Saab enthusiasts worldwide have long held the 900 SPG (Special Performance Group) in high regard. A true icon of Swedish engineering and design, the SPG stands apart as one of the most coveted Saab models ever produced.
Known as the 900 Aero in Europe, this high-performance variant of the standard 900 series encapsulates everything that made Saab vehicles unique: advanced safety, turbocharged power, and a fighter-jet-inspired driving experience. And now, one pristine example of the 1986 Saab 900 SPG is listed for sale by Hyman Ltd., priced at a jaw-dropping $83,500—making it the most expensive Saab currently available in the United States.
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What Makes the Saab 900 SPG Special?
The Saab 900 SPG is not your average Saab 900. Introduced in 1984, the SPG was designed to elevate the 900’s already impressive performance credentials.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 160 horsepower, the SPG delivered brisk acceleration and dynamic handling. But it wasn’t just the engine that set the SPG apart.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: The SPG featured stiffer springs and shocks for better handling and reduced body roll.
- Aerodynamic Enhancements: A lower body kit, including front and rear spoilers, side skirts, and unique three-spoke alloy wheels, improved stability at higher speeds.
- Premium Interior: Inside, drivers were treated to sport seats, premium materials, and upgraded stereo systems.
- Safety Innovation: Saab’s legendary safety features—crumple zones, reinforced safety cages, and side-impact protection—were standard, ensuring peace of mind alongside thrilling performance.
The SPG’s combination of performance, safety, and style made it a standout in the 1980s and a collector’s dream today. With only a limited number produced, surviving examples are becoming increasingly rare, and their value continues to climb.
Spotlight on Hyman Ltd.’s 1986 Saab 900 SPG
Hyman Ltd., a renowned dealership specializing in classic and collectible cars, is offering a meticulously preserved 1986 Saab 900 SPG. This example is nothing short of exceptional, showcasing its original Edwardian Gray paint and a range of recently refreshed components. Here’s what makes this particular SPG worth its eye-watering price tag:
Original Paint and Aerodynamic Styling
The Edwardian Gray exterior—a signature color for the SPG—remains in pristine condition. The factory-applied paint has been meticulously maintained, showing no signs of fading or repainting. The aerodynamic body kit, including the front bumper with factory fog lights and side skirts, is intact and in excellent condition, highlighting the car’s sporty pedigree.
Immaculate Interior
The interior features Scottish Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed seats in gray, with only minor wear on the driver’s seat bolster—a testament to the car’s low mileage and careful ownership. The premium stereo system has been upgraded, but the original unit is included in the sale, offering flexibility for purists.
Mechanical Excellence
Mechanically, this SPG is as impressive as its aesthetics. The car has undergone extensive maintenance within the last 1,000 miles, including:
- A new clutch
- Refinished wheels
- A recovered headliner
- New power steering rack
- Fresh brake pads and rotors
- Engine and transmission mount replacements
These updates ensure that the car drives as Saab engineers intended, offering both reliability and performance.
Why $83,500?
While $83,500 is a hefty price for any classic car, the value of this Saab 900 SPG lies in its rarity, condition, and provenance. With only 60,000 miles on the odometer and a history of meticulous care, this car represents the pinnacle of collectible Saabs. Additionally, the fact that this vehicle has remained within a single family for its first two owners adds an extra layer of desirability for collectors.
The SPG’s appeal extends beyond Saab enthusiasts. Its innovative design and advanced engineering make it a noteworthy piece of automotive history. In today’s market, where classic cars with unique stories and pristine conditions are highly sought after, the $83,500 price tag reflects the car’s significance.
A Legacy of Innovation
Saab’s reputation for blending performance with practicality and safety is perfectly encapsulated in the 900 SPG. The under-mounted transmission, double wishbone suspension, and turbocharged powertrain all demonstrate Saab’s commitment to engineering excellence. These innovations, paired with the company’s focus on safety—a rarity in the 1980s—make the SPG a car that was ahead of its time.
The Future of the Saab 900 SPG
As the years pass, surviving Saab 900 SPG models will only become rarer and more valuable. Enthusiasts and collectors who recognize the significance of this iconic vehicle are willing to pay a premium to own a piece of Saab’s history. Hyman Ltd.’s example, with its impeccable condition and comprehensive maintenance history, sets a new benchmark for what these cars can achieve on the market.
Final Thoughts
The 1986 Saab 900 SPG listed by Hyman Ltd. is more than just a car; it’s a testament to Saab’s legacy of innovation and performance. With its $83,500 price tag, this SPG may not be for everyone, but for the discerning collector, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the ultimate expression of Swedish automotive engineering.
For more details, visit Hyman Ltd.’s official listing and explore SaabPlanet’s SPG Registry for a deeper dive into the history and rarity of these remarkable vehicles.
Another Turbo Saab Making Auction Waves
While the $83,500 SPG has dominated headlines, another collector-grade classic recently drew strong bidding attention. A 1988 Saab 900 Turbo 5-Speed Hatchback finished in factory Black over Sierra leather sold on Bring a Trailer for $31,000, further cementing the rising value of well-preserved, driver-focused 900 Turbos.
Looking beyond the $83,500 record-setter
While this 900 SPG broke headlines for shattering price expectations, the market story is far from over. Recent Hagerty data shows how SPG values have surged to $40K in #2 condition, cementing their dominance over other 900 Turbo variants.
Read our full analysis on where values are headed — and why even non-SPG Turbos are now drawing serious collector attention — in our latest feature: Finished in factory black with SPG-style springs and spoilers, this 900 Turbo carries a purposeful stance while remaining true to its non-SPG roots.
Update – October 2025
In an unexpected twist, this very same 1986 Saab 900 Turbo SPG recently returned to the spotlight — this time on Bring a Trailer. Despite intense bidding that reached $32,000, the car did not meet its reserve and remained unsold.
Read the full follow-up story here:
When $32,000 Isn’t Enough: The $83,500 Saab 900 Turbo SPG That Refused to Leave Saint Louis
It’s a fascinating continuation of the journey of America’s most expensive Saab – one that shows how passion and market reality sometimes drive in different lanes.
A Two-Stroke Record That Resets the Ceiling
While the $83,500 SPG has held the attention of the US Saab market, a result from March 2026 shifts the reference point from a different direction entirely. A 1966 Saab 96 built to Monte Carlo 850 specification sold on Bring a Trailer for $63,500 — 114 bids, no reserve, the highest price any Saab 96 has reached on the platform. The car is not a factory-verified Monte Carlo 850. It is a 19-year restoration by a single owner, with triple-Solex two-stroke engine, correct Monte Carlo interior components, and an honest disclosure record that held up under close scrutiny from experienced bidders. The SPG market has been redefining what a Classic 900 is worth. The two-stroke market, it turns out, is running a parallel conversation.
if the owner will not less than $85k then the price is the price. It may or may not bring that price – but one has to have agreement from *both* sides. Just because you say 60k doesn’t make it so. A number of SPG cars less rare have sold in the 60’s already.
If these pics are of the _83k car,…. Does Anyone else notice the crack in the dash, rattle can painted turbo (right over the nuts and bolts, and missing the heat shield, etc… may sound debatable, but what els can’t we see? These cars are not yet at that coveted lik a vintage gullwing needing a full resto. The Porsche 911 boom blew up (in my opinion) because initially, the rare variants fetched big money. Ignorant, yet eager dealers gotta play to win, selling a joe schmo 911 for that money. Then, you got the equally as ignorant, yet eager to buy into “cool guy” culture (and have the money) …buys it for that astronomical price…. Then all the kids at school rinse and repeat… Now we can’t find a burned out rusty chassis for less than $20k…. But Saab is far from that right now. And the Saab culture is boring as hell…sorry to say, (at least here in the states) and no longer a company to complete in motorsports to keep collectors on the edge of their wallet seats!
Well I hope they get $80k for it, for sake of us SPG owners. I own 4 SPGs, one of each color, 2 with a $50k policy on them. Although they may not sell for $83k…. it’s a good bar to set your insurance at. Otherwise you old schoolers still insuring with your primary policy will loose out if the car is stolen or totalled. Your lucky to get $5k for any 900. So insure your gems properly!!!
Original radio gone
I love Saabs- learned to drive on a 96 and one likely saved my life . BUT that is ridiculous. Does everything have to be made so precious that its value is made astronomical just because someone decides this is the next cool thing? If it had 25 miles on it, would it be worth 60k? Provided it was in perfect condition – not dried out and with a warranty, yes. But that isn’t this.
TO Dan Ross
an under 1000 mile vert sold for 135000
Yes, there seems to be a lot of people seeing an opportunity here who never drove a Saab.when they were being produced. Don’t confuse interest with speculation.
As people get priced out of other marque’s or supplies diminish , they go looking for other options.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing ,just something to keep in mind.
I’ve driven these cars since 1987 and have restored my ‘88 5 speed entirely including engine rebuild and will tell you this price is ridiculous.
I just love my 2006 9-5 sportcombi, it fits so well, drivers’ car. Beautiful aerodynamic design, great leather interior with beautiful glass and not too much obvious plastic. That was the weak point for that 900 car, good design but too much plastic, never camouflaged or painted, turned me away when they sold new. I admire that 900 2.0 turbo for various reasons but ultimately I go to the performance, 2.0 vs. 2.3 turbo, my car drives like a race car, 50 to ninety in a second or two. It’s so much fun I have tended to take unecessary risks with speed, no more. This being my first Saab, saddened that they ceased production, but if I found another 9-5 Combi like mine I should be able to find a nice one less than $10,000. I wish the 900 seller the best but my Mercedes S500 and even my Cadillac DTS both beautiful would never sell for anywhere near half that, $83,500. Perhaps the lower cost Saabs are some of the best secrets around. I know I am a believer!
One other implied thought. The 900 has 160 horsepower out of a 2.0 Turbo. My 9-5 Sportcombi 2.3 Turbo boasts 260 horsepower!
Even my best car. I bought it in trollhättan. Back in Hamburg, it got some good treatment by Gasparatos (Saab tuner in Hamburg). Very good car for long trips.
I worked for SAAB in Trollhättan in the 1980s. You see that ventilation dial on the dashboard? It says Distr at about 5 o’clock – we said it meant disaster, which annoyed the executives a lot. And that the next model after the 9000 would be the 90 000, which was the emergency phone number at the time.
That’s a fantastic bit of Saab folklore—thank you for sharing! The “Distr = Disaster” joke must have made the rounds among engineers and designers back in the day, and we can only imagine the executives’ reactions! Saab has always had a unique blend of engineering brilliance and a bit of playful rebellion, which makes stories like this even more enjoyable.
And the 90,000 as the next model name—that’s classic Saab humor! It’s fascinating how insiders had their own way of poking fun while working on some of the most innovative cars of the time. If you have more behind-the-scenes anecdotes from your time at Trollhättan, we’d love to hear them!
To Hans Eriksson >
do you remember the joke at the time when 9000 was released?
SAAB will start making an ambulance – SAAB 90000
To Mikael Nylander >
Yes of course.
To Mikael Nylander >
nice story! But… did the factory employees hate the cars? Or was it just to make fun of managers?
To Hans Eriksson >
you work at saab factory thank for your story do you have any saab memorabilia key chains car models brochure jacket photos please I like thouse sruff I have saab 9000
To Joep van Dam >
SAAB was based in a small town Trollhättan and there wasn’t enough talent locally, so we from Göteborg could earn almost double salaries. We looked down on the locals especially managers.
I had an 88. Great car. Great leather seats and it would go 125 just fine.
That’s my old car in the 80s
I paid 6500$ for my SPG which was my third 900.loved those cars!
What’s that colors name? Awesome!
that amount of money an it’s got a crack in the dashboard and a peeling glove box lid? Someone got hosed
I have owned 9 classic 900s over the years, and my favorite of all was the 1986 SPG. My ’87 900T will eventually wear the SPG body panels along with a flat-nose conversion.
Also, the original paint code stickers are gone. Lot of money, good for Saab to be getting recognized as collectible. There are too many cars being sent to the scrap yard
Bıg production engineer ıng dream products precıtıon taylored dedicating made ıt by SAAB,❤️ verynice.
my 2006 9-3 Aero Anniversary edition 60k miles is for sale for $83,750 making IT the most expensive Saab for sale in the US for this moment.
That’s a lot of money. I bought a new 8 valve 900 Turbo in UK in 85 (I think) and it had every possible modification including gearbox, suspension, water injection, brakes, bigger turbo, oil cooler, platinum plugs, synthetic oil and more and the new price was 22,000 pounds on the road. It outperformed the 16 valve by a quite a margin.
I had one of these for my second car, running 25psi on a modified APC and a larger intercooler. Did a gearbox, two CV joints, a turbo and the head gasket was on the way out. Never mind the bio-degradable wiring harness that caught fire once (dash fire). Also – they couldn’t have put the battery in a dumber location either. Nice enough when it was running but I was about to let it burn when the dash fire happened.
My mom and dad ordered a 1986 900 SPG in the winter of 1985 at Pentagon Car Sales when they were stationed in Ramstein Germany. It was my childhood car. 39 years on and now I drive the same 900 SPG. I drive my kids to school in it on some days and get lots of compliments! Thanks mom and dad!
As handsome as hell. Beautiful design.
Wish my SPG in that condition.