Citrin Metallic Survivor: 1993 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible – SOLD!

October 27, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put the top down for at least a few more weeks before the cold weather states (and if you live in sunny Florida, your convertible season is just beginning.) The Saab 900 Turbo convertible is one of the quintessential four-seater convertibles of the early 90s, a rad icon if there ever was one, and this 1993 model originally listed in October 2021 on Craigslist in Westford, Massachusetts is listed for $8,750 and said to have accumulated just 10,000 miles in the last 20 years.   Comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this private seller has his 900 Turbo priced just above the “High Retail” price of $8,250, which may not reflect the current state of the collector market for this Swedish drop-top.

The Saab 900 is a wonderful choice for a daily driver-friendly modern classic. The way to fly in one of these is to opt for the later dual-overhead-cam turbocharged four-cylinder, ideally paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The four-cylinder engine may not awaken the aural senses like a V8, but it has plenty of punch and is a joy to use around town. In addition, there are factory upgrades available, such as the famed “red box” computer module that came on the limited edition 1993 and 1994 Commemorative Edition models and should be good for another 10 horsepower or so. The other good news about the 900 is that they remain so popular – despite Saab going belly up – that there are numerous parts vendors specializing in harvesting good used parts from junk cars in order to keep running 900s on the road. You have to do your own sleuthing, but those parts suppliers are not hard to find.

Saab did a wonderful job promoting their 900 drop-top as a four-season convertible, as this 1993 ad currently posted on the Saab History YouTube Channel shows:

This particular 900 features the preferred combination of the turbocharged engine and five-speed manual gearbox. In addition, it sports a rare color you hardly ever see known as Citrin Metallic, which is a nice change of pace from the usual reds and whites that numerous Saab 900 convertibles were ordered in. The seller is the kind of individual you want to buy a vintage car from, with a detailed description identifying the numerous ways he has kept this classic 900 in excellent running condition. The convertible top is fairly recent and the transmission has been rebuilt, along with a new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing all having been installed at the same time. The seller notes it is a longtime California car that has no rust, and he is only selling it due to lack of use. Good luck with the purchase if you bring this 900 Turbo convertible home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1993 SAAB 900 Turbo Convertible for sale. 98K original miles. I am the second owner and bought it in 2001 with 89K miles. I have owned many SAABs in my life and this has been my favorite by far. That’s right – I have only driven this less than 10K miles in the 20 years I have owned it. 5spd, Citrin metallic looks great with matching tan leather interior. New black OEM Haartz top was also installed when I bought it. I have the matching original tan boot covers w/case for when top is down. Dunlop Sport A2 tires w/7.5K miles on them. Aero92 alloys. Pinion gear had noise when I bought it so had transmission rebuilt (bad pinion) and had new clutch, pressure plate and t/o bearing installed then. Shifting and ride is flawless. Turbo spools nicely. Brakes and exhaust hangers and other repairs/routine maintenance done as well.

This car has no rust at all. Previous owner was exec in California where car spent its first 8 years. I have kept it garaged since and it has only been driven in nice weather. It has never seen winter or salt. It does come with a few flaws that are pretty common – a few dash cracks, Citrin clear coat crazing, a few dings on hood and crease in passenger door (no paint damage), Tach does not work and A/C is not cold (I miss neither). Other than that, it is a solid original car – it even has all original SAAB Finland glass. Leather is in nice shape for 28 years old – no rips or seam tears. Has Alpine stereo w/6disc CD changer, Pioneer speakers and Hella fog lamps. Also have factory service manual, original owner’s manuals, spare/tools and service records. I am selling because I need the garage space and want to see this beauty in the hands of a new owner that will drive it more and appreciate what a fun car this is to drive. Solid, rust-free pre-GM turbo 900 rag tops are becoming rare and this is one of the most collectible and iconic SAABs to own (Sideways, Seinfeld, etc.) $8,750. Can provide more photos on request.“

Do you have a Saab 900 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!