The Saab 900 SPG deserves your love | The Next Big Thing | Ep. 205

The Saab 900 SPG is an underrated value in the classic car space and Magnus Walker joins Mark Skinner, proprietor of Zurich Classic Motors, to tour hip Brooklyn and talk about why the over-engineered Swedish cars "born from jets" deserve your attention. The episodes finishes with a dinner overlooking Manhattan from the wonderful Skyline Drive-In in Greenpoint.
Saab story: www.hagerty.com/media/archive...
Saab 99 EMS - Valuation Tools: www.hagerty.com/apps/valuatio...
Special Thanks:
skylinedriveinnyc.com/
zurichclassicmotors.com/
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Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:20 Bushwick in the Saab 99 EMS
02:40 The Saab Mecca of Greenpoint
04:37 Saab 900 driving impressions
07:44 A "Quick" stop
08:24 Conclusion
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#TheNextBigThing #MagnusWalker #BornFromJets

[@RafitoOoO]

This design is so eye catching. Idk how to explain, it's not beautiful, it's not ugly either, it's mesmerizing in a weird way lol. All I know is I love its looks but don't know why.

[@alextaylor1300]

I once read that the shape is so unique and that it basically ran unaltered for so many years that it is now a classic symbol in the automotive world, dare say in the territory of 911s. The only difference being a much smaller audience who appreciate them.

[@ivanlievendag9820]

It has a very sporty silhouette, and yet the windscreen stands basically vertical and is almost at a 90 degrees with the hood. Very quirky indeed!

[@sharg0]

@@ivanlievendag9820 Only the pillar, the windscreen itself is more slanted much in the same way as on many small aircrafts (like SAABs Draken and Viggen).

[@RetrocarStyle]

And somehow...I understand EXACTLY what you mean...without being able to explain it much further than you did....

[@sharg0]

@@RetrocarStyle Most cars have a rather flat windscreen, the one on the classic 900 is very curved if you look at it from the top and its sides wrap inwards from the centre thereby creating the difference between the angle of the windscreen itself and the A-pillars.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

This may be literally the first car that fits the "The next big thing" title in the show's history.

[@jareknowak8712]

Tru dat!

[@dave99887]

Agreed.....

[@HonJazzz]

"The Saab 900 SPG might have grey hair, but it still looks damn good in a black leather jacket." -Evan Acuña

[@blarkdexture8899]

All Saabs deserves your love

[@ronlynch7744]

The main thing with the Saab’s are that no one can mistake it for another car. Good one Magnus. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@Tu11iy]

Depends really. There are certain saabs you could mistake for a e34 from the rear.

[@Tu11iy]

@D 1997 saab 9000 I believe. I mean that's what Google gives me, didn't have time to read the badge on the saab I mistook for a e34 by the tail lights while driving. Only figured it was a saab after seeing the front of it in the mirror.

[@pederfallbom]

@@Tu11iy Well the Saab 9000 came out in 1985 so I guess the E34 looks like the Saab and not the other way around. The updated look in the rear came with the 1991 9000 Aero.

[@RetrocarStyle]

Youre absolutely correct.

[@0HOON0]

Even when Saab was forced to make rebadged Opels, they still found ways to make them special.

[@IanCharlesPearce]

I just wished they found a way to make money and still exist.

[@dukeofspeed2072]

They still exist

[@jakobholgersson4400]

@@IanCharlesPearce I'm still baffled at how GM failed. Just a few years before GM bought Saab, Toyota introduced Lexus. GM's vision for Saab was the same: to create a brand to compete with the prestigious Germans. And in spite of having all the resources in the world, GM bodged the job by doing the exact opposite of Toyota. Where Lexus first car was made on a bespoke platform, Saab were forced cancel the platform they had been developing to use the shittiest platform made in all of Europe. Where Lexus' first car took about a decade to develop, the mkII Saab 900 was forced out the door in less than a year and a half. Where Lexus to my knowledge haven't offered a single FWD-only vehicle, Saab had to stick to FWD until mere months before GM decided to terminate the brand. Where Lexus' range constantly expanded, Saab were stuck making two models.

[@olofiswatching]

@@dukeofspeed2072 Not in any meaningful way. SAAB got bought out by NEVS in 2012. While the the 9-3 is still being produced it's as an EV built in China for the Chinese market only. And they don't have the rights to the SAAB brand so they sell them as NEVS.

[@pereldh5741]

GM’s a peculiar company tho.. Those in the know hints they had a habit of moving around red & black numbers to fit their purposes. And it was clear long ago that Saab was a case of ”rip all great patents and dump’em”… And Saab had a lot of patents. Travelling U.S. in 2011 I was surprised to see as many Saab’s as Volvo’s…. Which just doesn’t add up!

[@woofwgn]

I've owned three Classic 900's, and that driver's door squeak still makes me tear up 😢

[@vert_f31]

I fell in love with Saab when I got a $700 1992 Saab 900s, working on that car taught me so much and I treated it was my child. Up until I needed a trans rebuild and couldn’t even afford to pay my insurance and stupidly got rid of it for a shitty $200, getting rid of that car was the biggest regret of my life. Ever since then I’ve been trying my absolute hardest to get a 90’ spg 900 turbo and it’s these videos that keep giving me the motivation to save for it

[@zoltanvarga1606]

The orange of the 99 is just stunning as it negotiates its way on the streets. Also the shots of the 900 taken on the waterfront is iconic. Great video, thank you.

[@one87dnb1]

Finally Saab gets some attention, great cars!

[@cavemanvi]

finally they do a next big thing on something that actually has potential of being that. fox body mustang has been the next big thing since it came out

[@martinpadrerico9811]

Here in Europe they are a big thing since years. Actually can’t remember they weren’t a big thing ever.

[@jaykay19772]

You must Love the Saabs, great film, Thank You🙏 He even had 900 Finnish ´Poliisi` model car on the bookshelf! 🇫🇮

[@2HRenovation]

Hagerty out of nowhere with killer content. 👍

[@Fistfury42]

I just love these! The most underrated engineered car-company in the world. Aero-engineers turned auto-mobile, with no excuses!

[@404_username_no_bueno]

just picked up a 1994 Saab 900 Classic convertible a few months ago, been obsessed with researching these vehicles. it’s awesome to see some modern recognition!!!

[@dashiznit89]

I met Magnus last Saturday morning at the drip and coffee meet in pdx. He saw and liked my red 99. Super cool

[@t1mpetti]

Got any videos of your red 99?

[@dashiznit89]

@@t1mpetti No. I got some pictures. Maybe I'll go out and make a video just for you.

[@acchaladka]

@@dashiznit89 write back to this thread if you do. I can only get so excited about the 9-3 turbo and almost everything else Saab built.

[@ISAK.M]

I love the fact that new videos about SAAB still come out, as a Swede and massive SAAB fan its amazing to watch. I haven't looked for new videos in a long time and then this only came out 1 week and 1 day ago crazy.

[@DavidJay00]

Cool to see john malkovich pursuing his true passion

[@tmajec]

😄 I read your comment as soon as the interview started.

[@joecutro7318]

I hear he and Adam Sandler both now work for Haggerty. 😲

[@Minnevan]

Malkovich has some good taste in cars

[@einpercy825]

This video pictured the essence of Saab perfectly. It's awesome.

[@geoffreytritsch8252]

My Beryl Green 1991 SPG has over 239,000 miles on it and runs well, looks new, and is clean and rust-free. It's lovely to look at and a hoot to drive.

[@ashleyreardon9356]

What a beautiful collection of classic saabs.

[@penntano]

I drove a 95' Turbo 900 for a few years. Granted, it was a GM Saab but it had enough of the original flavour for me to have a lasting love of these Swedish beauties all these years later. Great piece!

[@cornishrider]

They were ok the GM900's except for the first year of production!

[@JDWorkshop-wn9tt]

Magnus is a really cool car guy. Great to have him on here!

[@mrchestwell]

I love the classic Aero 900 so much, and I’m lucky enough to have 3!

[@dandykema1090]

One of the coolest cars of the 1980s

[@magnusmalmstrom1150]

I love this! There are some of those 900s still around in Sweden but you don't see them too often. My dad worked at Saab military aircrafts and employees got discount so we had a lot of Saabs i our family. My first car was a 99 L from 1977 and today im driving a 93 cab. Keep up the good work Magnus!

[@pappy374]

They are a timeless design and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

[@nandansho]

How much is a SPG in Sweden worth,?

[@dcwebb1]

Absolutely LOVE Saab classic 900's, unique and unconventional cars! What a joy to drive.

[@TheNismo777]

Thank you Magnus! Saab deserves all the love :) I still want my 99 turbo!!!

[@herecomesgreg]

I’d love an extended cut of this episode. Of all Next Big Thing episodes in fact.

[@quinnduffy6689]

My first few cars were Saabs. 99 EMS, 900 Turbo, 900 16valve. I loved those cars!

[@gosh7001]

How is this channel not in the conversation of being one of the best in Automotive KZbin? Production quality is on point and I enjoy the story telling aspect of the videos. Thanks for creating this content.

[@internet_internet]

The 900 SPG has always had my love. Imagine if it was awd.

[@nonope4390]

If you want something in that spirit, the final run Saab 9-3 turbo X might be to your fancy

[@Veldkamp88]

There's always the Saaburu if you can find one not destroyed

[@internet_internet]

Speaking specifically about the 900 body. An awd version would have been pretty special.

[@benjaminstevens8641]

@@internet_internet I wish I’m making my 900s into a rally car with my buddies and the front wheel drive is gonna make it interesting

[@joshuagibson2520]

Just RWD.

[@curtislovrak5390]

Possibly the first car in this series that I think is still undervalued.

[@cornishrider]

Unfortunately not in England, very expensive!

[@puffthedragon9542]

I love Saab’s and I love this video. It might not tell the whole story but it tells a good one.

[@gurkpojken]

I work at the Saab airplanefactory and Saab cars for me is a big part of my life. I hoped it incl some of the pinnacle in saab-history in this video, like the saab 99 turbo , the 96 v4 , 9000 turbo (holded the world speedrecord 1986 at talladega)

[@ScoutingForZen]

I've wanted a Saab 99 Turbo for some time now, but the SPG is SWEET. Great film!

[@benchoiniere]

Saabnet has 3 99 Turbos in the classifieds right now :-)

[@jorgengabrielsson6660]

Hmmm.. my big brother had one of the pre produced 99 turbo cc-77 back in the day.. 200 hp at the wheels..🤤

[@justinedse3314]

They're out of business

[@noahman27]

Wonderful video. Brings back so many nostalgic memories of all the SAABs we had. I have to visit this place!!

[@jkarra2334]

Nice to see Saab's... Proud owner of: 1993 Saab 900S with 20.000mls on clock 2005 Saab 9-5 aero hirsch 2009 Saab 9-5 2.3 Wagon 2011 NG Saab aero AWD

[@king0cans]

I'm sure you and your boyfriend look good in them. 🌈

[@jkarra2334]

@@king0cans geez dude, it was your mama holding the stick Call me daddy son.

[@abcdefgene]

I love this show teaming Hagerty with Magnus. I dig how Saab always rethinks everything. Right down to the square climate vents. Just always cool. I wonder how many comments there are going to be that one of the SPGs multiple brake lights is out.

[@michaelbrown5601]

The character of the 900 SPG had my full admiration from its inception. These cars always exuded a sensible, classy quality. The early SPGs were the cars to beat in their time. A common criticism of other cars back then was often “it’s no Saab Turbo”

[@lamboferruccio]

Always loved these, when you’re driving it you know it’s something special

[@jetjazz05]

That's the strange thing about Saabs... they're kind of built around a temperament, a mindset, not around performance. I've always felt like you could go much faster than the brakes would allow... but in a weird way I think the creators never intended for you to use 100% of the power. It's more of a leisurely adequate power with not great breaks and lovely handling. Definitely about the experience of the drive, not how fast you can complete it.

[@stevebryan8]

Great to see mr Walker giving Saab it’s due.

[@TOM-C.]

I haven't thought about this car in decades, but do remember absolutely loving the design when I first saw an SPG. They were to expensive for my budget at the time, and for some reason I thought they were unreliable. Great to see them still on the road, a classic for sure.😀👍✌

[@truthseeker8483]

They are actually very very well made...although now it is 50 years old it may be unreliable....

[@johnrodgers6049]

I had a late 80s 900 turbo in the mid 90s. Loved that car. Turbo lag was phenomenal. Not terribly fast of the line until the turbo kicked in. Once it kicked in, it didn’t have torque steer so much as torque NO steer. It felt like the front end lightened up and the front wheels had no control of direction. Extremely comfortable car in Long trips. Ultimately the head liner drooped. It ended up over heating on the Jersey turnpike. Sold it for $9k with just shy of 100k miles. I replaced it with a Jetta. Didn’t have the same class and quality.

[@brucebeauvais1324]

Most sources define EMS as Electronic Manual Special. Most 99s of the era had Zenith Stromberg Carbs. The 99 E introduced Bosch D-Jectronic Fuel injection in 1970. The EMS introduced the 2.0 liter "B" engine in 1972 for Europe. The USA got the 2.0 for the 1973 Model Year. For the first two years, the EMS added a special interior ,the "soccerball" wheels, and a couple of color choices not offered on other models. The color of the EMS Magnus is driving was used on lesser models. Despite what it looks like, SAAB called it "Brilliant Yellow." We had a 1974 99 LE in that shade.

[@Thisath100]

I adore this series. Every video is different and always exciting. Magnus is a terrific host.

[@cbdoil4082]

He is awesome. I have yet to own a Porsche like he has and is known for. But my first car was an XJS, I had a Grand Wagoner and I have a Saab 9-3 convertible. Wonder he is is going to cover any other cars I have owned? I( I know he really didn’t cover the 9-3) but Saab’s never get their due.

[@nilsarnlund]

1:58 E61 M5 Noice

[@watchyourtonex6989]

Got one at an auction while I was in high-school with my pops. I really enjoyed driving that car

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

Awesome video! I’ve had 7 Saabs including a very quick 900 flat front spg and a 9000 aero. Great cars!

[@CherylCold]

In the UK we had Aero APC, Saab were ahead of their time with production car turbocharging. My dentist back around 1980 had a 99 turbo, it was very very cool parked outside his practice.

[@joshthemediocre7824]

I had a 03 9 3 aero vector while in the army in Germany, it had already had a stage 3 bolt on kit from a local tuner shop and made about 300 to the front wheels, that car would do 165mph and i had it there a couple times. Thats fast enough for me on public roads. It was also a very beautiful car even in silver.

[@oskargylin4913]

Such a cool car! I actually work in the same building that the engine in that, and other Saabs, were developed

[@WolfrCats]

really a die hard fan of the design of older Saab 900 models, much clean!

[@vavo4902]

A black SPG has a spot in my dream garage for sure. Amazing cars!

[@RetrocarStyle]

Absolutely loved this video....the background music selection made the video even more classy...thanks for sharing

[@racing3060]

Felice possessore della Saab 900 T 16 Aero dal 1989 al 2001. Ne sono ancora innamorato....💪💪👍🙏☝💚🤍❤🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@JS-hw8ve]

Always loved the classic Saab cars. Unique style and interesting performance.

[@tomgardner6294]

I had a black turbo. It was the first nice car I had in my life. That was such a great car, I’d get back in one in a minute but as noted they are hard to find. I agree that this serves the title. Thanks!

[@Anirossa]

I live in Norway and I am an early E34 die-hard enthusiast and I just love all 70s and 80s BMWs, been a pretty big fan of classic Citroen and Saab as well, looked more on the old v4 when comes to Saabs however, but seeing this Saab it's now also on my radar, damn I like thoughtful engineering, after I started studying mechanical engineering do I like new computer infested "cars" less and less, lol

[@captainchaos6991]

I've got a red T16S (that's what the aero/SPG is known as in the UK). Had it modified by the now defunct Trent Saab on their Stage 1 kit. It was a 220bhp kit, but was underrated and made around 240bhp. Somehow I've never grenaded the gearbox!

[@bogbrushify]

Ah! Thanks for clearing up that business about the name. I was wondering about that as I have the T16S.

[@paulsehstedt6275]

The Saab 900 SPG was the best looking Saab ever build. In Denmark, it was also available as a two-seater commercial van. Very popular among vets. Sadly, Saab isn't around anymore.

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

The Saab 900 has always been adored by fans of the brand and the turbo was fantastic but as for will it ever reach super expensive territory... I doubt it, but that's what makes them great they are very attainable for a person wanting to get into classic euro cars.

[@franconannelli8554]

9999999

[@icomaly1602]

Never super expensive. But the days that you could buy them for a couple of thousands are over in Europe. A good spg without rust and well maintained will cast around 20k or more

[@robdisner]

I sure miss my Saabs. You could camp out in the back of the 900s.

[@MichaelSilverMedia]

First time watching this channel. Love the music, stories and cinematography.

[@nathanvanegmond2678]

Gosh that is pristine. Selling my 1987 SPG currently...going to miss it! I will be buying another one.

[@willhansen5321]

A friend of mine owned a Saab 96 v4 in snowy northern Minnesota. Super car!

[@dawge30]

Man, oh man! SAABs were the cars I cut my teeth on. My first car was a 1982 900 4-door, and my second car was a 1984 900S 2-door hatch. Both had the 8-valve Jetronic-D. I miss them dearly...

[@wakjob961]

Excellent content as per the usual Magnus.

[@colterino]

Das ist gut !...Nice Car, Nice Szene, Nice Nice Nice..Rode around in a 99 back in the early 70's..Where was MY Swedish blonde ?..My bro had a 900 for YEARS..Bulletproof, stock and FUN...Laughed at snow...Great Iconic marque...Unbeatablely FAB !...Great Video...In Da Hood...Thanks

[@BaruKz]

This was a big game changer, very ahead of time. All of the Aero's are great cars if I could I would own one, will be no doubt the next big thing.

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

I had a 1960s 97 with 4 on the tree and a v4 what a winter driving BEAST

[@formdissolve]

I used to walk by that 900 from time to time... cool to see it driving.

[@paulstein7369]

Had one, loved it. 99ems was my favorite.

[@In_MT]

I had a '91 SPG. Loved that car!

[@victoralley708]

These cars are a blast to drive. My buddy had a dark grey '86 SPG that was lightly modified. They handle a twisty back road better than any other front wheel drive car I've ever driven and are quick enough to put a smile on your face. The only thing i didn't like was that the gearbox felt sloppy and vague compared to a honda manual gearbox. It was hard to find the right gear sometimes. But I've always wanted one of my own. They're hard to come by in good shape now tho.

[@TheBTG88]

My short shifter took care of 90% of the vagueness in my SPG.

[@lindonandlisa8114]

Have been in love with those subs ever since I seen a beautiful brown one when I was very young

[@KhalilCora]

Mark hands down is the coolest car guy I’ve met by far.

[@pryme2013]

Nice to see Hagerty giving the homeless a chance to get ahead in life, even if just testing cars! Kudos guys!

[@aalkurdi]

Eat me

[@copisetic1104]

Funny

[@mr2981]

He should go back to being homeless. What a waste of almost ten minutes.

[@dougrobinson8602]

My sister in law had a Saab 900 turbo from the mid-eighties. That thing was a blast to drive. Manual transmission, by the way. There was so much turbo lag that you would mat the accelerator before a tight corner to time the boost to pull you through the apex. Hilarious fun.

[@itvmedia6122]

I have an old saab 99 le automatic.. 1972.. love saab forever

[@aidendingle1101]

Man, I remember when I turned 16 and asked my dad if I could buy a Saab 900 and he asked me if I was an old man already lol

[@JT-qd4jh]

Woo!!! Love to see the 900 getting the love it deserves - I certainly love mine

[@tbruil7232]

Same here!!

[@PilgrimProgressing-bv6ih]

love that car! looking at it side on is incredible!

[@reitsmaassociates]

Very cool review, thanks

[@Veldkamp88]

I like this series a lot.

[@rollyae82]

Magnus the hipster talking bout hipsters lol... Saabs are art :)

[@tomasjones3755]

Had a Black '85 SPG, for many years. LOVED that car. Only sold it, to help fund a Cit SM. No regrets, but still miss the Saab

[@basic-decaf]

I wish Hagerty would put some effort into interior shots for once. Maybe more than 1 single second showing the dash and gauge cluster? This video should be called "Magnus Walker deserves your love," because there's virtually zero Saab footage.

[@joshuakhaos4451]

Damn thats a sexy car, I've only seen a few of these in person. they look amazing. Saabs are definitely a car I have to own one day

[@huebman]

I had a 9-3 turbo conv. and looooved that car.

[@AliasHSW]

Wanted a black 900 back in the days.

[@JS-yj7ow]

“Even More Saab” I’m stealing that! I would love to find a good SPG, it would partner my ‘92 900 vert nicely (250k, and runs like a top), but I don’t have a place for another, and I already have two other vehicles (Jeeps, my favorite being a classic ‘87 XJ. I guess I like that letter pattern in my wheels) This was a nice little vid, and that is a stunning sample. Keep these beauties on the road. Thanks!

[@laurencepevans]

I saw those cars at lime rock park! Nice guy, would recommend Zurich!

[@Jushwa]

I still miss Saab to this day.

[@celeroon89]

My first car was a '92 Saab 900S. A really great car!

[@madsdekker305]

Ive been waiting for this : )

[@ErikFvonHausen]

Great video!

[@mitchbuchannon6637]

900s are so nice to drive

[@lawrence9706]

I had an 88 spg that was highly modified, sold it with 240k on it and it still ran like a top. That was a great car. Bought a 2002 viggen which was also great, but the 88 was better.

[@rogerdilen7705]

Fantastic!