with 17-inch x 7.5-inch five-spoke low-split alloy wheels.

We test drove the 2008 9-3s through a mix of curvy, hilly and straight roads in the Virginia countryside and it dared us to challenge it. The handling was superb and there was no evidence of head toss – the scourge of us motion-sicknessers. It’s an all-day car.

Whoever designed the driver’s seating position must be as pliable as the Pillsbury Doughboy. There is no way to be uncomfortable no matter how much you do…or don’t weigh. There’s a multi-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescope steering wheel but even if you forget to adjust this you won’t notice it until your mind has been cleared of everything else.

When belted in you’re facing an instrument panel that has been designed so the gauges and controls are logically grouped. A large speedometer is flanked by smaller tachometer and engine information dials that are recessed. The dials themselves are softly illuminated in green – Saab’s choice for a more restful color for night driving.

The center console sports an innovatively “disguised” handbrake and in true Saab tradition, the ignition switch is alongside the handbrake. The dash area is highlighted in matte chrome and the HVAC controls are well within reach of the driver and passenger. Rear-seaters have their own adjustable air vents, reading lights, cupholders, center armrest and gobs of storage space.

As I stated earlier there’s a resemblance to previous Saabs. However, Steve Shannon, Saab’s General Manager, stated there are 2,157 changes from the previous 9-3.

FOR RELEASE: 2007-10-23

Saab Aero Academy Now Open for All

2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan.

DETROIT -- The exclusive Saab Aero Academy two-day performance driving school held at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., once reserved for Saab Aero model customers only, is now available to U.S. drivers everywhere. The cost is only $495 in combination with the purchase of a new Saab and $1,000 more without.

The intensive two-day course combines driver education with the thrill of piloting Saab Aero performance vehicles. It consists of 80 percent advanced handling exercises on specially constructed training tracks and 20 percent classroom time. Aero Academy instructors are professional race car drivers.

"The Saab Aero Academy is an important element of the overall Saab customer experience," says Saab Automobile USA General Manager Steve Shannon. "Improving driving skills and learning how to avoid an accident benefit American road-ways. Besides, pushing Saab 9-3s and 9-5s to the limits on a safe, closed course is just plain fun and we wanted to share that experience with as many people as possible. Bottom line, if you love to drive and want to sharpen your skills in a Saab, it's a must."

Aero Academy enrollees experience a skid pad where they learn how to control a car with proper steering, throttle and brake responses; "threshold" braking, which teaches how to apply brakes, improve reaction time and avoid brake lockup; a lane change exercise which is designed to improve reflexes and car control skills; a slalom course which tests timing, throttle and steering skills - all while avoiding the orange cones; and an autocross, a scaled down race track that tests cornering, braking, acceleration and skid control while using 100 percent of the cars' potential.

Saab Aero Academy instructors are active in open wheel formula racing, sports car racing, endurance racing and oval track racing. Instructor to student ratio is 1:4. More than 2,000 Saab owners have participated in the Aero Academy since it was founded in 1999 under the name "Viggen Flight Academy."

To enroll in the Saab Aero Academy visit SaabAcademy.com or call 800.456.4728. Customers who purchase or lease a 2008 Saab will receive a voucher good for $1,000 of the $1,495* Saab Aero Academy tuition. All participants are responsible for travel and hotel as well as meals not part of the program.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. In 2007, Saab celebrates 60 years since first being introduced to the automotive scene as the vision-turned-reality of 16 aircraft engineers. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

# # #

http://media.saab.com/

*Cost of the Academy is $1,495 per person for the general public and $495 per qualified person for each new Saab owner. The discount offer is valid for 12 months from date of purchase for all new 2008 models. 

FOR RELEASE: 2007-10-03

Saab vehicles added to GM Mobility program

GM celebrates Disability Awareness Month by expanding program for equipment reimbursement and extended OnStar service

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that it has added the entire line of Saab vehicles to its GM Mobility program. Customers who now purchase or lease any new 2007 or 2008MY Saab vehicle and install or reinstall eligible adaptive mobility equipment can receive a combination of financial assistance and the protection and convenience of OnStar. All GM brands are now part of the program, and include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Pontiac and Saturn.

The GM Mobility Program was launched in 1991 to assist people with disabilities with their transportation needs. Under the terms of the program, GM reimburses customers up to $1,000 when they buy or lease a new GM vehicle and adapt it with one or more of the 35 eligible aftermarket mobility equipment modifications such as hand controls, scooter hoists, OnStar TTY equipment or wheelchair lifts. Customers who receive reimbursement on OnStar-equipped vehicles also get two extra years of standard OnStar service. Since the first year of OnStar service is included on all new OnStar-equipped GM vehicles, GM Mobility customers get three years of OnStar service with their purchase.

"Saab has hundreds of thousands of loyal owners – and now family caregivers, seniors, and people who have limited mobility can enjoy the safety, technology and performance that are hallmarks of Saab vehicles, said John Gaydash, director of marketing for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations ."

"We can’t think of a better way to help celebrate October as Disability Awareness Month than to add Saab to the GM Mobility program."

With OnStar, available on more than 50 GM vehicles including all Saab vehicles, subscribers have direct access to safety and security features such as 24-hour emergency assistance, remote door unlock, stolen vehicle location assistance and Hands-Free Calling, which allows drivers to make and receive hands-free voice activated calls through a nationwide cellular network.

For more information on the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program visit www.gmmobility.com.

For more information on Saab vehicles, visit www.saabusa.com. 

SAAB Club Website

Come visit the Minnesota SAAB Club website at www.mnsaabclub.org for the latest and greatest in the SAAB world!  The regularly updated site will continue to provide increasingly timely and important SAAB news and events for all to enjoy.  Pictures, stories, and contributions are always welcome.  We are a strong SAAB community, and together we can spread the joy of SAAB ownership that we all experience today! 

We have SAAB Club stickers available!  The Minnesota SAAB Club window stickers are static-cling so that you will never have to worry about scraping off that hardened film from your window.  The static stickers are similar to the logo here on the newsletter, and are about 3X5 inches in size.  The major difference is that the fire-breathing-chicken is now in red.  Stickers sell for $5 each, or 3 for $10.  Additionally, if you are a current dues paying member of the Minnesota SAAB Club, you get a window sticker for FREE (Membership has its privileges)!  Also, we are not discriminatory.  If you belong to another local or national club, or are simply a lone enthusiast, you too can still get one.  Heck, even if you drive a Yugo you can buy one and display to the world the lust that lies in your heart.  Just contact me and place your order today! 

            Thank You Members!

I would like to thank all of you great folks who have recently, or are about to renew your annual membership!  I would also like to welcome those new members that have recently joined us for the first time!  Have you popped in on an occasional monthly club meeting?  Have you been helped out with your "SAAB story" from one of the local SAAB buddies?  Have you enjoyed the camaraderie at one of the meetings or one of the area events?  If you have felt the desire to give back a little, now you can!  Make a once a year contribution of $25 to "The Minnesota SAAB Club" , and feel good about yourself knowing that you are supporting an organization devoted to helping out others, keeping the environment clean, and keeping the SAAB brand alive.  You can advertise cars and goods for sale in the newsletter and on the club website (www.mnsaabclub.org) , and you will also receive one of the cool new static club stickers we have (a $5 value!)  Receive various discounts from your favorite regional SAAB facility, and so much more.  Visit the ever-changing club website at www.mnsaabclub.org .  Renew or become a new member today!  

Purchase an E-85 SAAB, Check out the latest previously enjoyed SAAB inventory, buy a new set of Nokian tires, or have your 9-5 engine sludge rectified by contacting Andrews of Princeton.  Visit the website at www.andrewsofprinceton.com, or call Andrews directly by dialing 1-800-882-7220.  

 MEYER GARAGE

Buy a new SAAB and enjoy a 5-year/100,000 mile warranty!  Meyer Garage is happy to work with anyone in Minnesota, Iowa, and anywhere else in the country, as they already have for over 40 years!  Come do business with the friendliest and oldest SAAB dealership west of the Mississippi.  Hundreds already do, and once you try them, you'll probably never go back.  Just think, when they originally started selling new SAABs in the early 60's, they were all Bullnose two-strokes that puffed blue smoke!  SAAB loyalty has rewards beyond just the sheer joy of owning one.  Check out all the latest inventory at www.meyersaab.com, or call Marty or Annette at 1-888-722-2246 to set up a test drive today!   

High Gas Prices Getting You Down?

Crude oil prices are around $94 a barrel!  Although the price of gas has fallen from recent highs, it's still nice to pay as little for gas as possible.  Check out this little website that can assist you in significantly reducing the cost of your fill-ups at the pump.  It's called www.twincitiesgasprices.com.  When you log on to the site, it will give you both the highest and lowest reported gas prices all over the Minneapolis/St.Paul area.  What's that?  You don't live in the twin cities?  Fear not, as there are sister sites for greater Minnesota, and throughout the rest of the country.  As this month's newsletter goes to press, gas prices in the Twin Cities are ranging from $2.74 to $3.09 a gallon. 

SAAB Club Calendar

-November 1, Thursday,7:30 PM, Minnesota SAAB Club meeting at Major's Sports Cafe located on Snelling Ave. in Roseville, MN.

-December 6, Thursday,7:30 PM, Minnesota SAAB Club meeting at Major's Sports Cafe located on Snelling Ave. in Roseville, MN.   

            -January 3, Thursday,7:30 PM, Minnesota SAAB Club meeting at Major's Sports Cafe located on Snelling Ave. in Roseville, MN.

Glassyeyeds:

1987 SAAB 900 turbo for sale.  165,000 miles, runs,

but the turbo is shot.  The headliner is sagging but 

cosmetically the car isn't too bad.  Located in Red Wing. 

$500. Contact abroughton35@yahoo.com for more details. 

2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero wagon for sale.  85,000 miles, and

15,000 left on the bumper to bumper CPO warranty.  It's

cosmic blue and in nice shape.  Can view more details

at cars.com, or contact Curt at Curt@sportcourtmn.com. 

I have a very nice 1977 Saab 99 ems that I need to sell. 
Thanks, Ed Goldstein
4721 Isabel Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612 721-2322 home
612 270-3873 cell
612 721-9028 fax

1974 SAAB Sonett for sale.  Sat for 10 years and doesn't

currently run.  Project or parts for someone willing to put

in the time.  Contact David at davebobbi90@earthlink.net

1985 Saab 900 4dr for parts.  8V, 5spd, 296K miles, You've read about

this car in NINES, though I haven't offered an update in awhile.
Needs a radiator (radiator is removed), and has issues with the clutch.
The engine runs, but poorly (FI?). Uses very little oil despite the miles.
Has some rust, but nothing structural.
If you're willing to put a little time into it, it could be a good winter
beater for another season or two, or a good donor for parts.
$250 to a Saab Club member.
Tim Winker
218-729-0821.
Tim Winker
<bigcheese @ winktimber.com>
www.winktimber.com

-1969 Saab 95 wagon parts car

This has the V-4 Ford industrial engine, and panels that fit over the grilles. 

Engine and transmission were good when parked 20 years ago, and the

engine has had Mobil 1 since 1975.  The freewheeling worked fine, too. 

Some wheels and tires may still be useable.  Once upon a time I intended

to own a Sonett, and this was to be for spare parts. The car was parked

because body and chassis rust made it unsafe; rear suspension has now

collapsed.  Comes with a title. $250/BO

Dave ddg@attglobal.net 651-455-7512 Inver Grove Heights

PS: Once car is gone, I'll also have shop manual for sale, $25 

-1970 SAAB 96, grey, red interior, very nice original condition. Located in Minneapolis.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        $2,900?  Contact Eric at Eric.Fantin@cfsmn.com for pictures and more information. 

-1974 Sonett, 76,000 miles. No rust ever. Original paint; repaint brings it
close to concours quality. Very fast. Engine rebuilt/modified by The Foreign
Service (www.foreignservicemn.com ) at 70,000 miles: MSS intake, carburetor,
street cam, valve lifters, steel timing gear set, and lightened flywheel;
oversize pistons; Sachs clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing. Oversize
hardened valves (for unleaded gasoline). Electric fan and fuel pump,
Ashcraft's coolant filter. Brake and clutch master cylinders
re-sleeved/rebuilt and converted to DOT 5 fluid.  OEM dual exhausts.
Excellent wheels with perfect blue wheel centers (never blasted, original
machining still intact). Orbital sealed gel cell battery keeps the trunk rust
free. Cibie headlights, old style auxiliary/driving lights. Alpine AM/FM
cassette. Seats with sheepskin centers, extra set of original seats. Beverly
Hills car cover. Driven daily - summers only - never in snow or salt. Near
Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and Mall of America (www.mallofamerica.com ).
Have too many Saabs. Come visit and check out one of the finest remaining
examples of this great car. $8,495 Drive anywhere, delivery negotiable. 651
645-3949 

-For Sale- 1973 96, beige, V4, virtually no rust- I own the above referenced Saab and planning to sell it. It is a beige color with little or no rust, however, when I last drove it in 1984, it needed a clutch otherwise it's in good condition. It has been sitting in my garage for the past 20 years and thought someone in your Saab Club might be interested. Approx. 175K miles and nice looking interior. Probably need a new clutch, sitting around in my owner's garage since 1984, when he decided, Jerry Springs, Detroit, (313) 819-7200 or e-mail at volunteerdir@sphb.org $5000.00 is negotiable.

-For Sale- 2002 Saab Viggen --I am selling a 2002 Viggen with only 11,800 miles. I am asking $21,000 or best offer. The car is in showroom condition and has always been stored indoors. It is originally from California, and has only been in Michigan for 4 days. (I moved back to Detroit from Atlanta). I also have pics I can email... Let me know if you know someone.....   Christine, 586-801-3595 or imperigal72@yahoo.com

-For Sale- 2003 9-3 Sport Sedan Vector Model (replaced by Aero in 2004), Silver Exterior, Charcoal Interior, 59,000 Mi. Every option, 2 sets of tires & wheels (summer/winter), New summer tires @ 54,000 Mi (only 2500 mi on them), Winter tires have roughly 20,000 mi on them, New brakes (front & rear) at 55,000 Mi, Brake system flush @ 55,000, Contact info: Ed Huot, (810) 625.8036 or ehuot13@aol.com_

-For Sale- SAAB 9000 2-Door Concept Car I am asking $15,000.00 or best. I have not had the time to drive the car over the year. It's not good to let them just sit under a cover they should be driven so others can appreciate them as well. The car is currently sitting in my brothers pole barn tucked away under its cover waiting for it's next drive. I have attached a couple of pictures for reference. I would appreciate only true potential buyer emails / phone calls as I am extremely busy & don't have a great deal of extra time

these days. I hope you are all doing well and would ask that you please forward my email to your SAAB friends. Bob Fallis, Robert.Fallis@CarTopSystems.com

-For Sale: 2002 SAAB 9-5 ARC: 4DR, V6, Automatic 5-Speed, Turbo, Gray, Leather, On-Star, Sunroof, Alarm, Harman Kardon Stereo, Loaded, 52K miles. Selling below Book value! Go to: www.LighthouseColorprint.com/saab or call Chris (269) 428-7062, ext. #2 for more information.

-For Sale- Reproduced parts from Finland. 96 V4- upper and lower radiator hoses, mudflaps, SKF fan bearings, Saab-logo C -pillar emblems, 900/9000- hood emblems (to replace the ones that flake off) All these are new, reproduced parts. Contact Jim at lamanjim@juno.com for pricing and details. Parts are pictured at http://www.jamsa.fi/~vepohjal/saabiko/emblems.htm

-For Sale: Saab convertible,1990, white, Saab Airflow kit, AT, very clean! Contact Bjorn Soderstrom at Soderstrom5@aol.com in West Bloomfield, MI

-For Sale - I have a 96 V-4 1700 that I would like to get rid of also there might be a 1500 cc and trans to follow w/ some wheels. The 1700 had a rod knock but did run. Any help in linking me up w/ a good home will be greatly appreciated. Eric Duram. Duram9@aol.com

-For Sale: We still have many items left over from SOC 2005. The proceeds from these sales are going towards paying for the convention. We are $3500.00 + in debt and need your help to pay these bills. You may be asking yourselves how this could have happened. There are many reasons for this debt not the least of which is people sneaking into Saturday night's dinner and sponsors backing out last minute. So if you know of anyone who did come to dinner (without paying) Saturday night please encourage them to make a donation. Spread the word. We don't care who they are we just want to cover the debt and put the 2005 convention to bed. If you feel like donating that's great too, there are three donation options available. (Saturday's dinner cost us $35+) Most of the for sale items are located with Ashli and I and we'd like to get them out of our 700 square foot house as well. we just reduced the prices on many items recently... So buy now, buy often. With our thanks in advance for your support. http://www.mollyguard.com/event/21919562

The state wants to increase ethanol to 20% by 2013. . . 

E20 in automotive applications

http://www.nmma.org/lib/docs/nmma/gr/environmental/Impacts_of_a_20%25_Ethanol_Gasoline_Fuel_Blend.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/fuelquality/publications/biofuels-2004/pubs/biofuels-2004.pdf

http://www.nmma.org/lib/docs/nmma/gr/environmental/ethanol-report.pdf

http://www.aaa.asn.au/directions/directions%201-03/pages/Ethanol%20Report.htm

http://www.allsafe-fuel.org/TechPaper.pdf


Non-automotive

http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/fuelquality/publications/2000hours-non-automotive/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/fuelquality/publications/assessment-e10-e20/index.html

Fun SAAB Links

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2732160

http://www.shadetreemechanic.com/michelin_new_tire_design.htm

www.saabhistory.com

http://www.mikehally.com/

http://jpowell.tripod.com/saab.html

http://www.saabv4.co.uk/

http://www.saab-v4.co.uk/

http://www.vintagesaab.com/vsrg/

http://www.classicsaabracing.com/index-sv.htm

http://www.norseperformance.com/index2.htm

http://www.saabmuseum.com/