SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN CONVERTIBLE - 1999
You like Saab ? You had your midlife crisis in 1998 ? You had some money left ? Don’t lie, you considered buying the Saab 9-3 Viggen Convertible (and maybe you did)… One of the greatest Saab cars!
Saab wanted a wild car so… they made a wild car, it’s as simple as that. To be honest, they had a gap in their range and felt the urge to fill it. BMW had the M-series, Audi had the RS-series, Mercedes had the AMG-series and Saab wanted to compete. Don’t get me wrong, I said they wanted to compete, I didn’t say they succeeded.
The first Saab 9-3 Viggen came out of the Austrian plant Magna Steyr in 1998, right after the last Saab 900 NG in Sweden. It is a tribute to the Saab 37 Viggen, the combat aircraft (Viggen meaning Thunderbolt in Swedish), and the convertible is one of its versions. By naming it Viggen, Saab clearly wanted the world to know that they were not bluffing and even artificially created product scarcity as a marketing strategy. From a design point of view, some say that it is only a restyled version of the 900 NG but I disagree. The front, the rear, the side skirts, the seats are different and a spoiler was added, all that makes it more sporty. DNA Collectibles reproduced this wonderful car in two colors: “270 lightning blue metallic” and "Monte Carlo yellow". Even if the Saabists criticised the General Motors strategies for their beloved brand, they agree that this car became emblematic in the Saab history and not only for its design but also for its performance.
Speaking of performance, the 2.3-liter turbo B235R engine develops 230HP and can lead you from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 60mph) in less than 6 seconds. No need to say that with the convertible, you will take a blast of fresh air if you tinkle the gas pedal. Only available with the manual transmission, it was the first Saab to be equipped with the Trionic 7 ECU which allows to control the ignition timing, the fuel injection and can replace the boost controller. You can compare the Saab 9-3 Viggen convertible with a wild stallion : a lot of temper (maybe too much?) and hard to handle but a feeling of complete freedom.
Being a Saab enthusiast is difficult because you can’t agree with all the partnership deals done throughout the history of Saab, all the strategies, all the decisions leading to bankruptcy but from time to time they managed to make an asskicking car and you remember why you have so many scale models in your shelf of this unconventional brand.
Steffen Balling (verified owner) –
Top Modell, sehr detailliert und top lackiert
Björn Herrtsröm (verified owner) –
The first DNA i bought and i love the details.
DNA Collectibles –
Dear Björn,
Indeed, the Saab 9-3 Viggen Convertible was our very first 1/18 scale model car, and you were already with us!
Thank you so much for being such a good customer of DNA Collectibles.
Best Regards
The DNA Collectible team
Jean Christophe Fay (verified owner) –
Ma 1ere DNA, vraiment magnifique, finesse des détails, top
DNA Collectibles –
Bonjour Jean Christophe,
Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire et nous sommes très content de vous compter parmi nos clients de la première heure.
Beaucoup de magnifiques modèles sont à venir, nous espérons vous revoir prochainement.
Cordialement
l’équipe DNA Collectibles
Serges –
Wonderful thumbnail! Fine painting, attention to detail, detailed detailing! I recommend to all fans of SAAB, and not only …
Lorenz Walter –
The first model of a new manufacturer tells a lot about the idea the manufacturer has behind it. In this case everything is very promising. This SAAB 9-3 Viggen is an absolutely convincing model car with a far above average manufacturing quality. From the unique and stylish packaging to the great paintjob, well detailed interior and removable softtop, this model is a great addition to any collection.
Varda –
There is no doubt that this is a company that point for serious collectors such that every small detail taking care and show in the model, not only how limited the model or color or packaging, there is room for improvement like the details of the manufacturer on the tire, the small details that appear on the windows and on the lighting cover, So definitely if you continue this way and improve even forwarded the other manufacturers have place to worry and start improve there product
Timo Hakala –
Did not really know what to except when placed an order for this one.. Once it came over Finland, when I opened the box, I knew right away this was all worth it. The car is olaced on a beautiful transparent platform and the car is wellnproportioned, correct paint and beautiful details. Well worth the money spent!!! Made me regret I didnt order the AeroX at the same time..
Jan-Willem Gootzen –
Being the proud owner of a midnight blue SAAB 9-3 Cabrio MY2000 2,0i16V (the most dependable version IMHO) I was very happy to see the anouncements of this model car and fell in love with it at once. It took me a while to get used to the price level, but I decided to go for it. Unboxing was a great experience. Fantastic quality in every detail! The car itself is a beautiful piece of art. I keep discovering amazing details, some unbelievably small. This car really is the Queen of my showcase in the living room, I admire her every day. But even this queen is not perfect! It is a 1999 car but it has 2001 logo’s on it! A little bit more research could have prevented this mistake. Let’s call it a perfect imperfection… I’m glad I bought it, I forgot the price and I love it!
Steph Goss –
I received my Saab 9-3 Viggen today. I am astonished and delighted. The quality of the 1:18 reproduction is superb! From the deep, smooth and glossy body paint, the crystal clarity of the windscreen and headlights, to the amazing detail of the retracted seat belts, the realistic texture of the removable convertible top including the rear window defroster heating lines, the cast wheel hubs and disc calipers…I am absolutely thrilled with my purchase. Your production details are the epitome of model car craftsmanship. I am also very impressed by the protective quality of the packaging and the clear acrylic display base. Your customer service, communications and international tracking system are flawless. Thank you for bringing this model SAAB to life, the market place and my home.
Stefan –
I was very happy when I heard that DNA collectibles will produce new Saab models. And what can I say after I got my Saab 9-3. I am very happy and surprised by the very good quality of the model. These guys really love what they do. 🙂 I highly recommend DNA collectibles.