Saab 900 T16: The Last Great Ruby Opportunity | Gasoline Juice Ep.08

Saab 900 T16: The Last Great Ruby Opportunity

The iconic Saab 900 Turbo 16 is rapidly becoming a sought-after classic car. It seems that word is out on the models' unique styling and unusual engineering with values of good models continuing to rise. The 'normal' 900 T16S is not regularly spotted at car shows and is definitely not a common sight on UK roads. What we have here though is not a normal T16S.

This 1993 Ruby edition is number 108 of the last 150 turbocharged 16-valve 900's ever produced. Named Ruby after is mica-metallic red paint and fitted with a host of extras, some of which are unique to this model. As few as 30 Ruby's are reportedly left on UK roads.

Differing to the T16S, the Ruby doesn't have the bodykit (which normally hide a host of rust issues) but does feature body-coloured bumpers and uses the T16S sports suspension and turbocharged engine. Although on the Ruby, the boost is controlled by an uprated 'red box' controller (also fitted to the Carlsson edition), giving an extra 10bhp, taking peak power to 185bhp. The interior is special too, with Bridge of Weir Scottish 'Buffalo' leather upholstery and unique Italian Zegna wool inserts for the front and rear seats. Considering the rarity of the Zegna cloth, we are delighted to say that the ones in this Ruby are in great condition.

Number 108 is even more special as it's been treated to some very tasty (and expensive) period correct upgrades. Visually, the biggest difference is the alloy wheels. Gone are the 15" standard versions to be replaced with the rare 16" Aero alloys. These are not only an inch bigger in diameter, they are also an inch wider with a dish and offset that really sets the car off. It's not unusual to see these wheels fetch four figures on the second market alone due to their rarity and demand. The exhaust note on the car has been improved too, with a stainless system made by Saab specialist Abbott Racing. You can really hear the distinctive Saab 900 Turbo sixteen burble on idle, but it retains a very civilised noise level when out on the open road. Abbott were also chosen for some mild engine tuning as well, with uprated camshafts being fitted. There is talk that the boost controller has been tweaked by Abbott too, although the vendor stresses that he has no evidence for this. Having been out for a test drive with the vendor, I can clearly vouch for the gauge entering the 'red zone' effortlessly, proof positive that the car is boosting very well indeed on its new turbo.

What really sets 108 off though, is its condition. Subject to a £25k+ bodywork restoration by Saab experts www.2refinish.co.uk, it's about as close to 'as new' as you are likely to see. Taking a classic car to this level is expensive and often more money than the car is worth. But owners do it to scratch an itch, to own a car they have often dreamt about and to enjoy the process of making a good car great again. Occasionally, cars like this come up for sale and it's the buyer who benefits and we are delighted to offer this car for sale at Gasoline Juice Classic Cars. This is a unique opportunity to own a car with all the hard and expensive work already done to a very high standard and at a price that is substantially cheaper than sourcing a good car and paying for the work yourself.

As a weekend toy/show car, this Ruby edition 900 will provide the new owner with a fantastic driving experience. More than that, with turbocharged 900's being a rare sight at car shows already, the chance of parking next to another Ruby would be unlikely – exclusivity almost guaranteed!

But, with the legendary build quality and usability of Saab 900's covering hundreds of thousands of miles in their stride, there is another option. With all the maintenance work already done, why not use number 108 as a daily driver? We have Gasoline Juice customers who do exactly that with their 900s. Preferring the old-school charm of a classic car that has benefitted from years of continuous development by Saab. Making cars that seem to last forever isn't the best business model – but I suppose that's part of the reason this iconic brand is no longer with us.

For more information, please view the video where the vendor, Tom, talks at length about the car and what's been done to it. The car is available for viewing over the weekend at our Weedon Depot Headquarters or by appointment at other times.
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