Buying Guide

Classics rarely combine performance, safety and value, but there’s nothing quite like a Saab…

Saab 900 Turbo

Following its success with the pioneering 99 Turbo, Saab beat a similar track when looking to create a more powerful version of its 99 replacement, the larger 900, with a 143bhp eight-valve Turbo model available from launch in 1978.

The 900 remained in production for 15 years until it was replaced by a GM-based successor in 1994, during which time its styling was only changed when a four-door saloon joined the three and five doors in 1981, a two-door and convertible arrived in 1984 and finally the ‘slant front’ facelift of 1987. Upgrades under the now iconic bodywork were commonplace however and 1980 saw the B-series engine inherited from the 99 replaced with the lighter and longerlasting H Series unit. Saab’s fantastic Automatic Performance Control (APC) system was fitted in 1982, which adjusted fuel and boost settings on the fly to reduce knock. 1984 saw the biggest single change, however, as Saab introduced the new 16-valve, 175bhp Turbo 16.

Saab dropped the eight-valve engine in 1989, instead offering a de-tuned, 145bhp version of the 16-valve, known as the low-pressure turbo – these can be indentified by a lack of a boost gauge within the instrument cluster.

Saab also offered a number of special editions, most of which just mixed up the usual trim levels, but the 1990 Carlsson offered a power increase up to 185bhp and gained a unique bodykit, while the 1993 Ruby saw the Carlsson’s mechanicals clothed in a standard 900 Turbo body.

Whichever 900 Turbo you pick up, Saab always understood the importance of ergonomics, and the driving position and control layout is spot-on while the seats will leave you ache-free after even the longest of journeys.

The combination of strong performance and mile-munching ability is certainly impressive and ensures the 900 Turbo makes as much sense today as it did at launch.

‘APC adjusted fuel and boost settings on the fly to reduce knock’