SAAB 900 T16S

It is with great sorrow that I have to put my Saab 900 T16S “flat front” up for sale.   It is for sale simply because I have had to accept the limitations and pain a lower back and coccyx problem (arthritis) is causing me and that it is not going to get better no matter how much I wish it would  and I have now got to use an automatic. This car is the epitome of the classic Saab for me. Way back in the early 80's a car dealer friend of mine let me have a go in his new 900 T16S and I was smitten. It was sensational compared to my Ford Granada of the time. I swore that I would own one some day. Well many years later when I had the funds. I just could not find what I wanted. Flat front T16S's are rare and getting rarer. It took me over 4 years but finally a well known classic car dealer from Stroud let me know he had one for sale. I bought the car in 2004 with 104k miles on the clock and have thoroughly enjoyed driving and showing it for the last 9 years averaging about 1000 miles a year. It is used to attend Saab Owners Club events and other classic car events and shows and for the occasional run over the Brecon Beacons. It is secured away from late October till April/May each year so that it is never troubled by winter and the salt on our roads. When it is taken out of its storage each year. it is serviced and MOT'd by South Wales Saab Specialists who have and still do look after all my Saab cars magnificently. The car has wanted for nothing.

Having owned 29 Saabs including many. many 900's. I can honestly say this car has one of the sweetest engines and gearboxes of any I have owned or driven. I know all the usual 900 rust spots and can confirm that the car does not suffer with rust (bonnet. door bottoms. boot floor. wheel arches etc etc). The interior is in great original condition. with the leather being soft and supple due to regular feeding and cleaning throughout its life. When I showed the car at the recent Saab International event at Wicksteed Park a few people commented that the car still smelt like a Saab should and the curator of the Saab Museum stated my car was in better condition than the one in the museum - his advise was to keep it as it is priceless and will go up in value. The headlining which is a Saab 900 weakness is fine with the exception of the sunroof panel which has gone baggy. The electric sun roof works fine but if I were keeping the car. then I had arranged with Steve Lewis (well known in Saab circles) for this to be redone.

I have a tremendous file some 3 inches thick detailing the life of the car starting with its very first MOT in 1989 at 18752 miles. Service records. MOT's. details of any little jobs done. chnages of owner etc are all there so the provenance of the car is spectacular.  

I visited the Saab festival in Sweden in 2006 and bought a brand new rear spoiler and front bumper. These have been fitted and the original bumper will go with the car. I also have a perfect full set of spare wheels which will also go with the car. I have fitted smoked side indicator and clear front indicator lenses but again I have the originals for the new owner.

When I bought the car. it was fitted with an exhaust rear box that I had never seen. It finishes with two tapered “trumpets” for want of a better description. It makes the classic 900 “burble” even sweeter to hear and has a lovely note between 3000 and 3500 revs which I find addictive around country roads when the sound bounces back off the walls. In Sweden I was told that this was in fact a very rare Saab sports box but have not been able to confirm this but have never seen another either.   

The paintwork is all good with the exception of a small mark from a bird "present" on the bonnet which doesn't want to polish out but is only visible in sunlight and if you're looking for it like me.

Everything works as it should. and I mean everything even including the vacuum driven cruise control. It is fitted with an expensive radio CD player which I chose so that it didn't look out of place.

You will see that the same condition I am suffering is causing me to sell one of my favourite motorbikes as well. I had always thought that I would be buried in this car and I still love it with a passion. But every time I use it I end up in pain. So to take away the temptation. I have agreed with my wife that it would be best to let someone else take over as caretaker for the car. I am hoping whoever buys it will be as passionate as me and will let me see the car in the future.

Well I don't know what else to say other than I have turned down offers of £3750 and £3900. I think the price I am asking is a reasonable one but will listen to close offers. It will be the passion of the new potential owner that may sway me but please bear in mind that I am not in need of the money so am not desperate to sell.   I am willing to consider taking a part exchange of something Saab that is interesting but automatic (classic 900. 9000 especially a Griffin or the like). Car will have to be in show condition for me to consider it.

Any questions please do not hesitate to give me a ring on 07801 091969 or send an email. I am staying in rural Leicestershire till Saturday 17th with my wife looking after her 92 year old mum whilst her brother is away on holiday. Took extra photos of the car on the day we left but forgot to bring the connecting lead  to be able to use them so I can send further pictures anyone wants but only when I get home on Saturday and I'll add a few more to the listing then as well.

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