Saab and Volvo Spotting - Spring 2021

Contrary to Winter, we actually have some decent finds for you this time! Most of these cars were spotted impromptu, while out driving, so the quality isn't that great for a few of the photos. Either way, there's some cool finds to be seen for this Spring's haul!

April 16, 2021: Volvo 240 Sedan - "The Providence 240"

This 240 was spotted by Sam, so I'll let him leave his remarks about the car. We both affectionately nicknamed this the "Providence 240" as we both believe we'd seen it several times lurking about. Afterall, it is hard to miss a 240!

Sam: "This was a Volvo 240 I hastily photographed in Providence at the start of April break.  A nice clean example of a reliable classic that was a common sight on the roads ten years ago.  These cars aren't as common as they used to be, but you can still find them if you look hard enough.  You can also see the freshly cleaned dash of our '07 Pilot that's hogging most of the shot (drive-by shots in the rain are a little tricky, especially when you see the car last-minute and whip out your phone to snap a pic)."

 

April 20, 2021: Volvo 740 Sedan w/ Sunroof

Again, this Volvo was spotted by Sam, so he will leave his thoughts on the car. This was one of three cars he photographed in the back lot of his mechanic's shop, and those other cars can be seen here on Old New England Cars. 

Sam: "During a visit to our mechanic's place, I took a walk over to the back lot where he had a few more classics getting work done.  These cars, along with this Volvo, were in the fenced-off yard, so I had to raise my phone over the fence to photograph them.  A little suspicious, and my mechanic might have discovered me on the CCTV footage, but everything turned out fine."

April 24, 2021: Our 9-3X with a 9-3 Convertible 

This was taken at the Rhode Island Mall, once known as the Midland Mall back in its heyday. I could go on a lengthy tangent about how I wish they never closed that mall, however, nostalgia is always viewed in rose tinted glasses, and I am aware of how poorly that mall was doing before it closed!

Anyways, this striking red 9-3 was parked right outside of the closed mall, and of course, I took the opportunity to pose my 9-3X with its older 9-3 relative. Maybe it's the evening sky, or maybe its the love for Saab, but this 9-3 convertible looks amazing, and I'm glad it's been cared for. 

May 7, 2021: 1992 Saab 900 Combi Coupe

Props to Sam for finding a classic 900 out in the wild! We all know how rare such a sight can be! While I'm not a huge fan of those cheap aftermarket hubcaps, I think the fact that this is a 900 found in the wild trumps all. This is in pretty good condition too, so even better. 

Sam: "This was spotted in Providence, one day.  It's condition, and the fact that it was a classic Saab led to my decision to photograph it.  Hopefully, this Saab keeps transporting its owner in style for many years to come."

May 16, 2021: 1968 Volvo 122 Coupe

One day at work, while on break, I happened to glance out the window, to a sight of an old Volvo. I took the photo of this car through the window, so that will help explain the dark tint to the picture. At the time of taking this photo, I had known of this car's existence, as I had seen it driving around my hometown on several occasions. However, I never was able to capture a good picture until now, and even this one isn't great. 

A few years later, I was able to meet the owner at work, when I saw him drive into the lot in this Volvo. That was how I was able to learn the year of the car. This 122 is a very clean, restored example in a beautiful baby blue finish. I really hope one day I can document the car on this site. 

May 18, 2021: 1991 Volvo 740 Estate

This is another local Volvo I see driving around frequently. You can probably tell this car receives constant use just by looking at its physical appearance! I'd love to know how many miles it's racked up, my guess would be well over 200k, or maybe close to 300. What do you think?

May 24, 2021: 2005 Saab 9-5 Sportcombi

This was spotted at Cranston West High School stadium, as I was getting ready for a track meet. While this car is showing its age, the Saab 9-5 Sportcombi (wagon) is one of my favorite modern Saabs made. I was able to test drive one back in Winter 2020, and I was shocked at how fast these cars are able to move. I guess the rumors around that 2.3L turbocharged four cylinder are true!