This is not your typical Saab auto industry story. Taliaferro Imports, which makes Saab performance parts, is a destination hot spot for enthusiasts.

Roger Erickson and his wife are driving from Maryland to Pike's Peak in one of their six Saabs. They're taking the car to their son, who's planning to modify the car thanks to this shop in Springfield. The Ericksons had to make a stop in Springfield to see the shop.

"They're considered the premier place in the country to score Saab parts now," Erickson said.

Taliaferro Imports started in the late 1980s at Linda and John Taliaferro's home, where they fixed up used Saabs. Later, they bought the shop in Springfield and eventually became a Saab dealer. When GM bought the brand in 2003, the Taliaferros lost the franchise and didn't know which fork in the road to take.

"We decided to go into the performance industry," owner Linda Taliaferro said. "Our son has a machinery degree."

Nick Taliaferro is the mastermind behind creating the parts. The Taliaferros bought machinery to carve the parts and a niche into the market.

Once Nick redesigned the company's Web site, their parts didn't sit on the shelves for long.

"As soon as they think they're getting caught up, three to four more orders come in," Linda said. "We have five phone lines, and the phone never stops ringing."

Taliaferro Imports ships out 20 to 30 boxes of parts daily. Whether or not the sale of Saab occurs, it won't affect this shop. Boxes will continue to leave here for the world.

"In the next 10 years, they'll still be fixing their cars, needing parts," Linda said. "We're not worried."

Linda also says the local customers are what made today possible, and they've been great to work with.

Despite being called performance, these parts can go beyond creating a hot rod. They also hold up to the stress that older, worn-out parts suffered on regular Saabs. It must work since they have regulars in Russia, Australia, the United Kingdom and beyond.

For more information on Taliaferro Imports, click here.