Beskrivning
Exceedingly honest and totally original. With just 3 owners from new (one for 24 years), this fabulous 2-door 900 saloon presented in rare Platinum Blue with immaculate Horizon velour trim in Marine has covered just 73, 500 miles and comes with exceptional service history (stamped-up Main Dealer to 2017) and a subsequent raft of invoices for recent work. These classic first generation 900`s are pure pedigree and come from a time when build-quality and engineering came before cost. As such, good ones are something to savour and it would seem that the market is beginning to wake up to the fact.
Introduced in 1978 for the 1979 model year, the first generation 900 was based on the earlier 99 chassis albeit with a longer front end for better crash protection and to accommodate the optional turbo-charged engines and air-conditioning systems now available. Offered as a mid-size 2 or 4-door saloon or 3 and 5-door hatchback (and convertible from 1986), the 900 quickly became noted for excellent handling and roadholding thanks to well-developed double wishbone suspension not dissimilar to the Alfasud set-up of the early 1970`s. Initially fitted with a 2-litre “B” Series engine, both normally aspirated and turbocharged options were available, becoming more developed and more powerful as the years past. The “B” was replaced in 1981 by a lighter “H” Series unit that ran through the duration of classic 900 production whilst 1984 saw the introduction of the 16-valve DOHC variant enabling an increased power output of 175BHP when used in conjunction with a turbocharger and intercooler. A new fresher look came in 1987 with a fairly comprehensive facelift with changes to the front grille, lights and bumpers and the standard fit of power steering across the range. With the part-sale to General Motors in 1989, it was inevitable that things were going to change and by March 1993 production of the classic 900 ceased only to be replaced a few months later by the NG (New Generation) 900SE based on an Opel Vectra chassis. Fundamentally, a very different car.
Our 900S 16V dates from August 1990 and was supplied new through Saab Main Dealers, Crightons of Peterborough, to a lady living in the town. She retained the car until Spring 1993 when it came back to Crightons as a part exchange only to be immediately resold in the April as an Approved Used Saab to a marque enthusiast living in nearby March, Cambridgeshire. Indeed, our new keeper part exchanged his rather elderly 99GL to complete the acquisition! Now with just 10, 690 miles recorded, the car was evidently used sparingly covering less than 55, 000 miles in the next 24 years. Early maintenance and servicing (up to November 2003 and 47, 987 miles) was undertaken by Crightons with 14 Main Dealer stamps, whilst later care was provided by Mill Hill Garage, a Daihatsu Main Dealer in March. The service book records a further 11 stamped-up entries whilst in their care (to June 2017 at 65, 700 miles). In July of that year, the Saab was evidently sold and subsequently retailed through KGF Classic Cars, a highly regarded classic car garage in Peterborough, specialising in modern classics. After preparation, the car was sold in July to another long-time Saab fan from the Pembrokeshire coast who has retained the Saab to this day covering less than 8, 000 miles in 9 years. Annual servicing, MoT inspections and general maintenance have been undertaken by a local specialist, Goodwick Motor Services, with notable highlights to include anti-roll bar bushes, a new thermostat and tyres in 2018, a crankshaft sensor, fuel pump and both front wheel bearings in 2021/ 22, engine mounts in 2023 and brake overhaul in 2025. With a yearning to return to something a little older, the 900 recently came into our stable as a part exchange against a stunning, fully restored Saab 96. Since acquisition, we have done very little but undertake a full health check, a deep clean and enjoy it.
The photographs I hope tell the story here. All original panels display, in our belief, all original Platinum Blue paintwork sporting just one or two age-related blemishes whilst the large safety impact bumpers and wraparound panoramic windscreen are in excellent order. Original supplying dealer number plates and rear windscreen sticker are evident (plates are in the boot) whilst the factory fit 5. 5J x 15 light alloy wheels shod with nearly new Pirelli 185/ 65/ 15 tyres are near pristine with just a few superficial scratches. Comfort was always a priority for Saab and the interior`s disappoints. Large, wide-opening doors make way for superbly sculptured heated seats trimmed in top quality Horizon velour in Marine with barely any evidence of wear - very much commensurate of a cosseted, low mileage car. Known for saggy head-linings, the lining on this particular example has been removed but obviously this could be reinstated to personal taste. Turn the lower console mounted ignition key and the normally aspirated 1985cc fires immediately into life. On the road, performance is brisk with 133BHP on tap and smooth and precise changes through the 5-speed M5N gearbox allow for spirited motoring. On a rather damp Winter morning, I piloted the 900 across the rather pot-holed back lanes of West Dorset and was amazed at the way it drove. With excellent roadholding, a cushioned ride, positive steering and excellent brakes, it is a car that immediately inspires confidence and I can clearly see the comparisons drawn with the Alfasud from the early 1970`s. It is infectious and could easily be enjoyed as much as a daily as it could a potential show car.
The Saab comes with an extensive history file to include a full and complete Main Dealer Pack in its original leather wallet featuring an Owner’s Manual, a fully stamped-up Service Book, Safeguard Insurance Book (2nd Owner), Quick Reference Guide, an original Sales Brochure, bills and receipts from 2018-2025, copies of Sales Receipts from 1993 (first sale) and 2017 (second sale), MoT Certificates from 2006 to the present day with a current Certificate to June 2026. The car also benefits from a current V5C and 2 sets of keys boasting the supplying dealer key fob.
An exceedingly honest and totally unmolested example with superb provenance. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
