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…

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.

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 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.

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.

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.


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