By the late 1970s, turbocharging was still rare in production cars. But as the likes of the Porsche 911 and the BMW 2002 were fast acquiring legendary status, the technology had obvious appeal for motor manufacturers. In 1977 Saab launched the turbocharged 99, with improved technology that proved that turbo power worked for everyday driving as well as on the track.
A year later Saab launched the 900, the car that really popularised the turbocharger. Available as a hatchback, a saloon and a convertible, the car’s sleek profile, refinement and practicality appealed to buyers and the first-generation 900 stayed in Saab’s range for 16 years. In 1987 a facelift saw new headlights, front sidelights, a redesigned grille and front bumpers.
Good looks combined with performance and Saab’s reputation for producing cars that are slightly ‘left-field’ have made the 900 Turbo a genuine modern classic, and with good examples increasingly thin on the ground values are on the rise.
This example is remarkable condition for its age, having been extensively recommissioned by the vendor (who is only the second owner) after ten years in storage. SjDOHbjiLA4T1C4feTNN6FaVUry8V8TgK8ZSP3Cd.jpg1.07 MB
The History and Paperwork
Original owner’s manual
Current V5
MoT valid until April 2024
Past MoT certificates
Recent invoices
One owner until 2021
The car has an interesting past; the vendor believes that the first owner was the sales manager for a Saab dealership, had the vehicle as a company car, and then kept it. It had been stored in a barn for ten years before the vendor bought it in March 2021; he had owned a similar car back in the 1990s and had been looking for a sound 900 Turbo.
Having purchased it, the vendor had the car extensively recommissioned, including a lot of attention to the bodywork, as recorded by invoices within the car’s file of paperwork. However, he feels that he doesn’t use the car enough to justify keeping it and with limited storage space available he has decided the time has come to sell.
As you’d expect of a thirty-year old car, the interior has some signs of its age but generally presents very well. The comfortable front seats – Saabs are renowned for their well-designed interiors – have some patina but no damage, and the stitching is all intact. The rear seats look to have been little used. The carpets have been protected by Saab overmats and are in very good condition, and the doorcards are similarly impressive for their age.
The all-black dashboard and dials are very much ‘of their time’, but everything looks very original. The Clarion radio cassette/player works, as do the electric sunroof and windows.
A standard Saab quirk, the ignition key goes into a barrel located between the front seats, and owners soon learn that you can only take the key out when reverse gear is engaged.
The boot is huge – with a quoted capacity of more than 600 litres, making this a practical proposition for those whose cars have to serve as more than just playthings. Underneath the clean and undamaged grey liner is a space-saver spare wheel, a jack and a warning triangle still in its branded case. The vendor will also include a bag of cleaning fluids and polishes that came with the car.
The original tool case is still attached to the underside of the panel that serves as a boot floor, but only two of the original tools remain, a rather corroded wheelbrace and plug spanner.
The 900s elegant lines have always been a big part of its appeal, and the car’s looks have stood the test of time well. When the vendor first acquired this car it had been in storage for ten years, and he took it a specialist who removed all the plastic trim and resolved any bodywork issues; the invoice records a spend of £5568. Consequently, the car looks fantastic from angles and there are barely any visible blemishes, besides a minor ding on the boot-lid that you have to look carefully to spot.
The Turbo model was distinguished from the normal 900 range by turbine-style alloy wheels, discreet badges, and a different front grille, all of which are evident here and in very good condition, with the wheels showing only a few slight blemishes.
The car was fitted with new tyres all round in 2022 and have done very few miles since then.
The slant four engine used in the Saab 900 was a gradual evolution of the original motor fitted to the 99. Jointly developed in its early stages with Triumph, Saab decided to go its own way to ensure the level of quality and durability that the Swedish firm aspired to. That commitment explains the legendary reliability of this engine, which is capable of gargantuan mileages. The recorded figure for this car would likely be considered as merely 'run in' by Saab enthusiasts.
The vendor reports the car drives and handles beautifully, and was impressed that, when he first drove it, it drove exactly as remembered his previous 900 Turbo had back in the day. The evidence of our photoshoot was that the car starts on first turn of the key, and runs with a lovely note.
Under the bonnet, there are the inevitable signs of age but everything looks to be in its place and there is no evidence of leaks, while underneath the car there’s nothing more than superficial corrosion.
There are good reasons why so many Saab enthusiasts retain a life-long devotion to the brand, and why the 900 remained in the company’s range across twenty years and two generations.
For anyone looking for a modern classic that offers everyday practicality, a refined interior and sparkling performance, there’s little to match the 900 Turbo. With good examples now hard to find, this two-owner example, with its interesting back story, has much to recommend it.
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.*
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