I READ Alasdair Steven's appreciation of the life of Erik Carlsson (Obituaries, The Herald, June 27) with sadness and fond recollections.

The former was of his passing and that of Saab, the marque of which he was such an enthusiast and ambassador; the latter of his kindness and the gentleness of one so determined to succeed, as Mr Steven reflected.

My wife and I enjoyed the time we were able to drive what we regarded as the original and best Saabs, before the company was taken over (and some might say, rescued) by General Motors.

We were going to Denmark in 1990 and thought we might visit the Saab museum in Trollhattan, Sweden. Our dealer provided contact details and arrangements were made.

On arrival at the museum, we met our contact, who greeted us saying that Mr Carlsson was expected during our visit and perhaps we'd like to meet him. Would we - the man we knew for his ability to turn over a Saab while rallying, right it and carry on regardless?

What a pleasure - we might have been tongue-tied, dwarfed by both his personality and size, but we were given a warm welcome and in the case of my wife, a careful bear hug, as she was pregnant.

We left with an appreciation of both his and his company's generosity of spirit, and an amazement that he could fit into and drive the original Saab models.

Neil M Bruce,

7 Watson Mews,

Watson Street,

Banchory.