1992 Saab 9000 Carlsson – Project Profile

Everyone loves an executive express, right? The ‘go to’ choices, however, normally come from Germany. If there is one country that knows how to make an executive car, it’s Germany. However, if you think outside the box there are other options. What about, for example, Sweden? Not Volvo though (but they are excellent), no, we’re looking at Saab. A mad, somewhat weird, but utterly brilliant country that gave us some seriously cool executive cars. Cars like the 9000, which is what we have here. 

And it’s not just any 9000, it’s the now incredibly rare Carlsson edition. Oh, and it’s turbocharged, naturally. It needs some love of course, otherwise it wouldn’t be here in Project Profile. But it’s love that’s well worth giving. This is a handsome, fast, well-made machine that will give you miles of exciting motoring if you look after it. Sure, you could buy a BMW or a Merc, but where’s the fun in that? Sweden is where it’s at. 

What is it?

This is, as we touched on above, a very rare 1992 Saab 9000 Carlsson Turbo. One of the last of its kind, in fact. Yes, the 9000 would go on to be produced until 1998, but the Carlsson version did not. This is a very special car. In fact, the seller is confident that this is one of just eight left, making it quite the rarity indeed. Powered by a four-cylinder 2.3 turbocharged engine, it has the better part of 200bhp on tap, there’s a five-speed manual transmission and a belting chassis. Oh, and the coolest three-spoke alloy wheels ever. This one has covered just under 130k, and unusually for Project Profile, it has an MOT, too, right through to April 2024. Winner!

Why is it a project? 

Well, as the images would go to suggest, it’s somewhat down at heel in the aesthetic sense. The paint has faded, there is some rust coming through, the wheels look a a bit tired, that kind of thing. None of it looks particularly scary though, and while it does look a bit sad, there is no denying that the car has been looked after. The current owner has spent thousands since buying this 9000 in 2020. Getting specialists, Saabtec, on the case, he’s had welding carried out, a Viper alarm has been fitted, it’s been serviced multiple times, a new radiator has been fitted as has a new ABS sensor. Good bones, as they say. 

Five things to look for.

1) Rust

It’s evident on the rear arches, so that is going to need addressing. It’s also had welding done underneath, so it would pay dividends to get under there and have a good poke about to see if any more is likely to be required soon. 

2) Trim

Trim for any Saab is hard to find, let alone a Carlsson 9000, so make sure everything is present and correct, or at the bare minimum, present and restorable. 

3) Steering

Looking at the MOT history, there is an advisory for the top mounting on the steering column, so it would be wise to see how bad that is in person (not horrific, as it an advisory after all) and look into what’s involved to repair/replace it. 

4) Turbo

The seller make no mention of it, so we’re sure it’s all good. However, it never hurts to check yourself. See if there is any play on the shaft, look for any excessive amounts of oil and make sure there is no smoke from it. Take it for a test drive and see how it pulls – it should be a strong, smooth boost. 

5) Suspension

With a big cruiser like this, the suspension matters. Plus, it’s under a lot of stress – the 9000 tips the scales at 1.5 tons. Check for knocks and bangs, have a look at the shocks for any oil misting or leaks, and make sure the bushes are still bushing and clanking about. 

What should you do with it? 

Restore it. It’s got good bones, it’s rare, it’s fast, it’s a special machine. And the current owner has clearly gone to great lengths to keep it going. Now it’s your turn to take the torch and open the next chapter of this 1992 Saab 9000‘s life. And when you do, you’ll have one of the coolest, most exciting executive cruisers out there. And who doesn’t like the sound of that?