Classic 900 question.

[Baby Huey]

I've been thinking about getting a classic 900 turbo for a very long time. I prefer the looks of the early flat front style, but the youngest of these will now be 25 years old.

So I am thinking about getting a later version, with more power and a nicer interior, and making a replica of an early one.

Were there any modifications made to later cars that would make fitting a flat front difficult? The rear lights look similar on both cars but I think the bumpers are different.

Any advice gratefully received.

[Boosted LS1]

The headlights are vertical on early cars and tilt back a bit on late cars. You may find quite a few subtle changes.

[TheD]

They made the Saab classic up until 92/93 I think before GM took over. I think if you want a classic you should buy a classic. I just cant see the point you are making somehow. Strange

[Boosted LS1]

The OP refers to early and later classics before the GM product came along.

[Baby Huey]

Boosted LS1 said:

The OP refers to early and later classics before the GM product came along.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about.

Looking something like this would be great.



A rear view.



The back lights always look a bit wonky on these.

Edited by Baby Huey on Thursday 25th March 22:50

[Boosted LS1]

I had a black one just like that. The doors were noticably thicker then my later classics.

[Baby Huey]

Very nice.

They look great in black.

[Baby Huey]

The headlights and grill look very similar to the early 9000. I don't know if they would fit.

[Baby Huey]

Does any version of the Classic 900 come with leather as standard? Looking around most seem to have velour trim.

[TheD]

I have a convertible turbo and I believe that all the turbos came with leather. I might be wrong but all the ones I have seen had the leather. You could always pick up a set of seats and swap them over

[900T-R]

I did it the other way 'round - I had a 1985 flat front 900T 8v and subsequently converted it to the later rear-handbrake brake system with 9000 front brakes and wheels, a 16v engine that evolved to feature forged Cosworth pistons and a modified 9-5 cylinder head etc over the next dozen of years or so.

[Baby Huey]

900T-R said:

I did it the other way 'round - I had a 1985 flat front 900T 8v and subsequently converted it to the later rear-handbrake brake system with 9000 front brakes and wheels, a 16v engine that evolved to feature forged Cosworth pistons and a modified 9-5 cylinder head etc over the next dozen of years or so.

Good work. What sort of BHP was that giving?

[cbcbcb]

If you've got money to spend talk to Dan at http://www.paradisesaabs.com/

[900T-R]

Baby Huey said:

900T-R said:

I did it the other way 'round - I had a 1985 flat front 900T 8v and subsequently converted it to the later rear-handbrake brake system with 9000 front brakes and wheels, a 16v engine that evolved to feature forged Cosworth pistons and a modified 9-5 cylinder head etc over the next dozen of years or so.

Good work. What sort of BHP was that giving?

295 with 339 lbs/ft of torque.

[Baby Huey]

900T-R said:

Baby Huey said:

900T-R said:

I did it the other way 'round - I had a 1985 flat front 900T 8v and subsequently converted it to the later rear-handbrake brake system with 9000 front brakes and wheels, a 16v engine that evolved to feature forged Cosworth pistons and a modified 9-5 cylinder head etc over the next dozen of years or so.

Good work. What sort of BHP was that giving?

295 with 339 lbs/ft of torque.

Blimey.

That's something to aim for.

[900T-R]

[Baby Huey]

That looks great. Have you still got it?

[900T-R]

No, sold it 18 months or so ago. According to the Dutch road authorities the car must be off the road now - the new MOT that I kindly provided with it has run out, although it still seems to be insured...

[marlinspike]

I have had two c900 turbo's - a 1986 and a 1990 - neither had leather interiors. If a leather interior is essential, I would get a decent car and then source a good leather interior as there are plenty around.

Personally I prefer the shape of the later models to the flat-front early ones.

[McVities]

It is pretty straightforward to swap the later slope-front to the early flat-front - the only differences are in the bumpers, grille and lights.
You can get the parts and do it yourself or as suggested above have a word with Dan at ParadiseClub.
Leather interiors do come up for sale from time to time on the various forums:
www.uksaabs.co.uk
www.saabscene.com
www.saabcentral.com

or Dan has lots