Loss of Longtime Friend Nicholas Hayden (May 26, 1945 – Sept 7, 2024)
I first met Nicholas Hayden in 1974 while desperately searching for a replacement 2-takt engine for my 1968 SAAB 95, my only car at the time. He was a friendly guy who had lost the use of his right arm due to an accident at age 19. However, in spite of only having the use of his left arm, he only drove manual shift SAABs for many years. He never drove anything but SAABs until his untimely death. In spite of suffering with an incurable liver cancer for well over 30 years, he remained a cheerful and supportive friend.
Perhaps this loss will serve notice to me that my own time is running low and I better finish what I have started post haste. You can read Nicholas’ obituary for more information about him.
Nicholas Hayden
The following photo is from one of Nicholas’ many visits to our farm during the summer of 2005…
Nicholas Hayden at Our Farm
On September 18, 2011, Victor Muller traveled to North Olmsted, Ohio in support of a new SAAB dealership. Nicholas and I were fortunate to meet him, and he was kind enough to pose with us for a photo. He delivered a rousing speech in spite of being without sleep for 24 hours…
With Victor Muller
Victor Muller Speaking
Some Goodies from Classic of Sweden for the 66 Monte Carlo 850
I was in need of some incentive to work harder, and I think I found that in a new product from Classic of Sweden (classicofsweden.se).
Goodies from Sweden for 1966 SAAB
The wheel housing liners are of better quality than the original in my humble opinion. And the padded dashpad is truly a work of art, exactly matching the original in feel and looks. I had never expected anyone to reproduce the original and I was planning on using the best used dashpad I could find. This dashpad alone is a great incentive to continue work on the MC850 just to see this dashpad in its proper place!
In the near future, I will be posting a few updates shortly on other work I have finished this summer.