A 3-Year Resurrection Rooted in Precision
This isn’t just a refurbished Saab 900 SPG. It’s the result of a painstaking, three-year-long teardown and rebuild by a dedicated restorer who understood the assignment. Purchased by a U.S. serviceman in Germany and imported stateside, this Edwardian Gray Metallic SPG now stands as a prime example of how to do justice to Saab’s 1980s performance halo car. Listed on Bring a Trailer, bidding ends tomorrow with a current high bid of $7,500—a figure that seems far too modest for what’s on offer here.
From rust repairs using proper panel bonding adhesives and cavity wax, to period-correct paint materials and high-solids clear coat, every square inch of this car tells a story of methodical restoration.
Bodywork Done Right, Not Just Done
After stripping the car down to its bare shell, the restorer addressed corrosion in the rear wheel wells and other common Saab rust zones. New panels were welded in, epoxy and bedliner were applied internally, and the inner fenders were affixed using 3M panel bonding adhesive instead of welds—a technique preferred for reducing heat warping and enhancing rust resistance.
The entire body was repainted in factory-correct Edwardian Gray (code 204B) using Sherwin-Williams base coat and a European high-solids clear. Final wet sanding and a ceramic coating give it a luster beyond factory new. The SPG aero panels were refinished in satin charcoal, while certain subtle details—like the removal of bright bumper trim and the repositioned rear badge—add discreet character.
Suspension and Brakes: Full Overhaul With Smart Upgrades
Underneath, the SPG rides on refurbished 16” Super Aero wheels from a Saab 9000, mounted with 195/50 Bridgestone Potenzas. All suspension arms, bushings, CV boots, and bearings were replaced, with each component sandblasted and recoated.
The steering rack and brake master cylinder were rebuilt. KYB shocks were installed along with new soft brake lines, tie rods, and ball joints. The rear shock mount—a known Saab weak point—was reinforced with a custom 3/16” steel plate, a detail that shows the builder’s understanding of long-term durability. Even the calipers were painted to match the body.
The car drives straight, but the seller recommends a professional alignment to fine-tune caster settings. For now, it tracks well thanks to a DIY string alignment.
Turbocharged Power: Clean, Strong, Modernized
The 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged inline-four was disassembled, honed, and reassembled with:
- New piston rings, bearings, crank thrust washers
- New gaskets, timing chain, tensioner, and guide
- Water pump, drive belts, head studs, fuel injectors
- K&N air filter, rebuilt fuel system
A later-style Mitsubishi turbocharger was sourced and rebuilt by G-Pop Shop (Arkansas), while the exhaust manifold was Cerakoted in titanium glacier coating for added thermal retention. The valve cover and block were refinished, and all engine brackets and mounts were cleaned, coated, and color-matched. The engine reportedly runs strong, with good vacuum and no oil consumption.
Transmission, Clutch, and Exhaust: Every Component Touched
The five-speed manual transaxle was inspected, cleaned, and resealed. The seller replaced the clutch assembly, flywheel (resurfaced), slave and master cylinders, as well as the hydraulic line and flywheel bolts. Completing the drivetrain is a custom-fabricated 2.5” mandrel-bent exhaust with a Borla stainless steel muffler and resonator.
According to the seller, only 22 miles have been put on the drivetrain since completion, and the first oil change has already been done post-break-in.
Interior: OEM Quality, Modern Sensibility
Inside, you’ll find re-trimmed front seats in Buffalo Gray leather, rears in excellent original condition, and all leather dyed to match using a custom mix from Seat Doctor. The seat foam was reinforced with new burlap and original tufting clips were refitted using a handmade tool—a step most restorers skip.
Cabin comfort includes:
- Microsuede headliner and pillars
- Mohair door panel inserts
- Custom-fit Australian sheepskin mats
- Full LED lighting conversion
- Sound/thermal insulation under carpeting and trunk
- Overhauled R134a A/C system
The Blaupunkt Bremen SQR46 DAB head unit is mated to a Kicker KEY180.4 amp and Peerless, Alpine, and Illusion Audio speakers, all via a custom harness. It’s an era-correct setup with serious audiophile execution.
Dash, Steering, and Functional Details
A MOMO Prototipo wheel leads the helm, in front of a replacement VDO dashboard with boost, temp, and fuel gauges. The seller has been transparent about retaining the quirky passive seatbelt system, noting it was one of the most challenging parts to restore but remains fully functional.
A used OEM windshield was sourced, and the seller selected the best glass from three donor cars. The result is a cabin that both looks and feels premium, yet faithful to the Saab design ethos.
A Saab Enthusiast’s SPG, Built by a Saab Enthusiast
Throughout the Bring a Trailer comments, the seller (@Saabstorys) answers technical questions with a level of transparency and expertise that’s rarely seen in seller discourse. From how the strut towers were reinforced, to why he opted out of registering the car (to keep it pristine for sale), everything is well-documented.
This is not a flip. It’s a long-term labor of love with a smart business angle: fund a bigger shop and keep restoring these cars the right way. Judging by the quality here, we hope he succeeds.
A Serious SPG at an Underserious Price
With just a day left before the hammer drops, this 1988 Saab 900 Turbo SPG stands as one of the best-documented and most thoughtfully restored examples in recent years. The Edwardian Gray paint glows, the turbo 16V engine breathes strong, and the interior is better than new.
Beyond the craftsmanship, it’s the transparency that seals the deal. With 360+ restoration photos, detailed seller responses, and a clear restoration philosophy rooted in Saab originality, this SPG transcends most listings. It’s not just a car for sale; it’s a documented resurrection of a rare driver’s machine.
If you’re a Saab purist—or someone looking for a show-worthy SPG that still has its driving soul intact—this might be your unicorn.
View the listing and bid before it’s gone →
I have the same model!!😀 Saab 900 Turbo Aero 1988, waiting for restoration in my garage for the Last 15years… 🙄
Looks good. I bought one to and had an extensive range of factory fitted modifications done before delivery. The result was phenominal in terms of handling, acceleration and top speed. It was almost certainly the fastest Saab turbo in UK and badgeless. Thank you to Kentish Saab.
Nice car
But wrong wheels and spoiler if you are a purist😋
That wheel come from the 9000 series and are 16” called ”super aero”
That 900 came with 15” aero if its an orginal aero or you could get the 16” spoke wheel, back in 1988.☺️
this is the real orginal saab and last model they build before they mix it with other brand’s
Not. It has 1998 9000 Anni wheels
I just looked at the ‘Bring-A-Trailer’ photos. It’s an amazing restoration job. Not a single bolt has been neglected. Wow !!
I had a 900 ‘non-turbo’ some years ago and loved it. Now I drive a 2009 9-5 Griffin Estate and, also, love it.