1988 SAAB 900 Turbo - 2 Owners/Under 74,000 Miles
The Saab 900 Turbo stands as one of the most distinctive and characterful performance saloons of its era, a car born from Scandinavian engineering integrity and a quietly confident approach to turbocharged innovation. First introduced as part of Saab’s evolution of the iconic 900 range, the Turbo embodied the marque’s commitment to safety, durability and driver-focused design, while delivering the refined yet spirited performance that made Saab a cult favourite among discerning motorists.
Registered on the 8th of September 1988 and presented here in an elegant grey finish, this particular example is a rare and beautifully preserved survivor, having had just two owners from new. It retains the unmistakable presence that has defined the model for decades, with its aircraft-inspired cockpit, wraparound windscreen and purposeful stance offering an experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.
Adding a fascinating chapter to its history, this 900 formed part of a limited homologation run of just 214 two-door 16-valve Turbo models, produced by Saab in 1988 to support a dedicated one-make race series. This championship featured notable drivers including Tiff Needell and Damon Hill, and required a more rigid platform than the standard three-door hatchback could provide. As such, Saab engineered this special two-door configuration specifically to meet the structural demands of motorsport, giving these cars a unique place in the marque’s history and an added layer of desirability among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The car benefits from a current MOT valid until October 2026, with its most recent service carried out in conjunction with the last MOT on 14th October 2025 at 73,583 miles. This was a comprehensive service, fully invoiced, and in keeping with a long-standing tradition of careful, consistent maintenance. The recorded mileage reflects a life of gentle use, with the car covering just over 1,000 miles per year in recent times, standing at 72,242 miles in 2024.
A detailed and chronological history file accompanies the vehicle, offering a rich narrative of its life from new. Invoices date back to 1989 when the car received its 6,000-mile service, and the collection includes a substantial run of MOT certificates, along with a charming selection of period tax discs. The documentation is thoughtfully organised, presenting a clear and reassuring picture of diligent ownership and attentive care that has included annual fully synthetic oil changes despite the car's average annual mileage being less than 1000 miles for the last 20 years of ownership.
Mechanically, the car has seen a series of sensible and sympathetic updates over the years. In 2023 a new heater control was fitted, while 2022 saw significant work including a new ignition coil, fuel pump with seals and filter, ignition switch and starter motor. A new battery was installed in 2021, along with the upgrade of all cooling system to silicon hoses and the windscreen was replaced in 2019. Each of these improvements contributes to the car’s usability today, ensuring it remains as enjoyable and reliable to drive as it is to admire.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to this example is a printed feature article from Modern Classics magazine, written by its owner. This piece offers a heartfelt insight into the relationship between driver and machine, capturing the essence of what makes ownership of a Saab 900 so special. It is a rare and evocative inclusion that elevates the history of the car beyond the purely mechanical.
Further enhancing its appeal are the original owner’s manual and the original order form from Ancaster Garages, dated 1988. This document records the car’s first owner, Mr Kelvyn Morris, and its purchase price of £17,970, along with the charming detail of a part exchange involving an Austin Maestro. Such items are seldom retained and provide a tangible connection to the car’s origins.
This Saab 900 Turbo 16 S represents an increasingly hard-to-find opportunity to acquire a well-documented, low-ownership example of a true modern classic. With its comprehensive history, sympathetic maintenance and unique personal touches, it offers not just transport, but a story — one that continues to unfold with each journey.
PRICE: £15995