Introduction
Among Saab enthusiasts, the mid-1980s Turbo models represent the perfect storm of Swedish engineering ingenuity and European design discipline. Now, a strikingly original 1985 Saab 900 Turbo sedan is testing the waters on Bring a Trailer, offered at no reserve and already attracting a bidding war past $9,000 with a full day remaining.
That same year, the automotive world saw Ferrari unveil the 328, Peugeot launched its 205 GTI,, and Audi push Quattro technology further into the mainstream – proof that Saab’s turbocharged sedan was competing in an era defined by innovation and bold moves across the industry.
Unlike the more commonly discussed three-door hatchbacks, this is the less celebrated but increasingly desirable notchback sedan. Its clean presentation, rare equipment, and careful preservation elevate it above the usual survivor status.
The Backstory
The car spent 35 years in the hands of its original owner, stored between 2003 and 2020 before being recommissioned. The current seller acquired it in 2021 and invested significant effort in returning the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and five-speed manual drivetrain to form.
The black exterior retains most of its factory finish, with only light touch-up work and a wrapped fender to preserve originality. Rather than chasing perfection with a full respray, the choice to conserve its patina underscores the car’s authenticity.
From the Showroom in 1985
When this Saab 900 Turbo sedan rolled out of Wolf Import Motors in Ohio, it carried a hefty $20,624 sticker price – a figure that in 1985 positioned it as a serious contender against premium European rivals. The buyer clearly knew what they wanted: black paint over Sierra leather upholstery, an unusually elegant combination for a turbocharged Saab sedan.
The car was generously optioned for its time. It came equipped with an electric sunroof and fog lights, while Euro-spec H4 headlights gave the front end a sharper, more purposeful appearance compared to the sealed-beam units of US-market cars. Inside, heated front seats offered a touch of Scandinavian practicality, and the driver could dial in the soundtrack through a Saab-branded Clarion cassette deck with graphic equalizer.
Perhaps most striking are the 15-inch Inca alloy wheels, instantly recognizable to enthusiasts and still regarded as one of Saab’s most iconic wheel designs. They set off the sedan’s formal lines with just the right amount of flair.
Nearly four decades later, the interior remains a highlight. The Sierra leather still looks supple and inviting, a testament to careful ownership. The headliner has been replaced, avoiding one of the model’s common pitfalls, and an uncommon dealer-installed rear window sunshade explains the small mounting pins visible near the parcel shelf. Not everything is perfect — the air-conditioning system requires a condenser replacement — but the sale includes fresh lines and a receiver/dryer, reassuring signs that the next owner won’t be left scrambling for parts.
Brought Back to Life
After sitting in storage for nearly two decades, this 900 Turbo could have easily become a static display. Instead, under current ownership it has undergone a thorough and thoughtful recommissioning to bring it back to road-ready condition.
Mechanically, attention has been paid where it matters most. The valve cover gasket, ignition components, sensors, and boost control valve have all been renewed, ensuring the turbocharged four-cylinder spins up with characteristic Saab urgency. A new fuel pump and filter, along with fresh vacuum hoses and connectors, restore proper fueling and boost delivery. The essentials — belts, filters, and a battery — have also been replaced.
The drivetrain received similar care: the transmission fluid, clutch, and hydraulics were refreshed, eliminating the uncertainties often found in long-dormant examples. Underneath, the car has been given a full suspension overhaul with new shocks, ball joints, control arms, and springs, returning it to the crisp, surefooted handling that made the 900 Turbo a cult figure.
Braking, too, has not been overlooked. The system has been rebuilt with new rotors, pads, calipers, and hoses, giving the sedan the confidence to match its performance. Finally, the underside has been treated with a rust-inhibiting coating, an important safeguard for a car of this age and one that suggests the seller prioritized long-term preservation, not just a quick flip.
Observations From Enthusiasts
Specialists and long-time Saab drivers following the auction point to exceptional preservation for a nearly 40-year-old turbo sedan. The Inca wheels in particular caught attention, as they remain rare and coveted. Others note how the sedan body style — once overlooked compared with the hatchbacks — now stands out for its crisp proportions and understated presence.
There are also comments on typical quirks of mid-1980s Saabs: minor oil weeping, delicate wiring harnesses on some model years, and headliner issues. In this example, the oil seepage is described as negligible, the wiring remains supple, and the headliner has already been addressed.
Some seasoned owners highlight the sedan’s unique handling balance, firmer and more rigid than the hatchback, with precise front-end response and surefooted rear stability. Suggestions include upgrading suspension with heavy-duty springs and Bilstein dampers, an approach that transforms the car without compromising originality.
Others expressed a more emotional connection: nostalgia for their own 900 Turbos from the 1980s and ’90s, tempered by concerns about the scarcity of Saab mechanics in some parts of the US. It’s a reminder that while these cars remain robust, finding knowledgeable service support is increasingly part of the ownership challenge.
Nostalgia and Market Outlook
This listing has sparked considerable reflection among enthusiasts. Some recall driving their 8-valve Turbos for well over 150,000 miles, praising the combination of durability, performance, and character. Others point out the enduring appeal of the sedan’s design, which still looks sharper and more distinctive than many of its contemporaries.
With bidding already above $9,000, expectations are that this car could easily land in the high teens or even exceed $20,000. The combination of one-owner history, Sierra leather, and Inca wheels places it in a rarefied category.
For the eventual buyer, this is more than a classic sedan — it is a direct link to Saab’s golden era, when the company pioneered turbocharging for everyday drivers and built cars that looked, felt, and behaved unlike anything else on the road.
I had one as a 21 year old back in the early nineties, fantastic fast car in it’s day