SAAB 900 CARLSSON, 1992

ALTHOUGH THIS CAR HAS BEEN SOLD, I WILL VERY SHORTLY BE OFFERING ANOTHER EXCEPTIONAL 900 CARLSSON FOR SALE.

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER DETAILS, OR SEE MY FOR SALE PAGE SOON.

THE ultimate SAAB 900?

The Carlsson is arguably the most desirable and collectable of all ‘Classic’ 900 models, along with, perhaps, the Ruby, a late T16S Convertible or an early, flat-fronted T16S.

200 cars were produced for each of the three years the model was available, 1990, 1991 and 1992.

It is not true that the Carlsson was available only in red, white and black. For the last few months of availability, during 1992, SAAB offered any colour from their range, as an option. So late in the day was this option offered, that less than a handful were so supplied – there was certainly one in Le Mans Blue Metallic (though this car was subsequently ‘written off’). Another was the car here, finished in Platana Grey Metallic. No one need take my word for this; the information is freely available on the internet, and SAAB themselves produced a brochure especially for the 1992 Carlsson clearly showing the extra cost option of an alternative colour.

Also for the 1992 models, the original type Carlsson decals and body stripes were toned down somewhat (this was a car conceived in the late 1980s, making its way into the new world of the 1990s), replaced with the more sober twin coachlines as seen here, around the lower waistline of the car. The deep front air dam and rear apron remained the same, as did the whale tail rear spoiler. These late cars were also fitted with the newer (and final) style of three spoke Aero alloy wheel. Instrumentation differed slightly as well, with the main cluster given a more modern, cleaner look with revised instrument graphics.

All Carlssons had manual gearboxes and were fitted with the ‘Type 8’ primary gears, in conjunction with the increased power output from the ‘Red Box’ APC unit (185bhp instead of 175 for the standard T16S). Suspension was lowered marginally and thicker anti roll bars fitted. A twin pipe exhaust system also differentiates the Carlsson.

Also particular to the model were suede (alcantara) inserts as part of the front seat trim and special ‘signed’ Momo steering wheel, while the boot lid featured a central SAAB badge, special Carlsson script and full width decor panel.

*****

Reputedly the very last 900 Carlsson produced, this 1992 example is unique in that it was ‘Factory’ produced in Platana Grey metallic, a Saab colour of the time, but not the red, black or white ordinarily offered for and associated with the model.

Crucially, this car, incredibly, still wears its original and superb paintwork on every panel (with the exception of the polyeurethane front air dam and rear apron, which I have had perfectly refinished on account of unavaoidable general stone chips). The bodywork itself has never been damaged and the paint, in spite of its originality, remains truly exceptional.

Supplied new by Causeway Saab in Wiltshire, this car is also unique in being especially ordered with air conditioning, an option not ordinarily available on the Carlsson. In fact, this car has just about every significant Saab option available – in addition to all the ‘standard’ features of 185bhp red box APC unit, thoroughly developed sport suspension, whale tail, deep front spoiler with Hella driving lights (complete with their SAAB embossed covers), deep rear skirt, wheel arch extensions, Momo steering wheel, full leather with Alcantara ‘suede’ inserts, sport exhaust system with twin tailpipes (here in stainless steel), rear décor panel, cruise control, electric steel sunroof etc. etc. this car’s further extra cost options include fully electrically operated front seats, separate 3-stage manually controlled seat heating for both front seats, three extra genuine SAAB instruments (oil pressure, voltmeter, outside temperature gauge), additional switch panel beneath the gauges, side vent snow covers, rear screen wiper with wash facility, the original top-of-the-range Kenwood radio/tape player with 10-stack cd player under the boot floor, rubber boot floor mat, heated windscreen washers, perspex headlamp protectors (not presently fitted, but still with the car), rubber Saab floor mats over original Saab overrugs, as well as the icing on the cake, a genuine lockable Saab roof box in complementing colour scheme which has never been mounted or used!

***

First registered on the 27th March 1992, the first owner retained the car for some eight years and during his ownership it was only ever entrusted to the supplying dealer for servicing. During this time, the car visited Causeway some 37 times for servicing and other general maintenance work and these visits are detailed in the substantial history file. It is no surprise, then, that when he parted company with the car, Causeway were happy to retail it for the second time, now under the auspices of Saab’s official authorised pre-owned scheme.

Thus it was that in 2000, at 99,496 miles, the Carlsson passed to its second owner. All documentation pertaining to this sale, including Warranty Booklet and invoice from Causeway Saab, is in the history file.

In 2004 the car was bought by its third (and current) perfectionist owner (me! and the car has been registered in my name since then), where it has formed part of a select collection. During this period of some 16 years, the car has been very sparingly, though regularly, driven and thoroughly maintained. An example entirely free of corrosion, known potential problem areas were thoroughly Waxoyled upon purchase in 2004 and as a result of the combination of this and the fact the car has resided in dehumidified conditions, it remains rust-free to this day.

***

Supplied now complete with all original books, driver’s pack and a substantial A4 file of invoices for servicing and miscellaneous work carried out, along with duplicate original keys and Cobra alarm / immobiliser fobs. Also present is a full complement of expired MoT certificates, SORN and taxation history etc.

Make no mistake, examples of this calibre and provenance rarely come to the open market. The car may be considered an exceptional example of an undisputed design masterpiece.

BODYWORK & PAINTWORK

The bodywork and the paintwork, with the exception of the aforementioned front air dam and rear apron, are Factory original, so perfect panel fit and not a ripple in sight. This car has never sustained any damage. The special order metallic Platana Grey  paintwork is in a condition which utterly belies its age.

The underside and inside the wheel arches are devoid of dirt (please see photographs below).

WHEELS & TYRES

 Fitted with the original 15” alloy wheels (Carlssons were never fitted with 16” wheels from the 9000, contrary to some popular misconception), which remain in very near perfect unkerbed original condition and are protected with a set of genuine SAAB locking wheel nuts. The wheels are as clean on the inside as they are on the outside.

They are shod with a brand new set of correct specification Continental tyres. 

INTERIOR

Trimmed in full Dover Grey leather, by Bridge of Weir, the interior, with the exception of the headlining which has been renewed, is completely original and in genuinely remarkable condition.

BOOT AREA

Again, 100% original, immaculate and complete with original and seemingly unused toolkit, warning triangle, jack and unused ‘space saver’ spare wheel, multi-cd player etc.

The boot is protected by a genuine SAAB rubber floor mat.

ENGINE BAY

100% original and in very clean, well maintained condition.

*****

The photographs below deserve close inspection as they will say far more about the car than I can.

PRICE

£ SOLD

The car is presently UK registered and enjoys tax free passage within the EU. It is supplied with a UK registration document and will be sold with 12 months MoT.