Highlights
- Rare Saab 9000 Aero with extensive upgrades and modifications
- Owned for over 2 years with a comprehensive service history
- MOT valid until October 2025
- Fully polybushed suspension with Koni adjustable dampers
- Full 3” stainless steel exhaust and Abbott Racing Carbon Fibre Induction Kit
The Appeal
To share costs, the Saab 9000 was developed alongside the Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma and Alfa Romeo 164. But in true Saab style, the firm junked virtually everything in common - deciding it simply wasn’t good enough - and re-engineered it.
And, equally true to form, through its long life the 9000 got continuously better. Pinnacle of the evolutionary process is this car, the simply named Aero, with its turbocharged 2.3L B234 4cyl engine. Outside things were suitably Saab understated, inside things got a bit whacky. Take the front seats, which according to legend were inspired by the ones used in the Muppets sketch Pigs in Space.
This late facelift model 9000 Aero dials things up to 11 with its Abbott Racing modifications. They include a power hike of 70bhp to 295bhp, modified suspension and a quick shift manual gearchange. In many ways, this is the car Saab would have built if its late 90s coffers had allowed.
The MOT runs to October 2025. This modified Aero is a rarity and one that will deliver in spades, whether you need to carry lots of people and luggage a long way or simply enjoy a B road blast.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in October 1996 (97 model year car)
- Four keepers from new
- Current keeper since January 2023
- Initially a dealer car (Saab City) until early 1999
- Comprehensive and extensive service and maintenance record
- Professionally upgraded and modified by Abbott Racing
- Current MOT to October 2025 with advisories to note
- Complete with the original owner’s handbooks
- Large history file with numerous invoices for work carried out
The Condition
- Aero specification Recaro sports seats, finished in two tone Dove Grey leather in good overall condition
- Seats show some creasing and wear showing commensurate with the vehicle’s age and mileage
- Light grey cabin carpets are in decent condition, with some marks
- Walnut veneer to the dashboard and centre console looks very well, with no notable wear or damage we could see
- The door cards all look very nice, with no damage or tears, but the leather on the steering wheel is quite worn
- Light grey headlining is secure, with no staining or damage apparent
- Rear parking sensors
- Cruise control
- Air conditioning with front and rear demisters
- Heated front seats
- Electric windows, door mirrors and factory-fitted glass sunroof
- Dashboard in good condition with a minor crack in the wooden surround
- Sony head unit with Bluetooth and aux-in, original CD unit defunct
- Fitted with Dynamat soundproofing
- Large boot is trimmed in dark grey carpet, which presents well, and contains a spacesaver spare wheel and the toolkit
- Finished in Imola Red
- Paintwork presents in very nice condition with only a couple of minor blemishes
- The bodywork is in fine order, with no notable dents, damage or corrosion to be seen
- All of the trim, badging, glass and light lenses appears to be present and correct and is well presented
- New Speedline Turini 17-inch wheels were fitted in 2020 and look to be in good condition
- Rear tow hitch fitted
- Advisories to note for the underside on current MOT
The Mechanics
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- 2,290cc inline-four turbo, ECU flashed and rated at about 295hp (70hp more than standard)
- Desirable 5spd gearbox
- Engine bay is clean and tidy
- Extensively modified and upgraded by Abbott Racing over the years
- Fully polybushed suspension with Koni adjustable dampers
- Recent clutch master and slave cylinder replacement
- Full 3” stainless steel exhaust and Abbott Racing Carbon Fibre Induction Kit
- Minor oil leak addressed with a specialised camshaft cover plug by Abbott Racing
- Sports suspension, including Koni dampers, AR springs and upgraded anti-roll bars
- Front strut brace by Abbott Racing
- Carbon box induction kit and three-inch sports exhaust system
- 308mm disc brake conversion
- Limited slip differential
- Quick shift gear lever
- In 2018 the engine was overhauled, including a new head gasket, new valves and new seals
- There appears to be a minor oil leak from the bottom end of the engine or the gearbox
- We’re told by the vendor that the car runs very well, handling beautifully and proving to be very quick
- No reported running or driving issues
- Advisories to note on the current MOT
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