Saab 900 History

Launched in 1978 on a stretched and reworked version of the 99 platform, the first-generation Saab 900 was engineered to meet US frontal crash regulations — which gave it a characteristically long front overhang — and to accommodate air conditioning and turbocharged engines. It arrived as a direct descendant of the 99 Turbo concept, offering the turbocharged 2.0-litre four from day one alongside naturally aspirated versions. The Turbo's combination of performance, refinement, and quirkiness made it a cult car among architects, academics, and anyone who considered themselves not a BMW buyer.

A convertible (cabriolet) variant was added for 1986, produced by Valmet in Finland, and went on to become one of the defining drop-top choices of the late 1980s and early 1990s — nearly 50,000 were made. By the time first-generation production ended in 1994, over 900,000 classic 900s had been built, making it the most successful Saab to that point.

The second-generation 900 (often called the NG900 or GM900 by enthusiasts) arrived for 1994 on GM's GM2900 platform, a joint development with Opel. It shared architecture with the Opel Vectra but received unique Saab styling, a revised interior, and the same turbocharged engine family. Critics noted the loss of the original's idiosyncratic character, but the NG900 sold well and was substantially revised — renamed the Saab 9-3 — for 1998.