Driving Nostalgia
The Enduring Charm of The Saab 900
STORY | STEIN BROEDER
Photography | Maris Saulits
The Saab 900 holds a special place in the hearts of its owners. From the subtle nods to Saab’s aircraft heritage to the trademark turbo lag to its distinctive smell, it must be experienced to be understood.
The Saab 900 was introduced in May of 1978 and was based on the Saab 99 chassis but featured a longer front end to meet U.S. frontal crash regulations and accommodate turbocharged engines.
The first-generation Saab 900 was available in various body styles, including 2- and 4-door sedans, 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, and, from 1986, a cabriolet (convertible) model. It featured a longitudinally mounted, 45-degree canted inline four-cylinder engine, double wishbone front suspension, and beam-axle rear suspension.
The Saab 900 incorporated several unusual design features, such as the engine installed “backwards” with power delivered from the crank at the front of the car, and the transmission bolted directly to the bottom of the engine to form the oil pan. This unique configuration contributed to its distinctive driving feel and handling.
Chris Seely and I both consider ourselves fervent devotees of the distinctive Swedish marque. As with most fans of these unusual cars, our Saab origin stories differ, but our passion is the same.
And similarly, our love for these endearing machines can be traced back to childhood.
For Chris, the journey into the realm of Saab began with a British twist. Growing up, Chris was inundated with tales of his father’s Triumph TR6 from his high school days, which kindled a fascination for classic cars. This curiosity blossomed further during family visits to a friend in South Carolina, where Chris had the unforgettable experience of riding in a Jaguar E-Type. This vivid memory sparked his car enthusiasm, leading him to explore various British makes. However, the practical needs of a young driver in northern New Hampshire demanded a reliable winter vehicle. It was during a drive with his father that Chris first encountered a Saab 900 for sale. Intrigued by his father’s description of the car as a fun, turbocharged ride, Chris’s interest was piqued. This marked the beginning of his love affair with Saabs, ultimately leading him to own several models over the years.
My introduction to Saabs was due to my extended family in Europe. My grandfather owned one of the first Saabs in the Netherlands, a 1969 Saab 99. This influenced my aunt and uncle, who owned Saabs for many years and appreciated their design, performance, and practicality. Exposure to these vehicles, combined with my cousin’s restoration of a 1973 Porsche 911 and a 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider, developed my interest in cars. The memory of riding in his Porsche provided a thrilling, multi-sensory driving experience that I would later find echoed in Saabs.
Chris’s first Saab was a fortuitous find—a 1997 or 1998 Saab 900 spotted by the roadside. This initial encounter led to a series of Saab ownerships, with Chris eventually acquiring a highly coveted Saab 900 SPG (Special Performance Group). The SPG model, with its performance enhancements and limited production run, was a dream come true for any Saab aficionado. Chris’s SPG, particularly rare in its green color, became a treasured possession, emblematic of his journey from a young car enthusiast to a dedicated Saab owner.
I, on the other hand, took a more deliberate approach to acquiring my Saab. After years of dreaming and researching, I finally found the perfect Saab in Chicago. A mechanic had saved it from the wrecking ball. Surprisingly, all it needed was a new clutch. When it arrived, and I slipped into the passenger seat, the smell of gasoline and leather transported me right back to my childhood and still does to this day.
Since I took ownership, I’ve done a lot of cosmetic stuff, leaving the engine work to the experts at Scanwest Autosport in Seattle.
For both Chris and I, the appeal of Saabs goes beyond their quirky design and performance. These cars offer a unique driving experience that combines practicality with fun. The spacious interiors, large trunks, and fold-down rear seats make them ideal for everyday use and spontaneous adventures. We both appreciate the cockpit-like feel of the driver’s seat, with its wrap-around windshield and excellent visibility. The turbocharged engines provide an exhilarating ride, making every journey a memorable one.
For Chris, the Saab 900’s design—with its SPG body kit, stiffer suspension, and turbocharged engine—offered a driving experience that was both fun and practical. The spacious interiors, foldable back seats, and ample trunk space made it an ideal vehicle for everything from daily commuting to weekend camping trips. The distinctive smell of the leather interiors, a hallmark of the brand, added to the nostalgic charm.
I really appreciate the Saab’s cockpit-like visibility and ergonomic design. The performance of the turbocharged engines and the analog driving feel provided an exhilarating experience, while the car’s unique aesthetics appealed to me.
Saabs are more than just cars—they are a testament to a brand that dared to be different, offering a distinctive blend of design, performance, and practicality. For us, our Saabs represent a journey of passion, nostalgia, and the enduring allure of a truly unique automotive experience.
I believe our stories exemplify the enduring charm of Saabs. These cars are not just vehicles; they are a testament to a lifelong passion for automotive design and performance. Whether it’s the nostalgic smell, the unique driving experience, or the sense of community among enthusiasts, Saabs hold a special place in our hearts. Our journeys with these eclectic cars are a reminder of why we fall in love with automobiles in the first place and why that love endures through the years.
