1985 Saab 900 Turbo 3 Dohc 16 T16S

Highlights

  • Very rare T16S ‘flat nose’ 
  • Low 73,000 miles from new 
  • Very solid and original car 
  • Recent full service and new battery
  • MOT without advisories to October 2024

The Appeal

SAAB developed the 16v engine but it took a British designer, Geoff Wardle, to gift enthusiasts the iconic ‘Aero’ bodykit that transformed the T16S into one of 80s motoring’s true icons. 
Where the earlier 99 Turbo was quick but suffered turbo lag, the new car offered smoother power delivery. At the time, SAAB claimed the car’s 175bhp was the most that could be safely delivered through the front wheels. As tyre-scrabbling owners could attest, they were probably right. 
Early ‘Flat Nose’ T16S cars are now exceptionally rare. Especially so with the mere 73,000 miles of this car - barely run in by SAAB standards. It has been stored for most of the last 20 years and recently recommissioned for sale. 
Finished in classic red with colour coded bumpers and complementary Colorado red leather interior, this highly original car is a real find for enthusiasts. 
A long, advisory-free MOT to October 2024 provides reassurance about the condition and structure. This is a very original and solid 900. There is scope to improve the cosmetics, but perhaps not before jumping in and enjoying it. 

 
 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 3rd December 1985 
  • Four registered keepers
  • Log book included
  • Unfortunately the car’s history was lost by the previous keeper 
  • The vendor is in contact with the Owners Club to determine some history 
  • Largely stored for the last 20 years 
  • Displayed mileage is believed to be accurate by seller 
  • Recent recommission including full service (fluids, belts & plugs) and new battery 
  • MOT to 16th October 2024 without advisories and 72,997 miles sghowing 
  • Now showing 73,107 miles 

 
 

The Condition

  • Classic red paintwork in good order appearing original with some small marks 
  • Straight bodywork with well kept and clean panels 
  • Fitted with the factory Aero body kit with colour coded red bumpers front and rear
  • Body appears in smart condition for its age with generally unfaded paint colour
  • Underside in good order with solid floorpans and sills 
  • No MOT structural advisories 
  • Age-related scuffs present, but no damage or deep scratches
  • Body lines appear free from notable defects such as no sag on the doors
  • Colorado red leather interior with light marks including small tear in rear of driver's seat
  • Some wear and light cracks on the leather, but retains its deep foamed shape and colour
  • Original carpets in fine fettle
  • Slight sag in the headliner which is typical of model 
  • Minimal wear on dash, steering wheel, and gear knob
  • Dashboard fitted with later or optional wood veneer finish 
  • Door cards appear in smart condition
  • All dials functioning properly
  • Small blister on rear wing near tailgate and light scratches in parts
  • Steel sliding electric sunroof
  • Boot struts need replacing
  • Aftermarket Kenwood stereo fitted 
  • Good dash top with no cracks visible in photographs 
  • Classic three-spoke Aero alloy wheels 

 
 

The Mechanics

  • 1,985cc B202 16v SAAB engine developing 175bhp 
  • 5spd manual gearbox 
  • Rare flat nose model with a full pressure turbo
  • Recently fitted exhaust with upgraded twin exit pipes
  • The vendor informs us that the car starts first time 
  • We are told that the turbo kicks in as it should with plenty of power and good mpg
  • No knocks, excessive smoking or leaks according to seller 

 

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
Whilst ****Car & Classic check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and so you are strongly advised to obtain a full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.


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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1985
  • Make Saab
  • Model 900
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 73,107 Miles
  • Engine size 1985
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Leicester
  • Location Leicestershire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
11 bids from 7 bidders
  • Kalr93 £4,600 04/05/24
  • neil.ro•••• £4,500 03/05/24
  • groggy-•••• £4,200 03/05/24
  • groggy-•••• £4,000 03/05/24
  • neil.ro•••• £3,500 02/05/24
  • martin.•••• £3,200 01/05/24
  • jason-c•••• £3,100 01/05/24
  • J4mbo £3,000 01/05/24
  • jason-c•••• £2,650 01/05/24
  • jason-c•••• £2,500 01/05/24
Message C&C Auction Team

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