For the uninformed, in the early-mid 2000s, Saab (owned fully by GM at the time) teamed up with Subaru (for a 20% stake owned by GM) to create an affordable, all-wheel drive luxury wagon. Sharing essentially everything mechanically and structurally with the Subaru Impreza wagon, the Swedes spiced up the 9-2x’s exterior with unique front-and-rear styling, a ton of sound deadening on the inside, re-tuned the suspension and handling, and an assortment of luxury fancies like heated two-tone leather seats. A little shy of just 11,000 9-2xs were made from 2005-2006, and for Andy, he's is only the few who is fortunate to own one of the coveted "sleeper Subarus".
Andy's Car: 2005 Saab 9-2x Aero
Instagram: deadshaows27
Engine and Drive-train: JDM EJ207 V7, Stock 5-speed WRX transmission
Wheels/Tires/Suspension: Stock suspension, Rare 17" Enkeis made only for Saab, Roadhugger Ultra Gt tires.
Exterior: Stock, looks like a normal street car
Interior: AEM boost and AFR Gauge, Mitsibushi Evo 8 Recaros, custom made headliner (I did myself) custom Indiglow cluster gauge.
Tell us a little about yourself: I work in a warehouse and ship wonderful delicious applesauce to stores. I love my metal and hard rock music. Some of my hobbies include drag racing, Frolf (disc golf), playing the bass guitar, playing video games, and going to see new things.
How did you get into cars: My gramps. he had a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air, then a '66 impala, then he helped my mom buy a 1978 nova. So I basically got it from him.
What is your dream car: 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe
What are your future plans for the car, and what do you like to do with it: Future plans? Hmm, I can only say I'm sticking with the car being a JDM car. Possibly swap it to a six speed. Other plans are secret haha.
Do you go by any nicknames? If so, how did you get your nickname: Shadows. I was in a band, and being the bass player I never got much attention like the other band mates, so I was better off in the "shadows" .
What about the car? Does it have any nicknames? It does - Gizmo. My favorite childhood movie was Gremlins. And I chose Gizmo because it's an innocent Saab, but it gets angry when full throttle is open like a Subaru.
What's your favorite thing, and your least favorite thing about your car: I like that it's an undercover Subaru WRX, but I hate that annoying power steering pump sound. So whiny.
What is your car like to drive: It feels like I'm driving a luxury car, but with the Subaru boxer rumble.
What was your inspiration or objective with this build: My objective is to have a JDM Swedish car all around. Haven't seen one yet.
Why did you choose a Saab instead of a Subaru? I chose it because I can't afford insurance on a real Subaru!
What was your first car: Oh man, I still miss it. 1989 Toyota Corolla.
What makes your car special to you: Makes it special because it's a rare car, and I'm doing what I want to it.
What is something about you (or your car) that no one else would know about: I talk to him a lot. But won't feed him after midnight.
Any memorable moments with you car that you would like to share: When I finally accomplished my goal of hitting a 13.02 at 106mph at Great Lakes Dragaway.
Any shout-outs to anyone who helped you along the way: Six Star motorsports for the EJ207 swap, my friends who all helped me out, and best of all, my mom, considering she let me drive her Cavalier when the Saab was down.
