Saab’s angular icon meets custom performance
Among the many variants of Saab’s iconic 900 series, few stir the enthusiast’s pulse like a late-model Turbo 16S Aero Convertible. This 1993 example, currently offered for sale in Cupar, Scotland, stands out not just for its preserved bodywork and originality, but also for a set of intelligent performance modifications that make it a compelling offer at £12,500.
This isn’t a garage queen presented with unrealistic mileage claims. It’s a real driver’s car, meticulously kept, tuned with care, and improved where it counts—without compromising what makes the 900 so beloved.
Le Mans Blue: Not just a color, a declaration
Originally delivered by Saab City in London, this right-hand-drive convertible is finished in factory Le Mans Blue, complemented by a color-matched mohair convertible top. It’s a bold combination, made bolder still by the 16″ Carlsson alloys that immediately hint at its uprated character. The paintwork presents extremely well despite the car’s 179,800-mile odometer reading, with the seller noting that much of its early life was spent between France and Spain—a detail that likely explains its corrosion-free body.
This is no respray job. Panel gaps are even, bumpers retain their factory texture, and the trim remains intact—details that separate enthusiast cars from casual ownership.
A carefully curated upgrade path
Unlike many modified 900s that suffer from overzealous tuning, this one benefits from a coherent and balanced approach:
- Abbott Racing suspension and gearbox
- Modified red box ECU and uprated fuel pressure regulator
- MCS short-shift kit
- Pirelli P1 performance tires
The result is a sharper, more responsive Saab that maintains daily usability. The seller explicitly states that the car was upgraded to be “slightly faster than standard,” which means it still retains Saab’s characteristic mid-range torque and drivability, but with reduced shift throw, tighter damping, and a broader performance envelope.
This is not a track toy—it’s a refined grand tourer for those who appreciate subtle engineering.
Documentation to satisfy even the most skeptical buyer
This Saab comes with over £25,000 in receipts dating back to 1993, covering routine servicing, wear-and-tear replacement, and the recent performance enhancements. It’s the sort of history file that takes decades to compile and is often missing in cars of this age and mileage.
There are even Saab dealership receipts from France and Switzerland, giving insight into the car’s continental history. The current owner is the fifth, following an author and his son as previous custodians—a small lineage for a car that’s now over 30 years old.
Tartan with a twist: The Smith interior
Inside, the standard leather seats are noted to be in excellent condition, but it’s the door cards that catch your eye. Reupholstered in a bold Smith tartan pattern, they lend the cabin a custom yet cohesive look. It’s not Saab factory issue, but it feels true to the spirit of the brand—individual, confident, and unafraid to break norms.
Electricals, gauges, HVAC controls and switches all reportedly function as intended, and the convertible top is a recent replacement in matching blue mohair. Even the trunk-mounted battery is kept on a trickle charger, reinforcing the owner’s attention to long-term care.
A used classic with sorted mechanicals
Too many Saab 900 Convertibles come to market as neglected summer toys. This isn’t one of them. The discs and pads have been recently replaced, suspension bushings show no signs of excessive wear, and the gearbox—often a weak point on higher-mileage cars—has been reinforced by Abbott’s known improvements.
The T16S engine is known for its robust character when properly maintained, and this one presents all the right signals: consistent servicing, sensible upgrades, and no mention of smoke, overheating, or hesitation under load.
Final verdict: An enthusiast’s 900, ready for its next chapter
Offered at £12,500, this 1993 Saab 900 Turbo 16S Convertible is not a budget buy. But it’s a value proposition for someone who understands what it represents: the final form of a chassis honed over decades, with just the right blend of OEM purity and enthusiast tweaking.
It’s a car you could drive across the continent tomorrow, with the roof down, the boost gauge rising, and the confidence that every inch of it has been cared for by someone who genuinely gave a damn.
For more photos and the full listing, visit Car & Classic.
This is not Le Mans blue but Nocturne Blue.