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A Convertible with a Story Worth Telling
When a Saab 900 Turbo Convertible comes up for auction, it always draws attention—but this one commands it. What we have here is a 1990 Saab 900 Turbo 16v Cabriolet in white, with only 177,500 km (110,300 miles), backed by a fascinating ownership history and an ultra-rare detail: an engine heater designed by Volvo Flygmotor AB in Trollhättan. Yes, the same Saab hometown where jet and car engineering once shared walls.
This car was delivered new in June 1990 to Pia and Peter Althin. Pia, an entrepreneur in the finance sector, and Peter, a prominent Swedish lawyer and Member of Parliament, used the car as a symbol of personal style and substance. Since 2001, it’s changed hands sparingly—with only four owners in total—and has been part of an enthusiast collection for the past 15 years. The mileage over the last decade? Less than 12,500 miles.
Now listed on Bilweb Auctions, this Saab is attracting serious attention from collectors. The estimated value ranges from 160,000 to 180,000 SEK (approximately $14,500 to $16,400 USD), but as of today, the reserve price has not yet been met. The current minimum bid stands at 102,000 SEK (~$9,300 USD). Auction ends May 8, 2025, at 12:20 PM CET.
Classic Saab Design and Turbocharged Power
Under the hood sits the revered 2.0-liter, 16-valve turbocharged engine, good for 156 hp and mated to a manual transmission. This is the drivetrain that helped Saab build its reputation in the 1980s and ’90s for practical yet potent performance. The power delivery is smooth, the turbo spools up confidently, and the lightweight body paired with front-wheel-drive keeps things planted and playful.
Adding to its charm is the custom exhaust with a sportier tone than stock, giving the car a subtle but confident growl. In terms of mechanical condition, the current seller notes that the vehicle is in exemplary road-ready form. All instruments function, the engine runs strong, and even the unusual Volvo Flygmotor heater works flawlessly. It’s essentially an Eberspächer-style heater, developed by Saab’s aerospace cousin—a wonderful intersection of aviation tech and Nordic practicality.
These small technical stories are what make classic Saabs exceptional, and this one checks every enthusiast box.
Interior and Exterior: Preserved with Care
The light beige leather interior presents exceptionally well. From the clean dash to the intact door panels, it’s clear this vehicle has been maintained by owners who respected its legacy. Sure, there are some tiny bubbles on the glovebox (a well-known Saab 900 quirk), but the seats, steering wheel, and door trim are all in top form. Even the original Nardi steering wheel is believed to have been fitted from the start.
The white exterior paint is glossy and original, with no significant blemishes. The convertible soft top is in excellent condition and comes with both vinyl and hard plastic covers, each stored in their original Saab-branded bags. All weather seals and rubber trim are still soft, and the NOS Aero wheels and brand-new tires complete the car’s subtle stance.
This isn’t a garage queen—but it may as well be. It’s clearly been driven for joy and preserved with precision.
A Saab With Political Pedigree
It’s not every day that a classic Saab with such a detailed provenance hits the market. The original owners, Pia and Peter Althin, were a high-profile Swedish couple who clearly valued their vehicles. The fact that they kept this car for over a decade before passing it on makes it part of a broader narrative of prestige and responsibility.
More than just a name on paper, the Althin legacy adds cultural and historical interest to this already special 900 Cabriolet. As the Saab community continues to shrink in terms of new examples, cars with traceable heritage and careful stewardship will be the ones collectors chase hardest.
What Makes This 900 Turbo 16v Special
Here’s a quick summary of standout elements:
- 1990 model year with the 16-valve turbocharged engine
- Manual gearbox for authentic Saab driving experience
- Volvo Flygmotor AB heater, a rare aerospace-grade addition
- Only 4 owners, with the past 15 years spent in enthusiast hands
- Excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition
- Original soft top and all covers included
- NOS Aero wheels with fresh tires
- Well-documented history, including previous ownership by Pia and Peter Althin
This is a vehicle that checks all the right boxes, not just for classic convertible lovers, but for anyone who understands the Saab ethos: engineering, integrity, and individuality.
Auction Details and Buyer Notes
- Auction Ends: May 8, 2025, at 12:20 PM CET
- Current Minimum Bid: 102,000 SEK (~$9,300 USD)
- Estimated Value: 160,000 – 180,000 SEK (~$14,500 – $16,400 USD)
- Reserve Price: Not yet met
- Location: Sweden, online at Bilweb Auctions
Potential buyers should be aware that cars from private collections might require standard recommissioning tasks before regular driving: fluid changes, battery checks, and brake inspections. This vehicle appears to have been carefully maintained, but always do your due diligence.
Final Thoughts: A Rare Open-Top Saab With Depth
This 1990 Saab 900 Turbo 16v Cabriolet isn’t just a great-looking classic. It’s a mechanically sound, well-kept, and story-rich example of what made Saab convertibles iconic. The market has been increasingly kind to classic Saabs with strong provenance, and this one fits the mold perfectly.
With so many 900s having been driven into the ground or modified into anonymity, a clean, well-preserved car with a turbo engine, manual box, and verifiable history stands out. If you’re after an authentic Saab experience that also happens to be an investment-grade purchase, this is the one to watch.
