1996 Saab 9000 Aero - Abbott Racing Modified

Highlights

  • Three owners from new
  • MOT to October 2023
  • Modified by Abbott Racing
  • Professionally rust-proofed
  • Resprayed in 2022
  • Rebuilt engine in 2018

The Appeal

When it comes to understated performance with a dash of Scandi cool, the Saab 9000 is difficult to beat, particularly in Aero trim. Offering a compelling blend of raw power and cosseting luxury, it’s something of a retro performance gem, and one that is increasingly rare to find in good order.
Here we have a very nicely presented hatchback example, one that has been meticulously maintained and carefully upgraded by renowned marque specialists Abbott Racing. Thousands of pounds have been lavished on the car over its lifetime, much in recent years, to keep it in top condition. As such, you can rest assured that this smart boosted 9000 is not only a treat for the eyes, but should offer many more years of motoring joy.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in October 1996 (97 model year car)
  • Three owners from new
  • Initially a dealer car (Saab City) until early 1999
  • Second owner until mid-2010, current owner since then
  • 147,850 miles indicated, verified by the MOT record
  • Comprehensive and extensive service and maintenance record
  • Professionally upgraded and modified by Abbott Racing
  • Current MOT to October 2023
  • Complete with the original owner’s handbooks
  • Large history file with numerous invoices for work carried out
  • Certificate to confirm professional rust-proofing in 2016
  • Only being sold as the vendor now needs a ULEZ compliant vehicle

The Interior

  • Recaro sports seats, finished in Dove Grey leather and all in good condition, with some creasing and wear showing commensurate with the vehicle’s age and mileage
  • Light grey cabin carpets are in decent condition, with some marks
  • Walnut veneer to the dashboard and centre console looks very well, with no notable wear or damage we could see
  • The door cards all look very nice, with no damage or tears, but the leather on the steering wheel is quite worn
  • Light grey headlining is secure, with no staining or damage apparent
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Cruise control
  • Air conditioning with front and rear demisters
  • Heated front seats
  • Electric windows, door mirrors and factory fitted glass sunroof
  • Harman Kardon sound system with radio/cassette and CD player
  • Fitted with Dynamat soundproofing
  • There is a set of rubber matts for the cabin and the boot included
  • Large boot is trimmed in dark grey carpet, which presents well, and contains a spacesaver spare wheel and the toolkit

The Exterior

  • Finished in Imola Red, which was resprayed in 2015 and again in 2022 and so presents in very nice condition with only a couple of minor blemishes
  • The bodywork is in fine order, with no notable dents, damage or corrosion to be seen
  • All of the trim, badging, glass and light lenses appears to be present and correct and is well presented
  • In 2016, minor repairs were carried out to the rear arches and the underside was treated with Dinotrol underseal by Rustbuster UK
  • New Speedline Turini 17-inch wheels were fitted in 2020 and look to be in excellent condition
  • The wheels are currently fitted with a matched set of Continental Winter Contact tyres, and a set of summer tyres are also supplied with the car
  • Rear tow hitch fitted
  • The underside of the vehicle looks very straight and tidy

The Mechanics

  • 2,290cc inline-four turbo, ECU flashed and rated at about 295hp (70hp more than standard)
  • Engine bay is clean and tidy
  • Extensively modified and upgraded by Abbott Racing over the years
  • Sports suspension, including Koni dampers, AR springs and upgraded anti-roll bars
  • Front strut brace by Abbott Racing
  • Carbon box induction kit and three-inch sports exhaust system
  • 308mm disc brake conversion
  • Limited slip differential
  • Quick shift gear lever
  • In 2018 the engine was overhauled, including a new head gasket, new valves and new seals
  • There appears to be a minor oil leak from the bottom end of the engine or the gearbox
  • We’re told by the vendor that the car runs very well, handling beautifully and proving to be very quick
  • They tell us that there are no mechanical issues they are aware of

Summary

If you’re the sort of person that likes to run something a little different, then this 9000 Aero would be perfect. Very well maintained, carefully upgraded and quite rare these days, this is a great opportunity to acquire a retro performance gem.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1997
  • Make Saab
  • Model 9000 Aero Abbott Racing Modified
  • Colour Imola Red
  • Odometer 147,850 Miles
  • Engine size 2290
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Edinburgh
  • Location Scotland
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
7 bids from 3 bidders
  • el•••• £6,000 19/01/23
  • za•••• £5,600 19/01/23
  • el•••• £5,500 19/01/23
  • za•••• £5,000 19/01/23
  • el•••• £4,800 19/01/23
  • Ir•••• £4,100 18/01/23
  • el•••• £4,000 12/01/23
Message C&C Auction Team

The Gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.