SAAB 900 CARLSSON - The Ultimate Evolution Of The 80s Turbo!

As a lifelong Saab enthusiast, this brought a huge smile to my face when I saw the notification.

I had a 900 16 valve. In the rain someone lost control joining the motorway, spun and hit the barrier in front of me. No time to react. At 120km/h I hit them. When the car stopped, I simply opened the door and got out. Somewhat stunned, but I was glad to be in a Saab that day. Replaced with another 900.

I was a Saab salesman for 30 years and loved the cars dearly

Of all the manufacturers that we’ve lost over the last few decades, this has got to be the one that hurts the most. Everyone’s favourite other manufacturer. Love the engineering and the quality on these. Sorely missed.

The classic 900 is truly an underrated car. It’s great to see them beginning to get some appreciation.

I’ll never forget when living in San Francisco in 2002 one of the old Saab guys from Sweden was on vacation with his wife.. saw me parallel parking and I saw him let go of his wife’s arm and speedily walk towards me.. started to speak to me in broken style English but his eyes were a light.. he was just heartbroken when they closed. Mentioned how there was hope as many people wanted to buy Saab but it never worked out. I was driving a 1992 Saab 900 turbo 5 speed convertible. He was just so excited to meet me and ask me if I had any issues.. he opened the hood.. got on his knees to look underneath.. like he was reliving a past life. Saab was a great car.. had pep! Loved the manual.. loved the car:( miss them.

Had a 9000 Carlson, picked it up for a song, treated it poorly and truly regret losing it. One of two cars I wished I'd kept.

I have used my 85 Turbo as my daily for the last 7 years. My dad had one. I was too young to drive it at the time, they say never meet your childhood heroes. In this case I wasn't disappointed.

As a long-term Saab tragic, I at one point owned 24 900s. Got it whittled down to a Turbo Aero 3-door coupe, a std 3-door turbo coupe, a 5-door turbu combi coupe, and a turbo convertible. Also have 5 other convertibles, including 2 rare Monte Carlo Yellow ones. They are all superb to drive and own, and are unbeatable for long-distance fast travel, with enough space for a double mattress in the back (of the coupes).

The 1980’s Black 900’s used as police cars in Vail Colorado were AWSOME!! Complete with riot-gun mount and roof light-bar. 😁

Growing up in the 90s, I never lusted after anything like a Lamborghini or Ferrari, but only ever Saabs! All seemed so special: the 90, 92, 96, 99, 900 and 9000, - man - just so interesting and different. Greatly missed.

That's possibly the coolest car, no wait, the coolest thing on the planet

The first mass-produced turbocharged gasoline-powered passenger vehicles were the 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire and Chevrolet Corvair Monza.

The 900 was my first car in the 90's. I liked it so much that I kept it.

I had a 900 Turbo in the States. To many, it was just a used car that had a slightly unusual shape. But once I showed people the unique features, they were very surprised. Don't recall turbo lag being a problem but it was a long time ago. One important item left off the video was that the hatch was incredible useful and surprisingly large capacity.

Another great video, Jack. No denying that the 900 has some great engineering, a whole host of quirks, and a desirable 'X' factor.

My dad had a black one of these in the early 90s. I'd not long been driving, once went to 'turn it round' after giving it a wash. It totally ran away with me plus was covered in dust by the time it was back home. Have had a 93 Aero since. Not the same but regret selling it still.

Thanks for taking us back to a much better time! In 1991, I bought a new Saab Aero Turbo in red and it was the best car I ever owned. Notwithstanding the well-known torque steer, this car was an awesome tourer with 80kph to 140kph acceleration that even today, would put a smile on your face. When the warranty expired, I had the dealer fit a "Carlsson" type ECU, that boosted the output to a bit over 180HP. So much fun!

70's (and early 80's) car design engineering was fantastic and SAAB were leaders in the field.

Carlsson really knew how to jazz up a SAAB. Looks absolutely amazing in a sort 80's sierra cosworth way. The 9000 Carlsson was also a great looking machine.