1993 SAAB 900i CABRIOLET

This 1993 Saab 900i Cabriolet is an appealing and usable modern classic, which is presented in very good order following a gradual programme of refurbishment. It is powered by the 128bhp 2.0-litre 16-valve engine with fuel injection, with front-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 100,647 miles from new.

Built on Saab’s Nystad production line in Finland in early 1993, this original right-hand drive car was dispatched to the UK and supplied new through the Doves Saab main dealer in South Croydon. There are just three previous keepers on the log book, and it has been owned and enjoyed by the vendor for the last five years, who has covered some 12,000 miles on the road. He also reports that the car has been used for various fashion shoots, including one feature in Vogue.

The bodywork of this 900i is straight and solid, and there are close-up photos of the sills in the media gallery below. Its Imola Red colour has been resprayed within the last few years, and remains in very good condition. The only blemishes reported are small patches of bubbling in the paint on the offside panel near the door, and in the rain gutter around the boot.

It sets on the factory set of 15-inch alloy wheels. They are all in serviceable condition, with the original Saab centre caps still present, but would benefit from light refurbishment in due course. The black plastic and rubber trims around the car are faded in places, but are generally in good order. There are a few scratches on the front bumper, as well as a crack in the nearside front indicator lens. At the rear, there are small scuffs at the corners of the rear bumper, as well as a shallow dent in the plastic.

The interior appears to be all original, and is in very good condition. There is a small mark on the back of the front passenger seat, and some scuffs on the plastics around the rear seats. The Angora Grey velour upholstery is in great shape, with no rips or holes. Both sun visors have splits in the vinyl edgings down to the foam inners, and tarnishing on the vanity mirrors, so will need replacing in due course.

The electrically-operated roof works perfectly, and there is no visible damage to the black fabric outer layer or the headlining inside. The rubber seals around the body are aged in places, so will benefit from renewal in the near future. Its centre console currently has a storage area in place of a radio, but the wiring is still present behind the fascia should the next owner wish to install a stereo head unit. In the boot, the tool kit is incomplete, but the original space-saver spare wheel is still with the car, along with the jack and warning triangle.

The last maintenance on this Saab 900i was 18 months ago at leading specialist Jam Saab in Bristol. During this work, one of the ball joints was renewed, and welding was carried out to the underside of one door panel. During the vendor’s ownership, the car has also received a new radiator, and the power steering system has been refurbished. As the original catalytic converter sat low and grounded out on speed bumps in London, this Saab is fitted with an aftermarket unit that remains MOT compliant.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 9 July 2019 at 100,504 miles, which the car passed first time with no advisories. The wheels are fitted with budget tyres in size 195/60 R15 all round, which still have a good level of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is the original document wallet, including the owner’s handbook, service book and other sales literature. An immobiliser is fitted with a remote control fob, but has not yet been activated.

This Saab 900i Convertible is among the last of the models to feature the familiar 900-series shape, and is undeniably a collectable modern classic. It is becoming increasingly rare to find examples of this model in such sound cosmetic condition, and this particular car runs and drives very smartly.