Description
1985 Saab 900 8v Turbo, Silver, 3 door hatch, flat-front
This is a very sad day to have to let this car go, unfortunately circumstances dictate. It has been a rolling restoration since buying it in April 2007, showing 160, 000 miles at the time, with the first job being wheel arch repairs all round. It is now registered historic so no tax or MoT required.
Large file of records from 2007 showing the comprehensive service history and restoration including:
Recon engine and head at 190, 000 miles (2011) – inc refurbishment of engine bay
Head restored again 257, 000 miles (2020) plus replacement turbo
Metering head refurbished 270, 000 miles (2025)
Poly-bushed all round.
Short change gear mod – uses the existing stick with a welded on extension. The original change is a bit like stirring porridge. Now short and snappy. By Dave at what was Two Stroke to Turbo, very neat unobtrusive mod. I like it, wife does not. She drives a 1979 900T.
Additional standard 900 intercooler.
Abbot Racing stainless exhaust. Bit louder than a Jetex but pleasant to my ears. Certainly not lairy.
Recent new starter and battery.
Stainless braided fuel lines
Inca Alloys – not original but always liked them because they are a bit bonkers
Too much welding done over the years to list – all paperwork available from purchase in 2007. All detailed in the vehicle record. Headlining is good, was replaced at some stage in this process.
Simply, whatever was needed was spent. The car has constantly been in use since purchase. In my estimation it drives beautifully. It is in use, but last year was just 1500 miles.
It could do with a bit of a scrape and underseal as I notice it has come off in some places. The passenger footwell leaks but I now do not have the time to sort that. Keeping it dry, mopping out, silicone door seals, taped over sunroof. I think it needs new pax door seals.
There is a small rust hole top of the NSR quarter panel – taped over. There are some surface rust patches under the bonnet and in the engine bay, but insignificant and not structural. The front edge of the bonnet was repaired at some stage and protected.
It needs someone who loves these cars to pick up where I left off, get it watertight and enjoy it. Towbar not included in the sale. I wanted to rescue an old Saab and never having had a turbo, this one needed rescuing. It was old and abandoned when I got it 20 years ago. I have driven the later 16v cars and they are splendid, but there is a certain character with the 8v. It makes a different noise, maybe it is a bit rougher around the edges. I just prefer it's character. I think it is close to what the original designer intended.
Having committed so much time, money and effort into this car it is very difficult to let it go. I really would like someone to pick it up and to keep the effort going. Engine and drivetrain are great. Bodywork on the underside is strong, topside needs some effort and investment. And you will have a beautiful 40 year old driver. I have always used it, so it has never been a show pony.
