Saab 900i Convertible

The Swedish-built Saab 900 was produced from 1978 until 1998 in two distinct generations – the ‘Classic’ from 1978 to 1993 and the ‘new generation’ from 1994 to 1998. The first generation was based on the classic Saab 99 chassis while the second was a totally different GM product based on the humble Vauxhall Vectra chassis – a distinction that is extremely important to Saab enthusiasts.

Available in two- and four-door saloon versions and three- and five-door hatchback versions, from 1986 a convertible model was also available. Power came from a range of mainly 2-litre engines, longitudinally mounted and set at a 45-degree angle with power delivered ‘backwards’ from the crank at the front of the car – most unusual, especially for a front-wheel drive car. The gearbox was bolted directly to the bottom of the engine with its own separate oil supply – again most unusual.

The suspension was also very quirky for a front-drive car with double-wishbones at the front and a beam-axle at the rear with a Panhard rod and effectively two Watts linkages. The result was an extremely safe and stable platform with excellent road manners for the more sporting driver. As befits a fighter plane manufacturer, innovations continued inside the cockpit with fabulously supportive aircraft-style seats and a curved front-lit dash that placed all controls and gauges according to their frequency of use or importance. Beautifully engineered throughout, a 1989 Saab 900 Classic famously clocked up one million miles on its original engine before being donated to a museum in return for a brand new Saab 9-5 Aero.

First registered in April 1990, this Saab 900i Classic Convertible has clocked up a mere 128,500 miles and has been in the current ownership for the last eight years. Said to be “a joy to drive” it has the 16v 2-litre engine that produces 128bhp and 131lb/ft of torque with very brisk performance. Refinements include power steering, central locking, electric windows and a black mohair power hood that was replaced shortly before the current vendor purchased the car. Described by its doctor owner as being “a good, sound and solid example of what is now becoming somewhat of a rarity,” it comes with a fair amount of service history, a current MOT and tax, and is ready for immediate use.