Highlights
- Low mileage of 34,754 miles
- Rare 1985 model with high lift cams
- Unusual and original Alabaster Yellow
- Unrestored and original condition throughout
- Six keepers from new
- Serviced by Abbott Racing in 2022 and 2024
The Appeal
Well here it is, the almost unthinkable - a Saab 900 Turbo with under 35,000 documented miles from new. It’s a surprise because Trollhattan’s slant four 2L engine is so tough and the allure of the firm’s forced induction so great that most of these cars have covered intergalactic mileages.
The story goes that the first keeper bought the car new for his wife. She found it too fast, so it was in the garage for years before emerging with a dealer a few years ago. That seems to stack up because, as a 1985 Turbo, this one was fitted with the one-year-only high-lift camshafts. Known as ‘magic cams’ by enthusiasts, they make these cars brutally fast between 60 and 90mph.
Likely due to that backstory and low mileage, this Alabaster Yellow car is said to be highly original. It is certainly in extremely good order, with even the beige velour seats retaining their factory bolster shape. The history file shows work by Abbott Racing in 2022 and 2024, including services at 32,852 and 33,348 miles. It is now MOT exempt, with the last UK test running to May 2026 with no advisories. The car is now located in Ireland and exempt from UK and Irish technical inspections.
Since buying the car recently, the vendor has fitted replacement fuel pump bellows and gaskets. He is now reluctantly parting with it due to unforeseen circumstances. That gives the buyer an opportunity unlikely to present itself often.
The vendor says:
“This superb Saab delivers a very thrilling ride. The old fashioned whirr of the turbo boost never fails to delight. It's impossible to choose between the stunning visual quality of the exterior versus the feeling you get from sitting into the time machine that is the interior. I hoped I would never have to sell this vehicle and I am extremely reluctant to do so but unforeseen circumstances demand it. It has been an honour and privilege to be a custodian of a car like this.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 34,754 miles indicated (limited service history available to verify)
- Country of registration: previously United Kingdom, now Ireland
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt; NCT exempt in Ireland
- Technical specs: 16V 1,985cc inline four-cylinder turbo petrol, five-speed manual
- Paperwork: Some paperwork, invoices, handwritten notes, Abbott invoices, handbooks, wallet, 1 spare key
The Detail
- 1985 model year fitted with one-year-only high lift camshafts
- Vendor states the engine starts first time every time and drives without fault
- Factory standard mechanically throughout we are told
- Recently new fuel pump bellows and gaskets fitted
- Previously serviced by Abbott Racing under the prior custodian's ownership
- Factory original Alabaster Yellow paintwork in very good condition
- Due to age of car inevitably there are some minor paintwork points to note
- These include touched in chips and blemish to fuel cap
- Bodywork in very good order across usual 900 check areas
- Chassis and underside described by a mechanic as 'museum-grade'
- No structural advisories on last UK MOT which ran to May 2026
- Vendor states the interior is original throughout
- Beige velour interior in very good condition with clean, well kept seats
- All switchgear functional and instrument displays clear and bright we are told
- Seats feature heating and car is fitted with a sunroof
- Carpeting, door cards and headlining described as being in very good order
- Vendor states the car has been stored indoors for most of its life
- Factory three spoke ‘Aero’ alloys in very good order with Goodyear tyres
- Previously registered in UK with registration number B276 VPO
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Comments
Troonso••••
Do you have the original radio?
Sausali••••
SellerHi, no I don’t have the factory original radio.
andrew.••••
BidderHi, I presume import tax will be due to UK customs?
Sausali••••
SellerHi Andrew, thanks for your interest, from what I can gather it would be subject to 5% import VAT and 0% customs duty as it would qualify as a collector’s item but you need to confirm that for yourself.
Stewart••••
Hi, does it have power steering?
Sausali••••
SellerHi Stewart, thanks for your interest, yes it does.
Classic••••
Hi: Car looks great. Any issues with the gearbox?
Sausali••••
SellerHi Claude, thanks for your interest. I don’t know anything about the registration process in France. I’m sure an internet search will provide you with the required information. There was no accident or bad repair, the car is in phenomenal condition and drives superbly, I’m very reluctantly selling for personal reasons.