When any auto manufacturer collapses, it is a sad day. When Saab finally collapsed, many people mourned this loss. This was an innovative company that produced more than its share of exciting vehicles. The 900 Turbo Cabriolet was a perfect example, and this 1989 model is a rust-free survivor that is in good order. It comes with a well-documented history and is looking for a new home. The Saab is located in Lake Forest, California, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can drive this car home today for $11,500. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Rex M for referring this beauty to us.

The Cabriolet is finished in Edwardian Gray Metallic with a Black convertible top. The top has only recently been replaced and appears to be in as-new condition. The owner states that the vehicle has never suffered any accident damage, and the consistency of the panel gaps would seem to support this. The Saab has spent its life in California, so it is no real surprise to learn that it is rust-free. These classics were not particularly prone to rust problems. They were designed and build primarily to cope with Swedish Winters, which can be pretty harsh. The exterior plastic has survived the California sun exceptionally well, while the original alloy wheels seem free from any stains or damage.

The Saab’s interior is upholstered in Buffalo Gray leather and generally presents quite well. There is some visible wear to the outer edge of the driver’s seat, and I would probably have this checked by a specialist before the leather wears through. The rest of the upholstery seems to be in good condition, and the pale gray carpet has survived remarkably well. There are no signs of any problems with the plastic, and no visible cracks on the dash. The original radio/cassette player has made way for a CD player, but the factory unit is in the trunk. For comfort and convenience, the Cabriolet comes equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and cruise control. The A/C compressor has recently been replaced, so it should now blow as cold as a Swedish Winter.

Saab was one of the first companies to embrace turbocharger technology in volume production cars, and this 900 is a perfect example. What we find nestling under the hood is a 1,985cc 4-cylinder engine that is equipped with fuel injection and a Garrett T3 turbocharger. This engine should be producing 158hp, which finds its way to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. Saab’s experience with turbo technology meant that by the time this car rolled off the production line, the 900 was a reliable piece of equipment. It isn’t unusual for a well-maintained engine to clock 400,000 miles without an overhaul, while 300,000 miles for the transmission is also typical if it is treated with respect. The company swapped from oil-cooled to water-cooled turbochargers in 1988, and these updated units will last well beyond 200,000 miles if the vehicle has been properly maintained. That is where the news appears to be positive with this car. It has only clocked 60,000 miles, and it seems that this claim can be verified. Included in the sale are all of the books, along with a full service history. Recent work that is listed consists of the replacement of the rack-and-pinion, along with the radiator, hoses, and the thermostat.

When some manufacturers produce a convertible version of an existing model, the result can be a vehicle that feels soft and floppy when compared to the original model. That isn’t the case with the 900 Cabriolet, because Saab produced a car that was robust with good torsional strength. These classics are a pleasure to drive, and that turbocharged four can provide some surprising levels of performance. One of the fears that people have with Saabs is the availability of parts and spares now that the brand has disappeared. This doesn’t seem to be an issue, as most parts have remained available in recent years. The sticking point on this car could potentially be the price because it is right at the top end of what you might expect to pay for a good example. However, if the mileage and service history can be confirmed, then the price could be justified. Given the robust nature of these cars, it is a classic that has a real chance of being around for many years to come. That has to make it an interesting proposition for anyone seeking something that they would like to own on a long-term basis.