When we think of reasons why we’re not getting around to a project, it usually traces back to a combination of loss of time and mechanical issues. However, those issues can lead to bigger concerns that we never saw coming, and in the case of this 1987 Saab 900 Turbo, a falling tree put the project on ice after developing transmission issues. The Saab 900 is a fan favorite among enthusiasts who find the conventional VW GTI or BMW 3-Series overdone, and the seller is surprised to see how many inquiries he’s getting for this tree-battered Saab. It’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace with the seller simply taking the best offer from whoever promises to haul it away without scrapping it.
The transmission issue the seller notes is not surprising, to be honest. This era of Saab is known for having a slightly weak transmission, prone to losing a gear here and there, usually preceded by grinding issues. The good news the labor involved in replacing it with a known good unit is usually pretty straight-forward; the bad news given how many used manual transmissions have issues, finding a good one can be hard. The damage caused by the falling tree is immediately evident, and while this 900 Turbo does have some pre-existing rust issues, it was solid enough to warrant restoration before the falling limb hit the driver’s quarter panel.
This is one of my bigger fears as a vintage car owner: you can plan for almost anything, but what about the day you move your project outside for an hour, or park it alongside a busy intersection while running an errand – and disaster strikes. A falling tree limb, a distracted driver, a freak storm generating golf ball-sized hail – all of it can threaten your running, driving project car. In the case of this Saab 900, repairing this section of the body goes well past the skills of your local dent wizard and would require professional help, easily surpassing the value of the car. Even with the quirky, cool appeal of the 900 Turbo, project-grade examples trade hands for very little.
The 900 Turbo is powered by a 2.0-L DOHC 4-cylinder good for 160 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. They are fun cars to drive if you can live with the power being channeled via the front wheels, and the interior ergonomics are top-notch. The community behind the 900 is probably the best part of owning one, as they genuinely do try to help each other out, especially when looking for obsolete parts. The seller’s reluctance to junk the Saab tells you a lot about the passion the brand still inspires years after its disappointing conclusion, and we hope this one at least goes on to keep another car on the road.
Parts car sadly…
Trans out with spare and needs hatch replacement installed.
The car is costly to put back. I interpreted as trans went out and became a grass killer yard car until tree falling on it.
I guess the if a tree felled in the forest scenario but was heard and a Saab story followed.
Yes sometimes ya just gotta get it, outta sight, outta mind ., to keep your sanity. AND move on ……
another Saab story here for sure. its northern car with heavy rot underneath and the 1/4 is junk. this is great if you have 1 and use it as a doner. price of scrap is up as well. no price listed so what do think they are going to get?
Odd on the transmission issue. I owned two 80’s era 900 Turbos with 5sp manuals, drove them to high miles and NEVER had a transmission problem.
Love my Saabs, have 2 local shops that still love to work on Saabs…but most places, Saabs have no support.
This isn’t just a Saab Turbo……this appears to be a genuine SPG, which Is the Holy Grail for those of the Cult of the Classic 900. 1987 was the first year for the slant nose and for the parking brake on the rear brakes and not the front.
Yeah, she needs paint…Edwardian Grey tends to delaminate after 30 or so years, and that dent in the upper quarter is scary. But, the gearbox can be rebuilt….there are a few shops up here in New England that rebuild both C900 and later real Saab gearboxes, so that wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me.
If I had the space and I didn’t have my own project SPG in the bac, yard, maybe I’d go get this one……..