More than an old car #155: Saab 9000

Things have become more busy from now on and thus I may not post that frequently...however I have literally hundreds of cars in my archives that I would really like to write about, so I seek your patience! Let us focus on this rather unique 1988 Saab 9000 CC that I came across recently!

The genesis of the 9000 first began in 1974 as a replacement for the Saab 99, known as New Generation Saab. The project was delayed and restarted in 1977 as an intended merger with Volvo, known as the X29. When the merger failed, Saab then began talks with Fiat-owned Lancia. It was first released to the public in 1984, and it represented Saab's foray into the executive car market after receiving positive feedback from the earlier 900 model. Saab shared a platform with Fiat and as such, its body was also designed by Giorgetto Giugario. Despite the 9000's similarity to its Italian cousins (Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema), only 7 car parts were interchangeable. This was partly due to the radically different front end for crash protection purposes.

The 9000 was initially available only as a 5-door hatchback known as the CC (Combi Coupe), although a variety of engines and special versions were offered. In 1987, a sedan version was introduced, known as the CD (Corps Diplomatique). A facelifted liftback was also introduced in 1991, known as the CS (Combi Sedan) featuring new grilles, headlights and a modified rear end. The 9000 CC was powered by a 1985 cc B202 i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 190 km/h with an acceleration of 9.4 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4620 mm long and weighed 1320 kg, with a fuel consumption of 8.6 litre/100 km.

Production of the Saab 9000 ended in 1998 where it was succeeded by the 9-5. A total of 503,087 were made, of which 216,385 were the 9000 CC liftback. It was sold here back in 1987 by Minerva Motor Pte Ltd, at a price of S$147,150 [S$279,028 in today's money]. Local reviews praised its ride comfort and luxurious looks, although there was a tendency for understeer when driven around corners. Another gripe was its higher price compared to German competitors.

This unit could very well be the only one left in Singapore, as Saab 9000s were not as highly regarded as its well-established competitors in the Mercedes W124 and BMW E34. Evidently, it has not moved for quite some time as seen by the thick layer of dust on it, even though its lifespan had been extended. While you may not be able to see this one on the roads any time soon, I hope this has been informative in bringing these cars closer to home!

More than an old car #103: Saab 96

Having featured the well-known Saab 900 previously, I hope that it has educated you on this car brand that seems to be stuck between being popular and obscure. However, surprises do keep coming, such as this 1967 Saab 96, which is possibly the oldest Saab car in Singapore!

The Saab 96 (internally known as Project 93C) was first introduced in 1960, as a replacement for the 93 and was the 3rd production car by Saab. It featured greater storage space and a larger rear window for better visibility. Some time in 1965, it underwent a facelift that featured a more intricate front end and a longer engine bay, in anticipation for a larger engine. A major facelift also happened in 1974, where the headlights became rectangular and the chrome bow was replaced with black plastic. 

It was praised for its unique aerodynamic shape, giving little wind noise at high speeds and the adjustable back seats, allowing one to load more goods if necessary. The Saab 96 proved popular due to its durability and ease of maintenance, and was suitably equipped for the Nordic conditions such as heating mechanisms, large tyres and abundant ground clearance.

An unusual feature was the 'freewheel', where the transmission could run faster than the engine, providing an advantageous fuel consumption when going downhill for instance. As such, it proved popular at rally events, experiencing success throughout the 60s. It was equipped with a 841 cc Saab i3 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 127 km/h with an acceleration of 24.1 seconds [0-60 mph]. It was 4170 mm long and weighed 873 kg.

Production of the Saab 96 ended in 1980 with 547,221 units made. Currently, this is 1 of 2 units that are left in Singapore, where the other unit is a facelifted version with the rectangular lights. It was first introduced here in 1961 by Malayan Motors, where it had a retail price of $6,950 [approximately $30,000 in today's money]. I am inclined to think that few people would know what this odd-looking machine is, given how Saab is dying out here. It is also surprising that the owner has kept it it good condition, even sporting its original plate number! This unit seems to be driven once in a while and if you're lucky, you can perhaps see it on the road!

More than an old car #31: Saab 900

Open-top, or convertible cars remain popular on our roads given the humid climate and how good it is to feel the wind in your hair when you are driving. This 1990s Saab 900S convertible and 1989 900 Turbo sedan are unique classics-although it doesn't look very old, it remains popular till today and successfully established itself as an icon of the 1990s.

Saab, an acronym for "Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget" (Swedish Aeroplane Company Limited) was founded in 1937 by the Swedish government. It started out manufacturing aircraft in anticipation of World War 2. After the war ended, it entered the automobile manufacturing market in 1945. Saab went bankrupt in 2011, where it is currently owned by a Chinese consortium called National Electric Vehicle Sweden. Saab is a well-known icon of Sweden and its vehicles are subjected to high safety standards such as the 'elk test'. 

The Saab 900 was first produced in 1978, where it featured a number of unique characteristics such as a deeply-curved windshield to provide maximum visibility, a curved dashboard and a special door design. There were different variants such as a 4-door sedan, a convertible and a 3/5-door hatchback. The convertible version only appeared in 1985 when it was noted that this would be popular among American consumers. Making one was not easy as additional safety features had to be considered. It was powered by a 1985cc 4-cylinder engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 200km/h with an acceleration of 9.6 seconds [0-100km/h]. It was 4.69m long and weighed 1340kg. 

Production of the Saab 900 ended in 1993, with more than 908,000 produced including 48,888 convertibles. Saab has an unusual market following consisting of intellectuals and enthusiasts. There are quite a number of them on our roads despite its rarity and you can identify it by its unique wedge shape. Driving an almost-30 year old car requires much dedication and love, and I hope to see more in the future!