Saab 900 Convertible
ENGINE 2290cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 150bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 154lb ft@4300rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 127mph 0-60MPH 10.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 19-36mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed automatic MoT June 2021 ODOMETER 95,182 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Fitted with the 2.3-litre 150bhp four-pot engine, this vividlooking ‘goose’ sits nicely between the base-spec 130bhp 2.0-litre and 170bhp V6 and 185bhp Turbo. It starts without hesitation and idles well even from cold. No warning lights remain on when running. It’s a very smooth runner out on the road, and drives faultlessly with no untoward noises. As for the scuttle shake… well, they all do that, sir. The automatic transmission seems particularly silken on this example, and kickdown is prompt. The brakes do their job effectively thanks to new front discs and a caliper.
BODYWORK CHECK
The rare and eye-catching Monte Carlo Yellow paint echoes the earlier original 900 convertibles affectionately nicknamed ‘bumble bees’. This one looks to be all original and straight and has survived well, though the paint does help to mask lacquer loss on the front and rear wings, some light scuffs in the bumper and stone chips in the bonnet. The hood shows a small but well-done repair above the driver’s side,
EXTERIOR
Some laquer loss, but no rust
INTERIOR
Wood and leather have survived well
MECHANICALS
On the button with smooth gear changes
too. The BBS Saab alloy wheels display some kerbing marks and corrosion but the tyres – 2017 Dunlop Sport MAXX 205/50 R16 tyres up front, with a 2017 Marshall and 2010 Wanli at the rear – show good tread.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
SE spec brings with it an interior finished in Californian burr wood and Rocky Black leather. Some of the wood veneer has lifted near the edges and the degree of leather cracking is consummate with the car’s age, especially on the driver’s seat, which also has a slight tear in the squab. All the controls function, but an intermittent fault means that the rev counter and fuel gauge sometimes stop working. However, the fuel gauge warning light still works and you can monitor the petrol situation on the SID2 (Saab Information Display), despite it having a few pixels missing. A wind deflector and parking sensors are also fitted.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is tidy enough but anyone who wanted to do some detailing could start here. A coat of suitably heat-resistant paint would tidy up the cam cover but having the exhaust manifold right at the front of the bay always means there’s going to be some rust on display. All fluids are clean – it has recently been DIY-serviced – and there are no apparent leaks anywhere. The offside strut mount has had some rust repairs, however.
THE CCW VIEW
It’s more difficult justifying why not to buy this Saab than why to buy it. Just £1200 for an eye-catchingly handsome fourseater wood-and-leather-clad Scandinavian classic convertible that would be a wonderful way to enjoy summer but also tough and snug enough for use throughout the winter months.
PROS Style, performance, SE specification, price CONS Cosmetic niggles, intermittent dials
BUY IT FROM Private sale, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 07747 607345 sionhudson@gmail.com