[D N'D-Land]

A couple of "Swede Treats" here in the form of late 2000s/early 2010s Cabrios. After owning my pair of 1/18th scale Volvo C70 Cabrios for more than 10 years, I have finally made time to include them in a review. With the celebration of my recent Saab 9-3 Vector Cabrio OEM model in 1/18th scale.
While I am not a fan of FWD cab-forward cars (especially coupe), when their tops are in up position, these two Swedes don't look too shabby. At least both model makers supplied tops for these two promotionals. Additionally, both are fully opening diecast metal (and heavy as a bonus). To be really honest, the Saab also feels like it was constructed by MotorArt as well. With these both being Swedish branded models, it wouldn't surprise me, if they both came out of the same factory.


I have divided this post into three sections. Below, you will find separate and more detailed reviews each ahead of images for the 1/18th Saab 9-3 Vector Cabrio and 1/18th Volvo C70 Dealer Promotionals.

1/18th Saab 9-3 Vector Cabrio....

This one took a while to get here, I honestly couldn't justify the $250-dollar initial price when this model was originally released. However, patience paid off. I finally got this one at a price that I was willing to pay. Glad to add it to my collection. Finally, restoring my Swedish automobile section back up, from late 2022 (With my Triple9 Volvo 940) and now in 2023 with this highly detailed Saab 9-3 Vector Cabriolet.
I initially wanted this "Ice Blue Metallic", but a few times I also thought that white might look good in pics. However, thinking about how tallish and expansive the rear side quarter surfaces are, I thought that maybe blue would look better in person. So, no regrets here. One other thing that kind of put me off on buying this Saab 9-3 Cabrio was the bottom edge of the soft top, where that area connects with the body. There was this annoying headliner pale beige showing on the entire bottom edge from a-pillar looping all the way back around. Simply, I pulled out my paint markers and instantly, 100% improvement.
I mentioned earlier that both models were really heavy. No wonder, this Saab has a very robust and extremely highly detailed all metal chassis with functioning metal/plastic combination suspension (front and rear). Turn it back right side up, pop the hood(bonnet) and take a peek at the fully detailed motor lurking inside.
Move into the interior, that is where this model really shines! The seats feature a two-toned high contrast patterns on the top seating surfaces, with stitching indication. The IP/dashboard is accurately detailed plus the model has some really nicely executed functioning features. The front seats tilt forward, both the center console and the glovebox also opens. Even the door-sills have "VECTOR" on the protection strip over the threshold. Really thoughtful details on this one, plus it's just nice to have a fully functioning metal model in the 2020s (versus sealed resin pieces).
Exterior wise, the paint is flawlessly smooth, with matching panels as well as opening fuel door and folding side mirrors. The front and rear lighting are highly detailed, all body script is P.E. with realistic Saab badging. The main center front grill is perforated, the others are sealed/painted. The wheels have a realistic satin finish with metal brake rotors and static calipers peeking from behind the split 5-spoke rims.
Overall, it's a real solid model. I can highly recommend it, if you can find one for the price which you're willing to pay.
When I look at this model, it makes me wonder "what if Saab had never died off?". I'd love to see other versions of the last Saab 9-5s in fully opening diecast metal.

 

[D N'D-Land]

 

[D N'D-Land]

1/18th Volvo C70....by MotorArt (DE)....

Well, after traveling with me from Europe to the US and back to Europe whilst adding a 2nd color, my Volvo C70 Cabrio miniatures finally are getting their time to shine in the spotlight. ...and shine they do! MotorArt really has done a wonderful job here in capturing the essence of the 1/1 in 1/18 scale. Additionally, these models are very well constructed and accurately detailed inside and out. Both models' exteriors feature flawlessly smooth paint finishes, realistic front & rear lighting, perforated front upper and lower grills, and P.E. badging. These C70 miniatures are fully open with additional hardtop and two rear cabrio boot covers. Also, these models are highlighted by realistically detailed satin finished wheels with rotating metal brake rotors and working suspensions.
Flip the models over and you will find fully detailed metal chassis and under their hoods, you will find very highly detailed powerplants. Slip into the interior and you will be very pleased with the realistic two-toned and the abundance of accurate details, from stitching on the seating surfaces to uniquely accurate Volvo designed headrests with fabric seatbelts with P.E. buckles, it's all there.
These models are probably just under two kgs. .... going by feel in hand. For miniatures made why back when the 1/1 cars were still in production, they really held up very well over time and compare nearly 1:1 to current higher detailed models made today by companies such as Paudi Model/Kyosho and Minichamps. Actually, I'd personally say, surpassing current PMA/Minichamps in detail more that 10 plus years later. That said, I am so glad that I finally broke them outta' of their boxes!
If you can find one at a good price these days, you won't be disappointed adding it to your collection. Too bad that I missed MotorArt's S80 when they had normal pricing, I would love to park one of those next to these.

It really bugs me that these tops didn't come with side windows.

 

[tanayast]

Thanks for posting these reviews Dave! What a treat... loved the SAAB and Volvo double features here.

Prior to seeing your FB posting, I wasn't aware of the existence of the 1:18 Saab 9-3 Cabrio here. Very quirky...just like the 1:1! In a good way.
I don't normally collect convertible cars but the SAAB 9-3 is just so cool as a scale model. The amount of detail is amazing and I agree the interior is really good! Is the roof exterior on the SAAB molded plastic or actual fabric? It looks so convincing and your quick marker-fix improves the model a lot.

But the red C70 is where my heart is. What a car! If I don't know ant better I wouldn't think this is a 10YO model. No paint rashes on the C70's?
Kinda envy you that you have 2 of these!

 

[triggerhappy]

Great review David!!! Love seeing the 9-3 cabrio.....man I miss Saab, their designs were just clean and sensible. But those details are quite a sight on this model.
Thanks for sharing!!

 

[Scottimus]

Great pics and great reviews! Those Swedes do look really good together. I am eagerly awaiting the Saab - the convertible trim with all those extra goodies were too much for me to resist. I also love the ice-blue paint! I'm going to hold off on the Volvo for now, but that is a spiffy model, too. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Scuddy]

Always liked that Volvo. I wish Volvo had made a fixed head coupe out of it. I know that it kinda plays that coupe role too, but while I like the look of many, many, ‘verts, I’m not a huge fan of drop top driving. I’d love an Mx5, but I don’t think the roof would ever be down, which seems to negate the point of getting a ‘vert

 

[mbc112]

If I wasn't into Mercedes that much, I'm pretty sure my 1:1 would be a Volvo...

 

[D N'D-Land]

Thanks for posting these reviews Dave! What a treat... loved the SAAB and Volvo double features here.

Prior to seeing your FB posting, I wasn't aware of the existence of the 1:18 Saab 9-3 Cabrio here. Very quirky...just like the 1:1! In a good way.
I don't normally collect convertible cars but the SAAB 9-3 is just so cool as a scale model. The amount of detail is amazing and I agree the interior is really good! Is the roof exterior on the SAAB molded plastic or actual fabric? It looks so convincing and your quick marker-fix improves the model a lot.

But the red C70 is where my heart is. What a car! If I don't know ant better I wouldn't think this is a 10YO model. No paint rashes on the C70's?
Kinda envy you that you have 2 of these!

Thanks Stefanus! I was really thrilled when I found out that this model had around a 45-50% price drop earlier this year! Whew! I am so glad that I waited! That for sure was a nice treat IMO 😊

Yeah, I was surprised that a lot more collectors didn't realize that this model was released about a year or so earlier, maybe two years to be exact? Also, it is truly is a good representation of "quirky" 9-3 in cabrio form. I'm also not the biggest convertible fan, but I did own an S2000 and MX-5, and I do like my T-Tops and pano-roof cars. Great for feeling in touch with the environment, in say perhaps cruising Woodward or Mainstreet in Royal Oak on a summer's evening.
The roof itself is made from plastic, but with a real fabric covering to represent the actual top's material.

The Volvos are OLD, they have been with me for sure around 12-15 years I wanna' say? They are holding up really well for their age, very minor rash from when I stored them in house for for the past two years on the side of the left rear 3/4 fender on the red one. The silver is just perfect. The red one can be polished out in probably 5 mins, as it is barely visible. I even did a close up and you cannot even see it. So, they held up well.
Don't even too hard, the box for the silver one is shredded from shippers on international moves :/ Also, you can still find these online today at very reasonable prices!🥂

 

[D N'D-Land]

Great review David!!! Love seeing the 9-3 cabrio.....man I miss Saab, their designs were just clean and sensible. But those details are quite a sight on this model.
Thanks for sharing!!

Hey Sam, Thanks!! So glad to hear from you man! It's been a long while! I too miss Saab, it's just not right that there is only Volvo as a mainstream Swedish brand these days, Saab had a rich and interesting history! Plus, on their very last years, they were making some really attractive production and Concept cars!!!!
I really would like to have a 1/18th opening diecast Saab 9-5 Sedan! 😊...by this company!
It's always a pleasure to share with fellow members and friends here on DX! Cheers!🥂

 

[D N'D-Land]

Great pics and great reviews! Those Swedes do look really good together. I am eagerly awaiting the Saab - the convertible trim with all those extra goodies were too much for me to resist. I also love the ice-blue paint! I'm going to hold off on the Volvo for now, but that is a spiffy model, too. Thanks for sharing!

Hey Scott, Thanks! So glad that you've decided to add the 9-3 Cabrio to your collection as well! I tell you, you will really appreciate how good and detailed of a model it is!
The paint on these are flawless and match panel for panel, so, you really will be thrilled seeing it in person my friend!😊
Luckily, as I had mentioned to Stefanus above, the Volvo C70s could still be found at really good prices. Now, the S80, that is expensive. I regret that I couldn't find one when new and more affordable!
Looking forward to your review on DX when your 9-3 arrives! Cheers!🥂

 

[D N'D-Land]

Always liked that Volvo. I wish Volvo had made a fixed head coupe out of it. I know that it kinda plays that coupe role too, but while I like the look of many, many, ‘verts, I’m not a huge fan of drop top driving. I’d love an Mx5, but I don’t think the roof would ever be down, which seems to negate the point of getting a ‘vert

I myself personally am more of a coupe fan a swell, but I do need to be able to look up and see the sky from a T-Top, panoramic roof and have also owned 1 convertible a S2000 and barrowed my Mother MX-5 for 2 years after college. I didn't like the MX-5 with the top down, but LOVED the S2000 in the city with it down.
However thinking back to Volvo fixed roof coupes, they tried to give this car double duty as both a hardtop-cabriolet and something that felt more solid when the roof was up. I got used to cabriolets, but sun always needs to be considered for people with sensitive skin. 😊🥂

 

[D N'D-Land]

If I wasn't into Mercedes that much, I'm pretty sure my 1:1 would be a Volvo...

Okay, now I am curious as to why you would go with Volvo, if Mercedes-Benz wasn't in the picture?😊 Please do tell, I really want to know. We had an XC90 for a while, it was okay, but I'm a bit indifferent with Volvo as a brand...lol I think that the company almost wants it that way as well with regards to their customer base? Cheers and thanks for chiming in Gunther!🥂

 

[triggerhappy]

XC90s aren't so special until you push over to the Rdesign with a polestar optimization or the T8 hybrid. Just roomy boxes on wheels that are really uninspiring. So for me I never really considered Volvo until I rode in an R-design V60 with P* optimization and thought wow this is fun. Always wanted an AMG wagon but holy hell I'll never afford one of those. Almost jumped over to Jaguar to drive their wagon but the repair costs made me worried in the end. Oddly I had lusted over the V60 Polestar when it was released in Europe....the DTM S60 was bonkers and was a treat to watch when I could find clips....a 3.L turbo charged beast....who can say no to that. Sadly the 2.L twin charge isn't what the 3L was. Mercs and Jags always sound good to me. My wallet thinks otherwise.

Honestly, I've always strayed from Volvo, kept to Subaru wagons (hood scoops and wagons go together like PBJ's I tell ya) but when I had the rarest of chances to actually buy a last run V60 Polestar....yeah I jumped. Mind you that was Volvo/Ford (you can find Ford parts all over the car hahaha but who can argue with 364hp bright blue wagon hahahaha but literally no one recognizes unless you are an uuuber volvo enthusiast or oddly grew up with the xbox forza series. But Saab wagons......literally a subaru wrx wagon with way better styling. I give it to Saab, their designs were clean and their cars were surprisingly fast and enjoyable. I fondly enjoyed getting horrible sunburns from my friends cabriolet hahahaha.

There aren't that many diecast of Volvo out there. Its slim pickings. And with DNA now defunct I will never sadly get a polestar wagon in diecast. That one hurt. A lot. And my wallet.