I alluded to this sad bit of news the other day and Tim has passed on the OK to share a little more.
Late last year I ran the Saab Pride of Ownerhship competition and Tim S was one of the five finalists. Tim’s car was a beautiful black 2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen. It was a rather unique example, too, being the only Viggen I’ve ever heard of with a tan interior instead of the usual two-tone Viggen interior.
Tim’s car was renowned amongst the Seattle Saab crown for being an exceptionally well cared for example and Tim was a master detailer. I’ve seen some photos of this car where it had a shine that you wouldn’t believe.
Sadly, Tim had a run-in with guardrail this week. He’s given me the OK to share the story here, as posted by him at Saablink:
I’ve done this route hundreds of times. Took a high way overpass turn too quickly with TCS off.. Hit the gas, wheels spun, back end went out … and then the car lurched across the other lane (two lanes one way) and hit a guard rail….
…Im not hurt and no one else was….the mystery here to me is, the air bags did NOT deploy. Am I missing something? Looks pretty bad, but shop guy is optimistic that the frame is OK. Engine block looks ok, but anything in front of that was damaged.
Actually, the description of the movement of Tim’s car sounds very much like how my Viggen exited this world. Much different type of damage, though.
Here’s the pic. More at the link above.
It looks like his insurer will probably write the car off, which means that Tim will be tootling around in his NG900 for a little while and quite possibly looking for a bargain at the new Saab showrooms in the area.
Tim, I too have loved and lost a Viggen, so I feel your pain, bud. It goes away eventually. I’m not a drinker, but I’ve heard that beer helps.
——
Sad, but I’m sure there’s enough transplant material to build another unique car?
Since someone will have to say it, and since Tim is quite handy with the polishing equipment… “That’ll buff out.”
Sorry to hear that Tim. I’ve kept a totaled car and parted it out, keeping all the best bits for the car that replaced it.
~P
A sad end for probably the shiniest car I have EVER seen.
Sorry to hear the news Tim
Glad you’re ok….
regards WooDz
Sad to hear, Tim
specially coming from a Viggen… at least no one was physically hurt.
(btw, the airbags didn’t deploy because the sensors above the aluminium brace are intact..)
Thanks for the well wishes.
Maybe there’s a turbo-x with a manual transmission still out there somewhere =).
Oh there is… and enjoy it when you get it buddy!
Sad to hear, but on the other hand, now is the best time ever to go shopping for a new car, the salesmen will literally throw themselves at your feet and treat you like royalty.
good to hear that you are ok and no one got hurt!
sad that another Viggen goes RIP:(
Hey Tim, I’m glad you’re okay (physically at least). I’m sure there’s another great Saab out there with your name on it, just waiting to be polished to a high sheen!
Sorry to read the news Tim. Turbo X + BSR for you then, spiritual successor.
Re. airbags: I heard many times before, if you got out un-injured without airbags deployed then everything went as it should. Things have to be very nasty for the airbags to come into play.