Highlights
- One of only 150 "ruby" edition Saab 900 T16v made for the UK market
- This car is #61 of the 150
- Over £6,000 spent on improvements since acquisition in January 2021
- Significant interior work including new headliner and reupholstered front seats
- Equipped with a Blaupunkt Bremen DAB audio system for smartphone connectivity
The Appeal
Introduced in 1978, the Saab 900 was a close relation of its predecessor, the 99 - though there was one big difference: that new, long-nosed profile concealed a a secret weapon. Designed to take turbo-charged engines from the off, the car's superior suspension worked in tandem with 'backwards'-mounted B-engines to create a surprisingly swift executive car that was capable of holding its own against even its sportiest rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz.
In 1993, however, production came to an end to usher in the 900 MK2 - and to celebrate, the company provided a limited run of only 150 'Ruby' cars, available perhaps predictably only in a ruby red livery and carrying the fully evolved spec of the cars in their final year. Needless to say, these have become hot collector items.
In 1993, however, production came to an end to usher in the 900 MK2 - and to celebrate, the company provided a limited run of only 150 'Ruby' cars, available perhaps predictably only in a ruby red livery and carrying the fully evolved spec of the cars in their final year. Needless to say, these have become hot collector items.
This particular Ruby, #61 of the 150, has undergone significant improvements since its acquisition in January 2021, with over £6,000 spent on repairs and enhancements. It now comes to us in fine fettle, ready and waiting to charm its new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1993
- The DVLA records 5 previous keepers
- Purchased in January 2021 from a farmer who had owned it since around 2005
- LPG conversion, fitted in 2005, was removed in 2021 to return the car to its original specification
- Current owner has undertaken repairs, welding, and sealing of the underside of the car
- Original service book, showing a complete record from June 1993 to November 2006, is available
- Recently passed its MOT test (April 2024, 193,011 miles) with advisories for corrosion to coil springs and front suspension arms
- Currently indicates 193,033 miles
The Condition
- LPG filler tank nozzle on the rear wing has been removed
- Rear wheel arch trims have been replaced
- Paintwork presents well but has some scratches and blemishes consistent with the vehicle's age
- Some paint bubbling on both front wings around the wheel arches
- Passenger door's paint suggests it may have been resprayed at some point
- Interior has undergone significant work, including the fitting of a new headliner in 2022
- Spare colour-matched bumpers are available with the car
- Wheels have been refurbished and painted and appear in smart condition
- Both front seats have been repaired and reupholstered using new "zegna" cloth and matched leather from the centre of the rear seat
- Some small cuts and blemishes remain on the leather
- Front dashboard appears in smart condition for its age
- A Blaupunkt Bremen DAB audio system has been installed for smartphone connectivity
The Mechanics
- 2.0L B202 I4 engine
- The 'Ruby' edition features the 'red box' Automatic Performance Control system, delivering 185 bhp through the turbo
- Manual transmission with 5 gears
- Corrosion has been noted on the front suspension arms and coil springs (front and rear) in the most recent MOT test
- In 2023, significant work was done on the brakes, including the fitting of a new ABS module
- Passenger door's wing mirror does not adjust from the dashboard control
- Screen washer could be improved
- Work done includes:
- Extensive rewelding of the underfloor
- Removal of the LPG conversion
- Brake and ABS adjustment
- And a wheel refurb
- We understand the car to be in good, drivable order with no mechanical issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
