Doug Orsdall
Highlands, NC
My love for Saab began when my neighbor brought home a brand new 1982 Saab 900. The shiny black paint and luxurious tan leather interior immediately captivated me. When I got to sit inside, I vowed to own a Saab someday. That dream came true when I saved up and bought my first Saab, an Edwardian Grey 900 convertible. Since then, I have owned 19 different Saabs. My current collection includes a 1989 900 SPG, a 1994 9000 Aero, a 2004 9-5 Aero Wagon, a 2008 9-3 Aero Convertible, a 2008 9-7X Aero SUV, and a 2011 9-5 Aero Sedan. I’m hunting for a 2008 9-3 Turbo X Sportcombi and a 1992-1993 900 S sedan, both with a manual transmission. Though our garage and driveway are full, I drive each one regularly to keep them from sitting too long. It’s a good feeling when people recognize the brand and give a thumbs-up or share a nostalgic comment about their own Saab.
Originally from Estes Park, Colorado, I now live in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina with my husband, mother-in-law, and our four legged kids. Three years ago, I retired to pursue my passion for dog rescue. My husband and I founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit, where we focus on large/X large breed dogs. There are so many large dogs over 100lbs. who need loving homes; and even though they aren’t placed as quickly as smaller breeds, they all have a heart bigger than their body.
So, next time you see a Saab with a huge dog in the back seat or with its head hanging out the window, wave—it might just be me!