It’s time for yet another entry in the Saab Pride of Ownership competition, with a Tsonga-Tsunami of gratitude towards Elkparts for the support.

Today’s breathtaking entry is from Patrick.

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The Saab
The Saab is a 2006 9-3 1.8t Vector with Hirsch Upgrade and a few other extras.

The day
The pictures were taken on 24 May 2006 when the Saab (my first!) was in my possession for just the second day!

The location
The pictures were taken on the St. Gotthard Pass in Switzerland. The valley behind the car (Valle Leventina) leads to the south of Switzerland (the Italian speaking part), and Italy.

This mountain pass (2108 m above sea level) has been one of the main routes across the Alps for centuries. The Romans knew this passage already, but didn’t use it much. It became important when the locals started using it as a trading route in the 13th Century. 1882 an spectacular railroad route and a tunnel (15 km long) right through the mountain were opened. In 1980 a road tunnel (16.9 km) was opened, and now a new railroad tunnel, the base tunnel (57 km long) is in construction.

The Artillery Fort on the St. Gotthard Pass was built in the Second World War as one of the national retreats. The fort was in operation between 1943 and 1999, the troops of about 500 inside could survive for months with their stored food, water, ammunition and fuel. There were four cannons pointing to the south.

By the way, the St. Gotthard Pass is near the place where Switzerland was founded in 1291, and it is a little over one hours’ drive from my home. For Saab owners I am glad to organize a little excursion to the historic sites.