Hot Hatch: 1990 Saab 900 SPG Turbo
Among the laundry list of different makes of autos I’ve either owned or taken more than a moderate interest in over the years, a brand that’s frequently piqued my curiosity but I’ve never seriously pursued is the Saab, and based on my somewhat limited knowledge it’s my loss, as those who are in the know seem to adore these cars. A model in particular that catches my eye every time is the 900 SPG, and the more I learn about these works of art the more I’d like to be driving one, and this 1990 model here on eBay seems raring to go. If you’re feeling the same way and have more room than I do for another acquisition, it may be worth a jaunt up to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to check this one out in person. So far, bidding has only reached $4,050, obviously under the reserve, but if you’ve got to have it immediately there’s a buy-it-now option for $30k.
As beautiful as this car looks, we actually don’t get a whole lot of detailed information about it from the seller. But what he does tell us is that the Saab has mostly southern roots, having previously resided in Georgia, Florida, and at one point Virginia. The owner also states that he purchased the car to restore it to its full glory from the past days, and while that’s not elaborated on either he does say that thousands of dollars have left his pockets to get the car into the shape we’re seeing it in now. While I’d like to know a few more specifics, the photos sort of speak for themselves, and there’s really very little on the outside I’m finding much fault with, at least for a daily driver. The Talladega Red also seems like a very desirable color for a body such as this.
There’s not a whole lot to complain about on the inside either, and assuming things in there are original the interior seems to reflect what I’d expect a well-cared-for car with a claimed 73k miles should look like. It does appear that the factory Stereo has been changed-out with a unit that has a CD player, but for the most part, the dash doesn’t seem like it’s had much tampering and the seats look like they are holding up well to be past the three-decade mark. This one’s also equipped with a sunroof, and fortunately, I’m not spotting any obvious signs that there have been any leaking issues.
Under the hood, the engine is claimed to run like it’s not even broken in well yet, but that’s all we get about it other than the seller mentioning that the car is a blast to drive. No word on how many of the thousands that have been invested went into the 16-Valve 4-Cylinder, but with the low mileage maybe the motor hasn’t required much attention yet. The turbo claims 175 horsepower right out the door, and with the 5-Speed manual, I’m guessing the driving euphoria claim is quickly realized. Another point made by the seller is how the value of these cars is increasing, and it wouldn’t really surprise me if an eager buyer jumps the gun and drops his $30k on this one. Is that a reasonable cost for what you’re seeing here?
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now2 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now2 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now2 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now4 days$10,500
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now6 days$200
Comments
I used to live in Lancaster, PA and I was a Saab technician at the dealer back in the 90’s as well. In addition about 18 years ago I bought a Talladega red SPG for a friend with about the same miles and mechanically brought it back to its former glory. He used that car for the next 15 years before finally replacing it with something else. That should give you an indication of how special these cars are to their owners. He still has another 900 that I found for him that he uses on special occasions. That one is one of the commemorative editions with less than 30K and when I last saw it it was in as new condition.
Yes, the classic 900 cars are going up in value. They were one of the few cars that did it all.
Must be a nice drivers car 🚗 2900lb, 200lb/ft torque available down low. 3.89 final drive ⚙️
I enjoyed my Saab 9-5, but it pays to be a mechanic if you want to own a Saab. They require a lot of maintenance.
What a load of scrap metal. Any car that requires the driver to mix gasoline with lubricating oil is not suitable for operation on public roads and super highways. Who wants to be forced to listen to a rat-a-tat rattling engine while spoiling the atmosphere every place it goes. $4k is much more than it is worth.
Saab quit producing 2 cycle cars in the 50s. This care was produced about 30 years later. The 900 series (this care) is quite reliable, safe, and fun to drive (drove one 300K miles without opening the engine or replacing the turbo). The later 9 series under general motors were not the same car for sure (late 90’s early 2000’s).
I agree Bill. IMO, quite many cars suffered after one of the American manufacturers took over. Jaguar is another one. As for the Saab, I always loved this car since my first time seeing one. Especially, this model with the body kit. I drove one many years ago but for whatever reason I didn’t purchase it. I was probably not too confident about my ability to be able to perform all necessary maintenance myself. Anyway, that car had the smoothest manual transmission and clutch feel of any vehicle I’ve ever driven. I must say, it would be rather hard going back to regular type head/tail lights after usings LED’S and HID’S for so long. And of course you always have to be suspicious of the possibility of miles being rolled back on anything old. Overall, if I’m going to drop 30k on anything, it would definitely be for a true muscle car where I know I have something of value!
Eric, you are apparently thinking about the 3-cylinder 2-strokes, which SAAB stopped making in 1968. The 900 SPG was a turbo 4 stroke. Entirely different vehicle.
Wow you are out of it dude!
And just if you hadn’t noticed – Ford doesn’t make
cars with starting cranks in the front anymore.
This is the one to have if you getting into a 900 series Saab. I see some nice little touches on this one like the aero covers on the side vents. My Saab of choice would be a late model 95 with a v4. I’m still looking, we’ve all told ourselves shoulda bought one when they were less costly.
Many feel this way unfortunately, but they are worth the investment because each mile driven is a dividend no other brands model will provide. OG 900Ts, 900 Aeros & 9000s will always be part of my life and a couple siblings. We thank our late father for driving home his new 900T the Fall of 1979 & the 900Ts to follow. It’s why we each have multiple.
I own a 1991 SPG, which was the last year of production for this variant. It’s not quite as pristine as this one as mine has 205k. These are fun, unique, practical cars and every time I get in it I feel special. They are very durable and solid. Hearing the door close makes a sound like a rifle bolt. It’s very reliable too. In my 11 years of ownership, I’ve only done routine maintenance. I will never sell it.
Earl – All of the lights – inside and outside, including the headlights – are upgradable to LEDs. I’ve done it on my SPG and it is well worth it.
Ahhhhhh, I see. That is awesome to know. Now, the biggest challenge is finding one in great condition, not rusted out at a great price point. Still would never drop anything close to 30k on one. Thanks!
I only a 2004 Saab aero coupe convertible with 244,000 miles. It’s hard work. Of course I had to replace a computer coil packs turbo basic maintenance stuff it’s an automatic but it came with the option paddle shifters what a fun car it is to drive are use it daily except for some hail damage on the hood the car has never been touched and the aero coupe has all the ground effects the lowered body and it’s fun. It really is someday I will sell it when the right offer comes along well until then I will try for every day and enjoy every second of it
What do you consider a fair price point between $25 & $45k
my “X” had several back when subie was “the 4WD co” & SAAB was “the turbo co.” I had the wolwo (240 waggy) & called them “the cheb’n ford” just to get under her skin (“Stop! . EYE ! Gota European Car !”).
Both well made, designed, durable and her’s fun to drive (I liked the utility, have been called ‘wagonman’ by locals 40 yrs). I know a contractor who makes lumber yrd runs w/his (TONS of material dropped off by the yard at the sights) 900 when short on something. Leaves the hatch open and 2nd row seats down.
They are great, even excellent esp w/the CS 9000, the Vigen, Areo, etc. Wish cheb never got hold but… if not, they’d B gone anyway. Didnt I see a subie boxer in one (9-2x Areo)?
My Father was a Saab fanatic … He had a 900, 9000 S , 9000 CD turbo ( the one with the trunk). He had the 95 turbo station wagon with a momo steering wheel and the walnut dash. The station wagon ended up to be a great sleeper car for my wife and had a booming stereo.
I seriously miss the Saabs! I’m glad I got to drive the 9000s and my wife enjoyed the 95 wagon.
It’s enjoyable to read about people being as enthusiastic about Saabs as my Dad and myself became.
I too agree the SPG is superb and my Dad always spoke about getting one, but moved on to Volvo T5 convertible and currently drives an Alpha Giulia. Sadly there are fewer cars that are alternatives to the usual 3 or 4 German go to or the cars that copy their style. And yes , I know the subura , Saab and some other brand all shared the same A frame… But at least Saab had a tried and true style , with a wacky engine arrangement.
The Saab design IMO was way before its time. Rather futuristic looking, and the reverse forward flip hood was very cool. Of course, it got in the way of anything having to be done/worked on at the front of the engine. But still very cool and different. I don’t think I would care for an automatic though. But you’re right, this car could serve many purposes with the hatch and pure flat folded own seats. The 900 SPG didn’t really need anything aftermarket. Even the wheels were sweet. And many of them came with what appeared to be a light brownish looking tint on the windows. Just an all-around great car model.
I have an ’88 SPG…..unfortunately, the tinworm has taken hold and she’s off the road until I learn to weld or get someone to weld some floorboards into the car.
Saabs don’t require any more maintenance than any other car. They will not stand up to neglect……that’s the quickest way for a Saab to drain your wallet.
My Saabs will still be running after most vehicles built by the Big Three have returned to the Earth from whence they came……….
I have a black 1985 900 Turbo e code for sale.
Anyone that wants it. Ecodes are extremely rare, euro market car, mine has about 54k miles on it. Was a garage find.
Car is pretty quick!
Twinscroll–
If I had the room, I’d be all over it. Some of my friends have converted their flat nose 900s to E-Codes. Where are you located?