Die Saab Story von Tanja aus der Schweiz
Tanja und Saab, was ist da los
<< >>
7. Akt
It was in April when I found out that my wife and I
cannot go on vacation with our son in the summer. While I had 14 days
vacation in July / August, my wife's one week vacation was pushed forward by
one week. The effect of this was that we no longer had a vacation together
because the woman's one week would have fallen on my first vacation week.
That didn't bother our son, since he used to have six weeks of summer
vacation. Various plans fell through, because I couldn't push my vacation
forward, but I could back it up.
The consideration that Intern. To attend
meeting in Holland. Unfortunately only because my son starts a new training
/ job a few days earlier and my wife definitely had to work.
I also noticed that various other acquaintances from
Switzerland and my time at the Saab Club Switzerland will travel to the
meeting. So why not? Especially since this is my quasi 25th anniversary in
terms of internal matters. Saab meeting represented. I wasn't always present
at all of the meetings (NL 1994, DE, DK, SE, CZ, CH, B, DK, CH, B & again NL
2019) but at quite a few. Accordingly, contacts were made here and there
with other participants from other countries.
I was able to postpone my
vacation by a week without any problems so that it would fit in with
Holland. I also entered the Monday after the holidays as Friday. Little did
I know then that this was a good idea.
So a few days later the
registration for Holland. After registration (as No. 206) and confirmation,
I quickly searched for accommodation. In the hotel t`Elshuys outside
Albergen I got a very spacious and nice room. Only a few minutes by car from
the actual meeting in Weerselo. Saab friends from the Czech Republic,
England, France and Holland also shared the hotel with me.
A week before the meeting, while looking through the
documents, I was shocked to find that I had only booked the hotel for two
nights, but if I wanted to arrive comfortably on Thursday I had to act
quickly and ask for another night. Which was not a problem for the hotel.
It's good that I noticed that before I got there.
The car itself was made
ready for travel one day before departure. For me this means (usually albeit
irrationally) car washing and interior cleaning. But this happened days ago
including polishing. I was on vacation.
In addition, there were all sorts
of odds and ends like tools, as a former Saab mechanic I can't go on a long
journey without a tire repair kit. Checking the security system, spare
wheel, breakdown triangle, replacement lightbulbs and fuses as well as the
vehicle pharmacy, which the German police attach so much importance to.
Especially on the expiration date. What it just takes.
Even the liquids, although they had just been
serviced, were checked again. The music player updated again and the latest
CD's ready. As well as something to drink and snack on. Ready to go.
Refueled with good stuff on the day of departure (98 Oct.) and set off on
the motorway towards Basel. With cruise control partially switched on, we
went to the A6 / A1 to Basel at 8:30. Soon the Swiss border was behind you
and you might think that you could now drive a little faster on the German
A5 than the 120 km / h in Switzerland. You could, but Germany is shining
like Switzerland with many construction sites. The whole thing dragged on
like chewing gum. The consumption of my convertible was initially 7 liters
and increased to 8.5 liters due to the many stops and go. Which made it
exciting again whether the tank filling would then be enough for Holland.
(It reached as far as the Dutch border) The traffic was soon better and in
the evening after a burger meal at a rest stop near Essen, I came onto the
A31 towards Emden, where many drivers pushed the tube . Little traffic and a
very good road surface tempted many to drive at high speeds. For us Swiss
especially, it was important to keep an eye on the rear-view mirror when
overtaking. Some of them came rushing at over 200 km / h and that with the
onset of poor lighting conditions. The temptation was great to stand up to
one or the other, but I let it go. To love my car. Not that he couldn't.
After all, the Hirsch company took care of the increase in performance years
ago. (230 PS / 310 Nm) Continue towards Enschede N35 and soon down from the
motorway.
Driving in Holland after the frenzy and the stop and
go in Germany was immediately relaxing. Since the weather played along, I
put my top down and drove the last few kilometers through Holland at sunset.
Great!
Friday started with a good breakfast. Then the area as well as the
localities and the way to get there were explored. From 1 p.m. it was then
possible to register and collect the goodies. Whatever there is tension in
it. You never know exactly what the organizers are packing for you.
Saab's could already be admired on a special parking lot in front of the
registration. But also on our parking lot for the participants who are not
registered at the campsite. Only the cow meadow that was assigned to us was
obviously occupied by cows until shortly before. It was a matter of hell to
be careful not to drive or kick through the cow pats. Especially since it
was raining in between and the already dried sh .... softened again.
Friends from other meetings were spotted and a chat
was held. The first stalls also sold their goods.
Zack, and you could
make your first booty. WhatsApp came from home with the message, “Honey, I
need this and that for my 9-3”. Mhmmm. O.K, let's see what the budget and
the market will yield.
Soon I am on my way to the (cow) parking lot with
my first «prey» to feed my trunk.
Meanwhile, the parking lot was filling
up more and more with Saab's from all over Europe. Of course, vehicles with
yellow numbers were clearly in the majority. At some point I met my
acquaintances from Switzerland who had just arrived to enjoy the rest of the
day with them and especially the evening buffet. 25 years ago at my first
intern. Saab meeting also here in Holland, we got to know each other, so a
small anniversary. From then on we did a lot together as part of the Saab
Club Switzerland. We also drove to other interns. Saab meeting. At that time
still internal. Called Saab Club Meeting, the club has now given way. Which
is a good thing. You can also be a passionate Saab driver outside of a club.
Saturday began again with the arrival of the Saab friends at the venue. In
the meantime, the cow dung was also stuck or baked in the fenders. Which is
why the fenders are also called fenders.
Participants were able to participate in a rally to
the Twenthe airfield. With a roadbook, of course. It's only a bit difficult
when you are alone. My friends from Switzerland are there, but I should
drive ahead. I am known for my quick sense of direction, which helped us out
of a mess in Brno. Just driving and reading the map is a bit difficult. I
run my little sat nav. Let's see how far we can get. The entry into the
rally was still good, and we also had a Dutch convertible in front of us. He
probably knew where it was going, we thought. Haa! Puff cake.
After a
short time no one knew where we were. Not even my GPS. With a lot of
intuition and sense of direction, we came back to the starting point
(Kuhwiese) after another 10 minutes from the other direction. So now
different! GPS programmed and direct from the Twenthe airport. After half an
hour and a short search we found the venue here too
Great, the many
Saab's that have already been here. You could probably tinker with a car
like a competition and test your knowledge. Place the car on a dynamometer,
take part in a regularity drive or simply place your car on the taxiway next
to the other vehicles and let it be admired. We decided on the last one and
rummaged through the multitude of Saab's and found an Opel Astra with a Saab
turbo engine! (loosely based on Obelix "the spiders the Dutch" or something)
In the evening a buffet was again planned, in which everyone could
participate. Unfortunately, I spoiled my stomach at a previous afternoon
aperitif from Swiss friends, which wasn't the fault of the cheese slices or
the wine, but I still had to prefer a hotel room with a toilet to the
evening spectacle
IntSAAB2019 in the Netherlands (Weerselo). Sunday,
recovered from my gastrointestinal flu thanks to medication that I always
have with me when I travel. The sun is shining, it should be a beautiful
day. I'm looking forward to the large parts market. I'm also looking for a
lot for my convertible and my 9-5 and there is still my wife's 9-3 TTiD, who
has just joined us. We'll surely find something there too. The (cow) parking
lot feels. This morning a lot faster than yesterday. Many of our Dutch hosts
show up with their Saab. No wonder that Holland was an important market for
Saab with so many Saab enthusiasts
Loot could also be made on
Sunday. I ended up buying three sets of floor carpets for our fleet. In
addition, two hub caps with Saab logo for the aluminum rims, T-shirts,
stickers, etc. A seller seems to have bought out Wish and is now offering
key chains and emblems a little more expensive than those available in the
Wish or AliExpress online shop. Unfortunately, I can't find what I'm
actually looking for. Well, there is no hurry either. Maybe in the online
shop at Wish ?!
The morning is drawing to a close. The announcement of
the rankings for the most beautiful vehicles begins. Mostly Dutch vehicles,
which I notice. Anyway, I've already won an award in Belgium and my
converted 900 isn't to everyone's (woman's) taste. The main thing is that I
like it. I had no hopes of being able to win anything anyway, even if the
competition in my category wasn't particularly great. I only see a few of my
friends from Switzerland from afar. Unfortunately, because my return journey
is approaching. It's almost 800 km back, Sunday and holiday season. Another
chat in the parking lot with a German Saab friend about my US indicators on
the car, which he has just bought, only without pears and pear holders.
After a little dismantling of the front turn signal on my car, photos and
lots of tips, we go our way. He returned to Germany with his booty and I to
my doom. Only at this moment I don't know anything about it.
When I left at the meeting
in Weerselo at half past ten, there was still no sign of any problems to
come. First we went openly through various villages and Enschede towards the
motorway. My navigation system wanted to "screw me up" again! But not today!
I'm in a good mood and the sun is shining. The trunk is full of my loot and
Monday is still free.
Today on the A31 motorway (as I was told, this is
the motorway to Friesenspitz) there is already a lot more traffic. Still,
I'm making good progress. A little traffic jam later towards Cologne, no
problem either. The car runs like a Swiss clock. We are on the A3, which I
wanted to catch on the way there, but my GPS wanted to go up via the A45.
Just «pissing».
Shortly after the Neustadt / Wied motorway exit, I
checked my GPS. A little more than 520 km to home. It is shortly before
three o'clock. My car could use some fuel and I could have a big coffee to
go. Starbucks comes in handy.
Briefly full of the good stuff (102 Oct.)
and quickly over to the parking lot. In retrospect, I should have stopped my
coffee. With a large mug of steaming coffee, I get back into my convertible.
My biggest problem now, where to put the big cup. My original Saab cup
holder in the door is too small. What now? I find a solution with my second
cup holder built into my center armrest.
Okay, start the car.
Only the car cannot be started.
The ignition lock blocked! I try
everything. Shaking, knocking, moving the vehicle, cursing, whining the
second key and even the third key. The key won't turn no matter what I do.
In desperation, I unpack half the trunk to get my tools. The idea, if I get
to a certain spot, maybe I can remove the ignition lock and maybe fix the
problem. So I am removing the whole center console. The parking lot
neighbors look a bit confused. Hopefully they don't call the police, they
can't help me either.
After a full hour, I give up. It doesn't want to
and I can't anymore. I'm soaked in sweat in the humid heat.
All that
remains is the call for help from the insurance company / roadside
assistance. Now you have to know that a few years ago I was stranded in
Tyrol with my family and my 9-5 Aero. At that time it was the generator who
no longer wanted to work. Thanks to my insurance (I don't name names, big
sponsor in F1) everything turned out fine. In such cases, good insurance is
worth its weight in gold, even if it may cost a little more than one of the
low-cost providers.
The clerk at the other end
took matters into her own hands. After the phone call, I soon got the
message (SMS) that the towing service would arrive a little later, a lot
going on, I should expect 2 hours. Well, I have coffee and if I get hungry
there would be a Burger King. In the end, the tow truck drove up after just
30 minutes. After a short hick hack how the car should be charged, namely
backwards because the tow hook at the front did not fit because of the
conversion (who thinks of that). So the convertible was charged backwards.
At the same time, the paintwork on the bottom of the spoiler was stripped
off.
In addition, the driver, "Well, that happens when you lower a car"
Well, it's not his and it will soon be over. Had it been an expensive sports
car, it would have been loaded by crane.
Probably.
Because when
unloading the car, they tried hard and planed the remaining paint off the
underside of the spoiler. I feel sick. After all, you don't do things by
halves! And I, Depp, avoided steep ramps as much as possible.
Then phoned the insurance again. They organize the return transport of the car to my garage in Switzerland. I also get a rental car, paid for by the insurance. Only, the part is at Europcar at Cologne Airport. Need a taxi. The boss of the towing yard organizes a taxi for me. My insurance company will also pay this retrospectively. Thank you insurance. With the taxi at monkey pace to Cologne to the airport. Driver wants to know where there? Insurance sent me an SMS: Cologne Airport, Europcar Terminal 2 Level 0, arrival. The taxi driver doesn't seem to be familiar with the area, it's good that I work at an airport, so I can imagine how it all looks like and where we have to go. It's almost the same everywhere.
The driver has no plan. I
have to guide him through the airport's maze of signs. He then throws me out
with my luggage when I return the rental car. Certainly not where I have to
go.
Taxi rank arriving at Terminal 2 would have been enough. I am now in
the underground car park with all my luggage that I cannot take all at once.
Fetch a cart up to the taxi stand, the elevator in the underground car park
does not work, so take the stairs again to the underground car park, pick up
luggage. Up the stairs again and wanted Europcar.
Found in Terminal 1.
The Europcar employee is already waiting for me. It's half past six in the
evening. Actually, according to the navigation system, I wanted to be home
at half past seven. When I asked which terminal it was, I was told that it
was Terminal 2. O.K., I give up, he has to know.
My new vehicle for the
remaining 550 km a Hyundai i30. I don't know yet. It's such a thing with
modern cars. At least he'll recognize my cell phone right away. Well, music
from my cell phone is provided and I can also make calls in the car.
Everything packed and off we go. My GPS set says where by. I've never been
to Cologne Airport. Highway found, even in the right direction. Frankfurt
I'm coming. Now I had just found my way around in the car, I come from a 120
zone to a 100 zone on a hill. (A colleague from Germany gave me the name of
the speed trap, which is obviously very well known to German drivers, but
unfortunately I forgot the name).
Unfortunately, I saw the speed
reduction too late, but the red lightning all the better. Shit, I'm just
missing that. Suitable for the afternoon. So on, there are still a good 450
km to go home. Now hardly any traffic jam back on the A5. An accident and
construction sites are lined up next to each other. The arrival time in the
sat nav keeps getting closer and closer to midnight. Wherever I can and the
weather cooperates, I drive the i30 at up to 170 km / h. As I found out
later, respectable for a 1300 engine with a consumption of 5 - 7 liters.
Then, shortly before the Swiss border, a glowing thought occurs to me!
Motorway vignette for Switzerland. The car has HH registration and has never
been in Switzerland in its short life. At the border crossing after midnight
there will certainly no longer be a sleepy customs officer selling me a, so
my thoughts. Until now I never needed to buy one at the Swiss border. There
comes the last rest stop in Germany. Walter Röhrl would have been proud of
my pit stop, even if I don't have a Porsche. Within 5 minutes I am back on
the train towards Basel. Go Korea, go!
At the border, nobody was
interested in the German-speaking Swiss or whether I had a vignette. For
this I drove towards Oensingen into the first thunderstorm with heavy rain.
These then also dissolved against Bern. So set the pace again I know here
where the tempo traps are. At least the fixed ones. The next problem. My
hunt flushed the i30's tank pretty much empty. It's enough to get home. Yup!
There is a gas station at my motorway exit south of Bern in Rubigen.
Remaining range in Rubigen at the gas station according to the on-board
computer 6 km. Precision landing. The remaining 10 km would have been enough
to get home. A long day came to an end at half past two in the morning. It's
good that I took Monday off.
The car was delivered by truck to the rest
stop 15 days after the incident. He shared the truck with a Swedish VW
Sharan. Where else does it have to go? I happened to pass my garage when
mine was being unloaded. Lo and behold, my Cabi was driven by the truck. As
the? Isn't the ignition lock in the bucket ?!
The mechanics in my garage
reassembled everything and fixed the ignition switch. The defect was the
electronic unit at the bottom of the ignition lock which only hung on the
ignition lock with a screw that was screwed in half and which caused the
blockage. Nobody has had it yet.
Well, my convertible is standing in my
garage waiting for better weather. Now the car just has to go through the
MfK (TÜV) this autumn. Then we can take care of other projects. Shouldn't be
everything.
