Description
1989 Saab 900i S 3-door – 150, 000 miles – Fresh MoT – £3, 995
Classic Saab 900i S in rare three-door spec with seven years' enthusiast ownership, a tidy in well-preserved interior, fresh MoT and a history of success at local classic car shows.
Finished in pale metallic blue with blue velour upholstery, is an original three-door Combi Coupé with three-spoke Saab alloy wheels and duck tail rear spoiler.
The current owner has had the car for seven years, during which time it has covered approximately 7000 miles, mainly attending classic car shows and local events with light weekend use. It has won several awards, including a first prize at a local show and further second- and third-place awards elsewhere. It's a usable, turn-key classic rather than a trailer queen or project for full recommissioning.
Mechanical condition and maintenance
The Saab has been looked after by its enthusiast owner, with a considerable amount of work undertaken during his ownership.
This includes the following replacements:
* Distributor drive oil seal
* Cam cover gasket
* Oil, air and fuel filters plus spark plugs
* Air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs
* Rear shock absorbers
* Front brake pads
In addition, it has received repairs to the rear shock absorber top mountings, and the rear brake caliper and handbrake mechanism have been attended to, while the driver's side front CV joint boot has also been replaced. The tyres have plenty of tread remaining.
The car drives well, although the seller reports a small engine oil weep, which is monitored and topped up as necessary. Annual mileage has been low, typically around 500-600 miles, and although the oil was changed the car was acquired, it's now due fresh oil and filters.
The car has been kept under cover during the current ownership.
Bodywork and interior
The bodywork presents well overall, with a good, straight appearance, although there are some slight cosmetic issues. The bonnet has areas of paint blemishing and, there is localised corrosion around the lower door edges, fuel filler area and rear quarter. The driver's door bottom has been replaced during its current ownership.
Inside, it's good – the blue velour seats have survived exceptionally well, complemented by distinctive blue tartan door-card inserts. The central locking works, and the car comes with three keys.
The instrument panel illumination is currently inoperative, although the other dashboard warning and indicator lights work. There is no stereo currently fitted, and the headlining would benefit from attention, although it's far from the worst out there.
A usable classic with plenty of character
Perhaps the best thing about this Saab is that it has just passed its MoT and drives well. It's a solid car that can be enjoyed straight away. It isn't perfect, and there are areas of surface corrosion (and that's all it is) and tired paintwork to address, but it's an honest, usable classic with bags of character.
It's a turn-key classic that'll work brilliantly as a daily driver. It's patinated, but still looks good enough to take anywhere and be welcomed warmly. Saab 900s make great daily drivers, and this is one that's good to go...
