Saab 900 Carlsson | High Mile Club
A quarter of a million miles young - and looking better than ever
Some cars crop up as unexpected high mileage heroes - think the Ferrari 308, for example. Others are built, used and enjoyed with mega miles in mind, and perhaps no manufacturer encapsulates that approach quite like Saab. They were designed with harsh Scandi seasons in mind, so a dark and dank British winter wasn’t really a concern; plenty were really powerful as well, and speed most definitely does matter; Saabs also offered up unique ownership and driving experiences, too, so the incentive was there to keep them. Because what else would you change them for?
Check the classifieds now and you’ll find all manner of Saabs with serious six-figure mileages, from a 9-3 Viggen convertible to a 9-5 Aero wagon. Most look like they’ve plenty of life left in them as well. Then there’s the highest mileage (by a margin), most expensive (triple anything else with more than 100k) Saab in the classifieds. The one that’s the most desirable by a margin, too: a 900 Carlsson.
This being PH, you’ll probably know all about a limited edition Saab from 35 years ago. But just in case, the 900 Carlsson celebrated rally legend Erik Carlsson, with something like 600 coming to the UK between 1990 and 1992. It boasted a little more power than a standard Turbo at 185hp, as well as the funky aerokit and fabulous three-spoke wheels. There were Carlsson badges on the C-pillars, and the choice of Red, White or Black paint. Obviously we all know which one was fastest.
This Carlsson, as red as a yuppie’s set of braces, really has quite the story to tell. Because it’s covered 261,000 miles since 1991, or a little less than 8,000 every single year for more than a third of a century. Which is some going. This being one of the last old school Saabs (GM bought its first 50 per cent stake in 1990), plus a rare edition, you can bet on this Carlsson being loved over the years. Even a 900 needs some love and expense to get beyond a quarter of a million miles.
At 231,000 miles, or 30,000 miles ago, the engine was rebuilt because it was using a lot of oil; at that time the rest of the car was restored as well, with a DVD (remember those!) documenting the process. A reconditioned gearbox went in at 236,000 miles; since that time the MOT history hasn’t been perfect, but there have been a good few clean passes. Encouraging given the age and mileage. Just get that rust tended to asap.
Undoubtedly there remains an awful lot to like, from a service book stamped up to almost 200,000 miles and a previous owner willing to drive it 300 miles to the selling dealer. A good deal of TLC has been lavished on this Saab over the years; let’s hope that can continue for a good while yet. Wherever the 260k Carlsson goes, a favourable reception seems guaranteed, which will go a long way to justifying the £15k. It might even get more eyeballs than the 260k Ferrari…
Obviously as soon as I was round the corner I stood on the throttle pedal and... nothing happened.
"This is a bit crap" I thought, "I wonder if it's broken" and held my foot on the floor... and held it... and held it...
WHOOOOOOOOOSH "OH IT IS FAST!"
Terrible power delivery, terrible chassis, absolutely amazing car
Obviously as soon as I was round the corner I stood on the throttle pedal and... nothing happened.
"This is a bit crap" I thought, "I wonder if it's broken" and held my foot on the floor... and held it... and held it...
WHOOOOOOOOOSH "OH IT IS FAST!"
Terrible power delivery, terrible chassis, absolutely amazing car
Alternatively the one you drove may have been on cheap tyres, as that can make a huge difference.
I owned turbo SAABs for 25 years and never found the handling gave any cause for concern.
As for the price - is it really that much? How much for an equivalent e30? or Peugeot 205 GTi? or Mk.2 GTI? I never understand why they are so undervalued.
My T16S in on 190k and still drives really well. Rust is the killer and they hide it well so it needs keeping on top of.
As for the price - is it really that much? How much for an equivalent e30? or Peugeot 205 GTi? or Mk.2 GTI? I never understand why they are so undervalued.
My T16S in on 190k and still drives really well. Rust is the killer and they hide it well so it needs keeping on top of.
I'd rather turbos like that than the boring turbos we have now that just end up feeling like a particularly rubbish NASP engine. If this is solid I don't think it's overpriced really, the days of proper 900s being a couple of grand are long gone. Personally I'd rather a "regular" turbo and a few grand in change though.
This is a nice blast from the past I think.
This is a nice blast from the past I think.
This is a nice blast from the past I think.
Comparing the build and material quality on my brothers '72 Saab 96 to a new for '73 Allegro or a '72 Escort is absolutely laughable.
This is a nice blast from the past I think.
Lovely, lovely thing that Saab.
In terms of the driving experience, the gearboxes don't like to be hurried and should be treated carefully but they are responsive to drive. Steering is relatively low geared and is usually the first thing I notice when I'm driving it for the first time in a while. They handle well and the setup means there's very little torque steer.
Plenty of good specialists around, most parts still available.
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