1991 Saab 900 Turbo
An exemplary, restored example and arguably a concours contender

Registration – H845 JVR

Chassis No. – YS3AD35L7L7019243

M.O.T. – May 2027

Odometer - 195,567 km / approximately 121,500 miles

Few cars encapsulate Saab's wonderfully individual approach to engineering quite like the 900 Turbo. With its distinctive wraparound windscreen, aircraft-inspired cockpit, front-wheel-drive chassis and charismatic turbocharged engine, the 900 was unlike almost anything else on the road. The 16-valve Turbo represented one of the most desirable developments of the breed and good examples have subsequently developed an enthusiastic following. This particular right-hand-drive example is made more unusual by its Australian-market origins, distinctive Beryl Green colour scheme and the extensive programme of restoration and mechanical refurbishment it has recently undergone.

The vendor informs us that ‘H845 JVR’ was originally supplied to the Australian market and was subsequently brought to the UK approximately 12 years ago by a returning British expatriate, who elected to bring the Saab home with him. Its Australian specification extends to its particularly attractive Beryl Green exterior finish, which makes for a handsome combination with the contrasting tan interior.

The current keeper acquired the Saab from a friend in Brighton in January 2024, following which it was transported to the vendor's premises in Telford and stripped down to a bare shell. The vendor advises that the shell was entrusted to a professional welder, who attended to a small number of areas requiring repair, principally around sections of the floor and fuel tank area.

With the shell stripped, attention turned to the underside. According to the vendor, the suspension hangers and associated components were removed, blast-cleaned, refinished and subsequently refitted after the underside of the bodyshell had itself been protected and painted. New suspension units were installed together with refurbished springs, while the braking system received new calipers, discs and pads. The calipers and hubs were also refinished, with new wheel bearings and track-rod ends fitted as part of the work. The vendor therefore describes the underside mechanical components as either renewed or refurbished during the restoration.

At the same time, the engine and gearbox were removed and entrusted to Shrewsbury-based Bill Car Engineering. The vendor informs us that the engine was completely dismantled and rebuilt, including a reground crankshaft with new shells, re-bored cylinders with new pistons and rings, and extensive cylinder-head work. The head was additionally gas-flowed and its ports reworked before the rebuilt engine was cleaned and refinished.

The gearbox was inspected and, we are informed, required no significant internal work. It was nevertheless cleaned and refinished before being reunited with the engine, while a new clutch, pressure plate, release bearing and slave cylinder were installed. The drivetrain was subsequently assembled with a reconditioned turbocharger and manifold, together with new hoses and clamps, fresh fluids and filters and a new battery.

Following completion of the bodywork, the shell was repainted in what the vendor informs us is its original Beryl Green colour. The engine, gearbox and other refurbished mechanical components were then reinstalled, together with the fuel tank on new hangers.

The tan cabin provides a particularly attractive contrast to the Beryl Green bodywork. The vendor advises that the seats and carpets had been changed before his acquisition of the car; these were subsequently removed, cleaned and refitted during the restoration. A new headlining was installed and a replacement dashboard sourced to replace the previously cracked item. Replacement instrumentation calibrated in miles per hour was also fitted, with the displayed mileage calculated from the car's kilometre reading.

A particularly appealing feature of the finished car is its set of deep-dish Saab Carlsson alloy wheels. The vendor informs us that these have been comprehensively refurbished, with the centres finished to complement the lower bodywork and the outer rims polished, before being fitted with new tyres.

Although remaining relatively close to standard specification, several sympathetic performance enhancements are present. These comprise a stainless-steel exhaust system, Abbott Racing charge cooler, Saab 900 Carlsson ECU and the aforementioned gas-flowed cylinder head.

Following completion of the restoration, the Saab was initially subjected to a number of short test runs while minor issues were addressed before returning to the bodyshop for final installation of the doors, hatch and bodykit. The vendor informs us that he has since covered approximately 600 miles in the car, deliberately driving it sympathetically while bedding-in the freshly rebuilt mechanical components.

Following this running-in period, the engine oil and filter were changed and the car was returned to the ramps for an inspection of its underside and fasteners. The vendor presently describes the Saab as driving very well and pulling strongly through the gears.

Prospective purchasers should note that the car was recorded as a Category C insurance loss in 2010, at a time when values of the model were considerably lower than they are today.

There is also a charming piece of history within the cabin, with a previous owner's handwritten note and signature remaining on the driver's sun visor, dated 2012 – a small detail that adds further character to this already individual motor car.

The Saab 900 was developed from the earlier 99 and introduced in 1978, remaining in production in its original 'Classic' form until the early 1990s. Its unconventional longitudinal engine installation, distinctive styling and pioneering use of turbocharging helped establish Saab's reputation for building intelligent and characterful performance cars. The later 16-valve turbocharged versions combined strong performance with the practicality of the 900's spacious hatchback body, creating a fast grand tourer with an identity entirely its own.

Now offered following a substantial restoration encompassing its body, underside, suspension, brakes and drivetrain, this Australian-market Turbo 16 presents as an intriguing example of one of Saab's most celebrated models. The vendor advises that the car is only being offered for sale, together with other manual-transmission cars from his collection, because an impending knee replacement is making the operation of a clutch increasingly uncomfortable.

Summary

• Australian-market Saab 900 Turbo 16 finished in distinctive Beryl Green with contrasting tan interior

• Extensive recent restoration including rebuilt and gas-flowed engine, reconditioned turbocharger and comprehensively refurbished chassis components

• Desirable Carlsson alloys, Abbott Racing charge cooler, Carlsson ECU and stainless-steel exhaust

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