Myth Buster Saab 9000
Debunking the most common old wives’ tales
1 IT’S A GIUGIARO DESIGN
Well, to a certain extent. The Saab 9000 was one of four cars based on the shared ‘ Type Four’ platform. Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign penned the related Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema, the Alfa Romeo 164 was by Pininfarina (as was the Thema estate). Giugiaro is also credited with the 9000 but Saab’s own Björn Envall and Rolf Jonsson modified the design extensively. This included reshaping the C-pillars and altering the lights, bumpers and rear screen. If anything, then, it’s a Giugiaro/Envall co-production.
2 IT’S REALLY A REBADGED FIAT
Despite the comprehensive Scandi-revamp, the 9000 still bears a distinct resemblance to its Fiat and Lancia siblings. This has led to the myth that there’s great parts interchangeability. In reality, only seven parts can be swapped over. The original plan had been for over 1000 to be exchangeable. But then Saab incorporated much sturdier engineering to improve safety; even though the doors look the same, the heavier Swedish side impact protection incorporated means that not even those can be substituted.
3 THE MUPPETS INSPIRED IT
There is a somewhat bizarre legend that Björn Envall’s inspiration for the 9000’s seats came from a second season sketch of The Muppet Show’s Pigs in Space – they’re apparently based on those on the bridge of the USS Swinetrek. It’s actually only the Carlsson’s seats that allegedly echoed the ribbing and rounded top of the piggy puppet pews. It’s difficult to prove or dispel this, but Saabists have sifted through Pigs in Space and found that the two designs don’t really look alike at all. Sorry, Miss Piggy. Richard Gunn