1990 Saab 900 SPG (T) - Driver's Seat Retro Review

$39,995 CDN MSRP
5-Speed Manual
900 Aero or 900 SPG
In 1984, Saab introduced a high performance model known in Europe as the Aero. In North America, the model designation became SPG (Special Performance Group - per Saab's own literature) due to a model and trademark conflict with GM. The Aero/SPG was the first Saab to be delivered with the 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) 16-valve turbo motor. The concept Aero/SPG vehicles were met with huge acceptance by the motoring community.
There were many differences between the regular 900 turbo and SPG, Most notable was the body kit that wrapped around the car and the specialty rims. The engine was tuned to put out higher hp, some have reported that the engines internals were different and that Saab used better materials to withstand the higher output. The SPG also had a lowered and stiffer suspension.
These prototypes were painted a mother of pearl white and had red leather interiors with matching Colorado Red dashboards. Unfortunately, in testing, the pearlescent white was found to be too difficult to repair in terms of color, and as such, this color was never offered to the public for sale. Only 29 of these prototype Aero/SPGs were manufactured and are considered quite rare by collector standards. The factory retained, and subsequently crushed, 22 of the white prototypes. The remaining seven vehicles were employed as press vehicles for the series launch. Four of the prototypes were sent to the United States. One was wrecked in 1993. The other three are owned by collectors in California, New York and Rhode Island. The three European SPG vehicles are also collector owned, one of which receiving a comprehensive restoration between 2007 and 2010. Hällberga bildemontering Sweden junked one in 1999 (Owners own remark).
In 1984, the first year of consumer production, the Aero/SPG was delivered in black and in silver (in markets other than USA). In Australia the 1985 silver models had a dark red interior, including full red leather. In the US the black cars were featured with tan leather interiors. In Canada and in the rest of the world, the cars were black with red leather interiors. In the US market the SPG was offered in; Black in 1985, Grey in 1986 - 1987, Grey, Black(400) and Silver(1) in 1988, Grey and Black in 1989, Red and Black in 1990 and Red(40), Black(105) and Beryl Green(109) in 1991. Production of the SPG was extremely limited and paint color availability varied by year. The final year of production was 1991 in the USA. In total, over the course of six years, 7,625 SPGs were built and imported to North America. In the rest of the world, Aeros were equally rare-especially those loaded with leather interiors, A/C and other luxuries considered standard by upscale North American consumers. The SPG is fondly regarded by car collectors and Saab enthusiasts
RETRO ROAD TEST'S & CAR REVIEW'S

[@TheBTG88]

The key between the seats - 1) Key does not impale into the knee in an accident 2) Prevents steering column hot-wiring as ignition is integrated into the transmission tunnel 3) Putting the car in reverse before extracting the key ensures that the car does not roll away if parking brake is not fully engaged.

[@andershelde8122]

You are absolutely right. And number 4 would be that is ergonomically the right place to put the ignition: you start the car, you release the handbrake and you put the car in gear, all in one simple motion. And the keyhole is much easier to find, because you can actually see it, in both day and nighttime.

[@cinemar]

Plus the dude is wrong when he says SAAB abandoned the centre console ignition in later models. He's referring to the 9000 where SAAB had no choice but to put the ignition in the conventional steering column because they were restricted as per the Lancia, Alfa Romeo platform they built the 9000 on. Once the 9000 was done with they went right back to centre console ignition.

[@thackerybrown2860]

It's interesting they say the key between the seats has been abandoned in newer models - when that's not the case. I had a '92 (still there) and now have one of the last SAABs made (2011) and it's still got the key in that same spot

[@apl175]

I think by "newer models" in 1990, meant the 9000 series, which had it in the more usual place.

[@jesusramonsuarezlopez9892]

Una marca de primera una pena su desaparición... soy dueño de un saab 93 tid 11 años y otro me duro 9 años..