I may be viewing it with rose tinted spectacles but it’s the sort of car you have to have the roof down, even when it’s being washed, and its 2 degrees in February!

There are the really hard convertible men, who drive old MG’s with the roof down, when it’s a white-out and the icicles are starting to form on their eyelids.  There are the other types who buy a soft top and never put the roof down because it spoils their hair.  The rest of us only have to glimpse the sun and we’re pulling over to drop the top.

The first Saab Convertible hit the streets over 25 years ago and it has worn a number of facelifts very well.  The latest incarnation has been around for a while now and is still loved by thousands all over the world.  The electric roof operation has to be admired; very, cool!

My pride & joy is the range-topping 9-3 Aero, with the twin turbo diesel engine.  With 180bhp on tap and a little gauge to tell you how your turbos are doing, it is a classic Saab.  The mid range power is superb, whilst still giving over 45mpg.  The oft spoken of ‘scuttle shake’ of most older convertibles is almost imperceptible and the car feels nicely rigid.  The 17” wheels and sports suspension make the ride firm but not uncomfortable.

With all the toys inside and the fact that you can still get a decent amount of luggage in the boot, even with the roof down, makes it a great car to go on a long drive.

Next time you see a 9-3 Convertible go by, with a man, gloved, muffled to the eyeballs, wearing a cap with built-in earmuffs driving, give me a wave!