Happiness Is Behind The Wheel of A Mint Saab 900
By Gunnar Heinrich with Photos by Kevin Kusina
CLARKSON once wrote that car guys who are all about the classics are more interested in reliving the past than actually having interest in cars. Of course his philosophical observation was put in typical slapstick J.C. terms, but the bone of what he meant has real marrow.
You didn’t grow up in the 80s and 90s in New England without spending sometime, any time in a Saab.
Whether it was your teacher’s, your friend’s, your dad’s, your mom’s, or your postman’s ex-girlfriend’s second cousin’s, somebody drove a Saab which you at one point got a ride in or drove, yourself.
And in all likelihood, the Saab that you were most likely to experience was none other than the iconic 900 Turbo of the 80s and early 90s.
When I saw the old GM Heritage vehicle parked beneath shade of tent, I made a beeline straight for the driver’s seat. Of all the late model Saabs that we could drive (each with rallying stories to tell) this standard 900 Turbo was the only classic to capture my interest. And naturally, it was the only one we couldn’t drive.
Which is actually alright. Some idols are better left to live on in memory’s warm glow.
Not nearly as safe as a Volvo 240, nor nearly as swift as a BMW 325i, the 900 Turbo still bested both in terms of comfort and character.
The leather, as exhibited in this black on tan Concours piece, was flawless and Lexus soft.
The paint felt and looked factory fresh. This 900 seemed right off the showroom floor. It all made me of think of times past; great friends and childhood memories that featured various N.E. roadtrips in several 900s.
I’d buy that very car tomorrow just for the feelings it stirred. What a wonderful example, superbly maintained.
[Linked: Saab History]
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
eggsngrits | May 23, 2008 | Reply
Ah…yes. That was one PERFECT 900. Bouncy e-mail, yours. Assuming that you will see mine with this comment, perhaps you can drop me a note and I’ll reply.
Great coverage!
Jim | May 23, 2008 | Reply
When I lived in St. Louis, I regularly walked past a somewhat 900 Turbo owned by starving artist type, it had been her father’s and passed to her when her prior ride died ignominiously on side of I64. Despite the faded red paint, dust, and bird droppings and sun bleached seats, I remembered that car as a Swedish hot rod.
Also had a problem with your .tv email addy a few weeks ago.
Gunnar | May 23, 2008 | Reply
Thanks guys, I wasn’t aware all this time and just got it fixed.
cwl | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I owned a 1986 Saab 900 Turbo until 2004 and clocked over 240,000 miles on it. I loved that car. Alas, 18 years of New England road salt took its toll. Thanks for the awesome pictures.
gunnar | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
My pleasure, I can assure you.
Sean Sweeney | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
You hit the “growing up in New England during the 80′s and 90′s” thing squarely on the head. At one point or another, my father, grandfather, 2 uncles, and several friends drove 900′s.
Stunning car, I’m jealous that I wasn’t able to see it myself. I’m sure that many of us with we could find a c900 or an e30 BMW in similar condition at a reasonable price.
Gunnar | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Great cars. I had so much fun with those 900s.