Saabs aren’t that weird anymore unfortunately. That’s probably why teachers and architects don’t even buy them these days – in fact no-one does. With a bit of luck Saab will rediscover its weirdness one day but in the meantime shall we reflect on what made this company great in the first place.
After the 99 came the 900, one of the company’s most successful models which is probably why we don’t notice just how weird it is. But just look at the thing. Upright, wraparound windscreen, long overhangs – it looks like a car designed by someone who had never seen another car.
When the Swedes slapped a turbo on the 900 it went from just cool to ice cold and was not only hip enough to attract people who draw houses but also American rap superstars like Eric B and Rakim. There was something about the 900 Turbo that showed you thought just outside the box, the perfect antidote to capable German metal.
Saab had turbocharged the 99 in the seventies and 1984 saw the introduction of the 900 Turbo 16 model, which had a 175bhp 16-valve DOHC B202 engine. Along with that engine you got an aviation-inspired curved windscreen for better visibility and an aircraft style dashboard.
Saab engineers placed all controls and gauges in the dashboard according to their frequency of use and/or importance. This meant that the driver would be able to spend as little time as possible not looking at the road and concentrate on wrestling with the uncontrollable torque steer.
The key was inserted down by the handbrake and if you wanted to get it out the car had to be put in reverse just to make things even more confusing. All this made for a quirky, fast and ultra cool car, and despite the 900 being bulletproof there aren’t many around these days.
The ’86 model we found on Autotrader.co.uk has just 189,000 miles on the clock and is packed with toys. The only downside seems to be some sagging headlining but there is tax and MOT until the end of the year. All this for £750. Get there before your old geography teacher does…
Ad reads: '1986 SAAB 900 2.0 Turbo 3dr Hatchback. 189,000 miles, Black, 189,000 miles, 1986, A Classic black Saab 900 2.0 3dr 16v Turbo, cruise control, electric mirrors, windows, heated seats, & factory electric sunroof, Kenwood Soundsystem with Rockford Fosgate speakers, camel upholstery but there is a sagging headlining. Body is in pretty good condition, 3 spoke alloys. MOT & Tax until 1st Dec 2008 ? £750. £750.'