Saab Convertible Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Iconic drop-top hits its quarter-century
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Saab, recently independent of GM, has been struggling a little of late, but the three generations of Saab Convertible have netted almost 300,000 sales around the world, establishing the vehicle as a global icon for the brand and has accounted for as much as fifty per cent of total Saab sales in Europe in its time.
And while the latest model might be a little long in the tooth, it still has a certain amount of charm, as we found when editor Chris-R sampled one during our 'Open Season' early this year.
So happy 25th, Saab Convertible.
If you want to find out more, you can have a little read of the potted history of the Saab Convertible (as told by Saab's press release, at least) below.
"The journey of the iconic car began in 1986 when a production run of just four hundred Saab 900 Convertibles came off the line for the US market.
The Saab 900 Convertible impressed the world with its good looks and bespoke design without compromising on style. Above all, it fulfilled Saab's uncompromising requirements of good quality build and materials and the orders reflected this. By the time the 900 Convertible went on sale in Europe that year, demand exceeded production capacity.Seven years later and a second generation came to the market. Autumn 1993 saw the all-new Saab 900 Convertible arrive under the banner: "We didn't invent the Convertible, but we made a Saab of it."
This second generation model and its Saab 9-3 evolution in 1998 became an icon, with more stylish design, a move to a hydraulically -powered soft top and increased storage capacity.
2003 brought a whole host of innovations to the Saab Convertible with the launch of thethird and current generation, which features the fastest soft-top in operation in its segment, automatic climate control adjustment for a 'top down' heating mode and superior interior styling.
Always the innovator, the current Saab Convertible was the first soft-top car to achieve a maximum, five star EuroNCAP rating for its 'DynaCage' rollover protection, pop-up rear roll bars and integrated front seatbelts.
The Saab Convertible injected real-world credibility by changing perceptions and turning the car into a true four season, four-seater open top vehicle that works all year round."
Happy Birthday Saab Convertible!
[/controversial]
Afford? You can get any make for any price now, sorry price has nothing to do with it. Think of another
Is the next gen based on GM again - I guess it must be?
I really do hope Saab get through the next 24 months.
Have never owned one, but driven a couple of 93 convs and they aren't too bad at all on a motorway blast...
Yes the engine was a bit dreary and the dash was plasticky, but generally I liked it. It was extremely comfortable, handled pretty well for a barge, and had almost no scuttle shake at all. Generally it was just a nice place to be, particularly with the top down.
Lots of other positives spring to mind but not that one.
The second is the convertibles. They're pretty unique IMO.
On that thoroughly useless basis, I'd say they're definitely iconic to some extent, they're certainly more than familiar, and there's something about them which never fails to catch the eye, despite to all intents and purposes being quite boring cars. I'm no longer sure of the point I was trying to make as I can't really muster a suitable explanation or analogy, but I'd say they've got a place in motoring history's hall of fame, albeit at the less exciting end of the scale.
The second is the convertibles. They're pretty unique IMO.
On that thoroughly useless basis, I'd say they're definitely iconic to some extent, they're certainly more than familiar, and there's something about them which never fails to catch the eye, despite to all intents and purposes being quite boring cars. I'm no longer sure of the point I was trying to make as I can't really muster a suitable explanation or analogy, but I'd say they've got a place in motoring history's hall of fame, albeit at the less exciting end of the scale.
The second is the convertibles. They're pretty unique IMO.
On that thoroughly useless basis, I'd say they're definitely iconic to some extent, they're certainly more than familiar, and there's something about them which never fails to catch the eye, despite to all intents and purposes being quite boring cars. I'm no longer sure of the point I was trying to make as I can't really muster a suitable explanation or analogy, but I'd say they've got a place in motoring history's hall of fame, albeit at the less exciting end of the scale.
Afford? You can get any make for any price now, sorry price has nothing to do with it. Think of another
There are the interesting/outstanding models but other than that I have to admit the typical saloons, especially the newer (last 10 years) equivalent to 3 and 5 series have been rather uninteresting.
My own personal opinion is that the newer crop of SAABs are a poor relation compared to those of old. Whereas the old relied on technical innovation and interesting design, the newer models are more an exercise in rebranding and this applies to the cabrios also.
Anyway....There is something about the old 900 that just makes it a great looking car. I know about eye of the beholder and all that but until you get a chance to sit in and drive one it is hard to explain.
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