Saab 9-3 Carlsson | Spotted

Two years before the demise of Saab, the Swedish car manufacturer still had reason to celebrate. Sure, sales were slow and the impact of ongoing financial struggles had long since set in, but in 2010 it had been fifty years since the brand's iconic 96 rally car secured its maiden win at the RAC Rally of Britain. Piloted by legendary Swedish driver Erik Carlsson, the two-stroke machine put Saab's name on the sporting map and went on to achieve several more rallying successes the world over.

By the start of this decade, the brand was in a much more perilous state. The firm's model line-up was dated to say the least, with the by then eight-year-old 9-3 just managing to keep up with rivals and the new 9-5 not quite as new as it should have been. But there were still some spots among those ranges, with the 9-3, for example, still being offered in V6 form - creating the sort of discreet but powerful model Saab had long been famed for.

To mark the half a century since the 96 RAC rally victory, the special edition Carlsson used a turbocharged 2.8-litre engine to produce 280hp, a boost of 25hp, driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. It was quick enough, sprinting from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph, and also generously equipped, coming with bespoke leather sports seats, climate control, sat-nav and xenon lights as standard.

It remained true to the established Saab ethos: all business, minimum fuss. Its aesthetic changes were limited to a few bits of extra trim and bigger alloys; the interior was fairly bland but very functional and comfortable. It was a great example of the fabled Q car, munching miles stylishly and with six-cylinder purpose. This was a Saab from a closing era of large capacity machines in a shrinking segment.

The Carlsson's biggest downside was its ride quality, which, in order that it might deliver a slightly more sporting handling, was less compliant than the regular car. It was also made to look ancient by its rivals - not just because it was well-equipped but obviously dated, but also because it was quick but not obviously sporting. It was easy for Saab fans to fall for its charms, regardless - and anyway, the brand only had 96 models to sell as a nod to the RAC winner's name.

Today's Spotted is therefore a rare machine, and despite its 75,000 miles of use, it appears to be in excellent condition - probably because only Saab loving enthusiasts are likely to own a Carlsson. So while a near £10k price tag means it's not exactly a bargain, it remains a compelling leftfield choice to the usual German alternatives, as it was back in 2010. There's also its value as a piece of commemorative history to consider, which, to some, might just be worth more than the sum of its parts.

SPECIFICATION - SAAB 9-3 CARLSSON

Engine: 2,792cc V6, turbocharged
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Recorded mileage: 75,000
First registered: 2010
Price new: £26,495
Yours for: £9,950

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buckline

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