GTP Cool Wall: 2010-2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi

[Famine]

Am I right in thinking that SAAB's are perceived as more cool in North America than Europe and elsewhere.

I think so, rather like Volvo.

In general, Saabs were considered cool everywhere, but - and it's a big but, like the one on a horse - it was only by people who thought black polo necks were cool, that thin-rimmed spectacles were cool and that iPhones were cool. If Steve Jobs had a Saab, it wouldn't surprise me.

Essentially they were the car for people who are so achingly cool and alternative that they're literally the most boring and mainstream people ever. Also architects (Google 'architect Saab').

Which makes it mystifying how the company actually failed. Perhaps it's because the cars were actually ludicrously expensive Vauxhall Vectras and even coolness has its limits - like front tyres that would last seven miles and getting to know every layby, recovery service and petrol station in the Buckinghamshire area.


Not that any of this applies to a car that was never actually produced...