First produced in 1978, the Saab 900 has always been a slightly left-field, quirky choice. Adored by their owners, they’re often cited as high watermarks of engineering excellence and clever design touches.
This particular 900 was imported into the UK in 2018, but has been in storage since 2019.
Offering an excellent opportunity to get a modern classic back on the road, with a little recommissioning, this characterful convertible is ready for a new owner to fall in love with it…
The History and Paperwork
As the car was imported into the UK in 2018 and has spent most of its time here in storage, there is very little in the way of history or paperwork.
The current V5c is present and correct, as well as the number plate authorisation certificate from the DVLA. The car also comes with its original owner’s manuals.
The Interior
Black leather upholstery
Electric windows and mirrors
Pioneer radio/CD system
Air conditioning
Saab interiors have always been well-designed and comfortable, and the 900 convertible is certainly no different.
Offering a true four-seat layout, there’s plenty of room for four adults to travel in comfort.
Finished with high-grade black leather, the seats look to be in good condition, with some signs of wear through use, but no sagging, tears or notable damage we could see. With a clean they should come up very nicely.
The carpets are grey with official Saab over-mats, and are in average condition. The grey carpet in the boot has seen better days, wearing a few stains and marks, and there is a full-size spare wheel also present.
All of the internal trim and switchgear is legible and in reasonable condition. It wears patination commensurate with the car’s age and use, and remains very usable.
Some of the trim pieces would benefit from restoration or replacement, but overall the cabin is in a reasonable state. The one issue the new owner may wish to address is the dashboard top, which is cracked in a number of places.
We’re assured by the vendor that all of the car’s features function as they should.
The Exterior
Original black paintwork
Original 15” Saab alloys
New Pirelli tyres
The second generation 900 is a great looking car, well-proportioned and strikingly styled, and in convertible trim it offers truly elegant wind-in-the-hair motoring.
The roof itself appears to be the original item and is largely in reasonable condition, with just a couple of small tears and some slight fading due to UV exposure. It should be noted that when we viewed the vehicle, the powered roof was not functioning.
Finished in black paintwork, externally this 900 is in reasonable condition for a 30 year old vehicle. We saw no evidence of significant corrosion or damage, and the windows and light lenses are all complete and appear undamaged.
It should be considered as in need of some restoration though, as the paintwork is in need of some work. There is some stone-chip damage to the front, as well as a few areas of minor surface corrosion, paint chipping and some significant swirl marks.
Some of the plastic trim elements are cracked, while the rubber seals are perishing and will require replacement. However, this is largely cosmetic, and the bones of the car appear to be nice and solid.
Underneath it looks very straight and tidy, with little evidence of surface corrosion and no signs of damage we could see.
Also, the wheels are presented very well, having been well preserved, and are shod in new Pirelli tyres.
The Mechanics
1,980cc inline-four turbocharged engine
Automatic transmission
This later model 900 benefits from the stalwart 2.0-litre Saab 16v turbo engine. In this model it featured the Mitsubishi TE-05 turbocharger – a smaller unit than the older Garrett models, with a faster spool and better response.
It delivers a hearty 185bhp to the front wheels, making for smooth and rapid progress. Twinned with this car’s automatic gearbox, it perfectly suits the unruffled nature of the car.
Under the front-hinged bonnet, we see the engine bay is quite clean, with no evidence of leaks or overheating that we could discern. There is no significant corrosion to be seen and, overall, everything looks nice and solid.
The vendor tells us that the car drives well, accelerating, braking and changing gear as it should, with no mechanical issues that they are aware of.
Summary
Saabs have always been the choice of the more discerning driver – one that doesn’t want to take the more obvious Teutonic path.
It’s easy to see why: they’re interesting cars with great styling and superb engineering.
This example is ripe for restoration and recommissioning. It would be perfect for someone seeking a modern classic that’s usable as a daily, but can be gradually brought back to prime condition.
These are increasingly rare and sought after cars, so this really does present an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the coolest cars of the 80s/90s.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
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
NO RESERVE - 1992 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible LHD
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.