This 1990 Saab 900 Turbo is a rare SPG model, which offered increased performance and other tweaks over the standard 900 Turbo. These are rare cars, with limited numbers made and very few survivors left. This car sold on eBay in 2018 and moved to Boston before the seller decided a pending move back to the city would make it too difficult to own a second car. Find the SPG here on eBay where it is listed at no reserve and bidding is just over $2,500.
The 1990 models were more powerful than the first iteration of the SPG, leaving the factory with 175 b.h.p. and 195 lb-ft of twist. Of course, turbocharged Saabs are known for their torque steer, and I doubt this boosted, front-wheel drive hot hatch is any different. The seller claims it remains in the same preserved condition he bought it in, but that a dent has shown up in the hood in the meantime.
The SPG cars got firmer suspension, some aero enhancements, a trick body kit, and of course, the iconic “Propeller” wheels. This example sports a very clean interior with gray leather bucket seats and OEM floormats. The seller notes the front and rear seats and steering wheel have all been “refinished” (dyed?) and that the dash is sporting some small cracks.
The seller hasn’t had to touch much on the car, simply tinting the windows, adding a short shifter, and installing clear turn signals and marker lenses. The SPG still looks tidy under the hood, and the seller says it runs out well and is still quite fast. Ironically, Radwood is coming to Boston and the Saab 900 Turbo is their signature car – so hopefully, this example won’t leave New England any time soon.
This must be the Saab that gave up its Turbo badges for the Delorean…
I have the 1991 (last year of SPG production) version of this car. Note, wheels are known as Aero, not ‘propeller’. Also, torque steer is minimal due to the unequal length axels and sophisticated double wishbone suspension. These cars can have further power added to them by some simple tweeks to the APC (Automatic Performance Control) module, or taken even further by converting them to the later Direct Ignition (known in Saab-speak as T5.5) form. These cars have very comfortable seats, great sightlines, a hatch that can swallow a ton of gear, and if you drive it in the snow (I don’t, to avoid salt) this is the next best thing to riding a snowmobile, even outpacing 4wd vehicles. Weaknesses – The 5-speed transmission can be a little bit delicate, especially when increasing the power well above the factory specs. Treat it with respect, and you will be fine. Repairs – if not working on it yourself, be sure to take it to a place that knows Saabs. They are quirky. Super fun to drive and you get lots of beeps, thumbs up, and questions from kids. FYI – The SPG cars were de-badged from the factory – no ‘turbo’ logo on either the hatch or flanks of the hood.
Really marvellous cars.
The Jerry Seinfieldmobile..except Jerry didn’t have a turbo…does anyone remember the episode where Jerry’s Saab obsessed mechanic stole his car right out of the shop Lol…great episodes