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Following Victor from Brescia, at unbelievable speeds, I knew I had to forget everything I had learned in driving school about existing traffic rules and common sense. Now the aim was to travel along the route as fast as possible - a mindset that was clearly shared by all participants. Thankfully, Victor was an excellent teacher and I picked things up very quickly.
The trip went very well apart from a broken generator, a few fuel leaks, worn brakes and a buckled rear bumper. I have to admit that the buckled bumper was my fault as I was driving “a bit" fast and a building was standing in the way as my car skidded sideways.
Travelling through these parts of Italy was a fantastic experience full of beautiful, quaint villages and small towns with an abundance of good food and drink on offer. Unfortunately exploring our surroundings wasn´t the purpose of this trip — our focus was on the driving — but we´ll make sure we go back and enjoy the area at a later date.
When you drive through towns and squares lined with people who nod in recognition and call out “Saab" as you go past, it really shows people have a genuine affection for the brand. The fact that we often overtook an Aston Martin or Maserati on the windy roads was also a great motivator for me and helped spur us on!
When I look back on this trip I will remember the challenging Serpentine road, the beautiful classic car brands, police escorts in Bologna and Rome, the runs we had through the streets of Bologna, Rome, Sienna, Florence and Brescia as well as several of the small villages and much, much more.
However, what made the biggest impression on me were the two magnificent vintage Saab 9-3s that we drove. What became apparent as we took to the roads was that in 1957 our designers were already producing cars with exceptional handling characteristics. The fact that we were able to keep up with cars that had 100 — 200 bhp, when we had only 50 bhp, is a fitting tribute to the talent of the designers who worked on these classic models.
Finally, I´d like to thank Hans-Göran Persson who kindly let us borrow his car. He had participated in the event himself last year so this was the second time the vehicle had been put through its paces in this amazing spectacle.
Even though our finishing position was modest, the main purpose of taking part was to show that Saab was up to the challenge while gaining exposure and building support for the brand. Given the interest and feedback we received during the trip, it´s safe to say that our involvement was a huge success.
Jan Åke
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Magnus OlertThat the company's CEO and owner takes part in such an event clearly shows that Saab is not an ordinary brand. Fantastic!
(Men ni borde ändra från 9-3 till 93 i texten.)# 1May 11, 2010 -
Joop (CarTalk)Fantastic story to read and great that those Saab's dis such a great job.
I drove them myself in the early 60-ties and still remember them. We wish you and Saab lots of success.# 3May 11, 2010 -
Martin BergstrandI am really excited about this!
My warmest congratulations to Jan-Åke and Victor together with all personnel involved. Saab is on the road again with a very exciting future ahead.
Martin Bergstrand# 4May 11, 2010 -
Robin DeMasoCongratulations from America! So very proud and happy for you to have done that in a SAAB!# 5May 11, 2010
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RachelCongratulations to you both - a great advert for our rebjörn brand.# 6May 12, 2010
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Mike LopezWhat a great trubute to the original "Saab" engineers. This by far the greatest car on the road today. That is any SAAB that is a 1993 or 1994 cabrio and older. I have given Saab 20 plus years in the service end of these amazing pieces of engineering. What a great car. Thank you Saab.# 7May 12, 2010
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ManuelCongratulations for your courage and enthusiasm! I am glad that the new managers have clear ideas: to be original you need to go to the origins.
Greetings from the sunny Spain (a lucky Saab 96 owner ;-)# 8May 12, 2010 -
GiovanniCongratulations to Jan-Ake and Victor for the gorgeous raising of Saab.
I'm Italian and I was along the road to support you during the Mille Miglia. Thank you.# 9May 12, 2010 -
SmithyVerily terrific, I am looking forward to your upcoming campaign for the 9-5. Will be veeeery interesting, good luck oh you tenacious...
# 10May 12, 2010 -
PatrikI just want to congratulate you for a very inspiring SAAB Magazine which I just recently read. I think the choice of articles show that you think independently and future oriented. I encourage you all to read it!# 11May 12, 2010
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QuijoteThanks for sharing with your loyal customers Jan Åke# 12May 12, 2010
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JarasekCongratullations Jan-Åke and Victor,
Taking part in Mille Miglia Rally you really keep up the SAAB spirit.
But I've got next challenge for you ;-)
What about working for one day on the 9-5 production lane in Trollhattan!
I know that CEO's working on production plant sounds crazy but I'm sure thab you guys are different and open for this.
By the way, who wants to buy New SAAB 9-5 handbulit by Jan-Åke and Victor?
Regards
Jarasek# 13May 14, 2010 -
Joe SaabCongratualtions Jan Ake and VIctor! It is good for Saab to be so visible once more! Keep up your amazing work!# 14May 16, 2010
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Alan MacRobbieRacing improves the breed and also helps the publicity ... well done, guys!# 16May 18, 2010
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John RobertCongratulations to Jan Ake, Victor and Saab. Consider participating in the first ever Mille Miglia on U.S. soil. Stratus Media Group (SMDI.ob) has purchased the U.S. rights to the brand Mille Miglia and will stage a 1000 mile race along the California coast. An Italian style Rally with pre-World War II automobiles. Will be a huge event! Anyone interested should icheck their website.# 19July 20, 2010
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